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Sankei: Universal Studios Japan to open Nintendo Land in 2020, $400 million budget

A pity is USJ first, form the first announcements it seem Orlando was going to be the first, this makes it a little harder to visit and I hope is not far from 2020 for the rest of the parks too (although Universal works fast as hell). Super hard to find sometimes good info about japan parks, even if they are great, the professionals that visit this parks are usually doing it in the US, and then the make world tours once in a while, so you have less info about them.

Also the area they chose is a little smaller than Wizarding world, thats possibly one of the biggest areas in the park, and a similar bufget, although 50 millions less is 1 less ride in this terms, and is not like wizarding world has a lot of those, or less detail in theming, that becuase we dont have any details or concept arts is super difficult to predict. Wll they go the modern city "videogames" way (could be as it was a hollywood zone), will the go the disneyland/wizarding world route of a lot of theming done around the games themselves (super hard if they try to do a smash world were they touch different games), or will they try to copy the mediocre cake layout of Nintendo Land with a central theming (the only good idea getting from there is Monita, and I hope they stay the fuck out of anything resembling that game, giant present ribbons and cake theming).

Did some map visualizations to see what the area is getting:
universalnintendo013ysyq.png

universalnintendo02upsg0.png

universalnintendo03dqsml.png


The red zone is Nintendo zone, while the blue lined one is Wizarding world, so you can see they are somewaht similar in size. But then the red thing they did is pretty strange, as it takes part of buildings of 2 other rides, a 4d cinema with sesame street and shrek movies, and a mack coaster themed around space (and totally out of place with the hollywood theming of the zone).

Been reading about those rides and could totally be axed and nobody would really cry. The 4D cinema is pretty bad, it will have nearly 20 years when the Nintendo zone is built, and contains two movies, one of them being sesame street and theres already a zone covering that.
The problem comes with its facade (see image below), even if the red part they draw the whole real building (where the ride really is) is part of the Nintendo Zone, the facade is not, and it can not ve, as thats just the final corner of their Main Street, that clearly are not going to touch.
But, MAYBE, what they do, is let the false cinema facade intact (taking away the sesame and shrek logos of course) but closing it to the public and leaving it just as theming of hollywood main street, while the real building behind it is used by the Nintendo zone. At the same time left of that corner is actually, if they dont close it down and make the entrance elsewhere, the entrance of the Nintendo zone (thats why I said they could use a "modern" design for the general theming of the zone, so it doesnt clash with Hollywood main street), but who knows.

Then theres the Space Fantasy ride, a mack spinning coaster trying to do something similar to Space Mountain, with a pretty bad story, totally out of place with the hollywood theming (the entrance looks more like a nasa building), going to mark its 10th year when Nintendo zone opens, and IMO totally "disposable". Again the problem is, the red zone only takes away a small part of the building where the coaster is. This could mean the ride stays completly as it is and is the end of the Nintendo Zone.
But it also could mean something interesting, and makes sense with the budget they said. They could actually use it FOR the Nintendo zone. Starfox ride? Super easy to let the coaster layout and change the theming to it. Metroid ride? more of the same, even F-Zero. The problem, all this space franchises (except starfox right now but who knows in 2020) are not really that popular, and much less in Japan (although I think they wil actually use the same mld as the did with wizarding world in other their other parks, so they porbably thinking about world wide Nintendo, and not what is popular in each country, at least for the big rides and central theming), so again, anything could happen.
main_v.png


And then theres a very slim chance to see a big coaster, becuase theres alredy one passing inside the Nintendo zone (just near the entrance), the Hollywood dream ride. So if you guys are waiting for a similar coaster themed to Big Blue or Mute City, dont get your hopes up. I do not even know how (or if they) are going to try to cover the coaster form the rest of the Nintendo zone so it isnt out of place.

I think that covers the majority of things that could happen, but of course, we need concept art and info about what is going to be closed left open to know exactly what they want to do.
 

woopWOOP

Member
Oh man

Wonder if I'll ever bother visiting, but the pictures will be cool nonetheless.

Here's hoping IP's other than Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Kirby and Pokemon get a few rides eventually :p
 

Lexxism

Member
If they build one in Orlando within the next 4 years, it will make my expenses a lot more cheaper since I get like a $400 roundtrip air fee instead of $1000 to Japan. My options isn't that bad!
 
Oh man

Wonder if I'll ever bother visiting, but the pictures will be cool nonetheless.

Here's hoping IP's other than Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Kirby and Pokemon get a few rides eventually :p

Thats the problem, until we dont see the concepts it could be anything. Im pretty afraid of that. When you say you are going to do a harry potter land, you know whats mainly going to go inside, its only a franchise, but something as big as Nitendo that could have its own park becuase of the amount of franchises? Hard to know

If they build one in Orlando within the next 4 years, it will make my expenses a lot more cheaper since I get like a $400 roundtrip air fee instead of $1000 to Japan. My options isn't that bad!

Lets hope is not something like 2024, and its build at the same time in orlando, just that they didnt said anyhing until they are not showing the big stuff (concept arts and videos) like they did with Wizarding world first showing.
 
Funny, I'm going to Universal Studios Japan tomorrow...

Too bad it's not ready now. :(

Could you make some photos of the area left to the 4d theater and post them here if it doesnt take much of your time? Theres no good photos on the internet and I would like to know how the Nintendo zone entrance could look if they used that part as the entrance.

Thanks in advance :)
 

ArtHands

Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
A pity is USJ first, form the first announcements it seem Orlando was going to be the first, this makes it a little harder to visit and I hope is not far from 2020 for the rest of the parks too (although Universal works fast as hell). Super hard to find sometimes good info about japan parks, even if they are great, the professionals that visit this parks are usually doing it in the US, and then the make world tours once in a while, so you have less info about them.

Also the area they chose is a little smaller than Wizarding world, thats possibly one of the biggest areas in the park, and a similar bufget, although 50 millions less is 1 less ride in this terms, and is not like wizarding world has a lot of those, or less detail in theming, that becuase we dont have any details or concept arts is super difficult to predict. Wll they go the modern city "videogames" way (could be as it was a hollywood zone), will the go the disneyland/wizarding world route of a lot of theming done around the games themselves (super hard if they try to do a smash world were they touch different games), or will they try to copy the mediocre cake layout of Nintendo Land with a central theming (the only good idea getting from there is Monita, and I hope they stay the fuck out of anything resembling that game, giant present ribbons and cake theming).

Did some map visualizations to see what the area is getting:



The red zone is Nintendo zone, while the blue lined one is Wizarding world, so you can see they are somewaht similar in size. But then the red thing they did is pretty strange, as it takes part of buildings of 2 other rides, a 4d cinema with sesame street and shrek movies, and a mack coaster themed around space (and totally out of place with the hollywood theming of the zone).

Been reading about those rides and could totally be axed and nobody would really cry. The 4D cinema is pretty bad, it will have nearly 20 years when the Nintendo zone is built, and contains two movies, one of them being sesame street and theres already a zone covering that.
The problem comes with its facade (see image below), even if the red part they draw the whole real building (where the ride really is) is part of the Nintendo Zone, the facade is not, and it can not ve, as thats just the final corner of their Main Street, that clearly are not going to touch.
But, MAYBE, what they do, is let the false cinema facade intact (taking away the sesame and shrek logos of course) but closing it to the public and leaving it just as theming of hollywood main street, while the real building behind it is used by the Nintendo zone. At the same time left of that corner is actually, if they dont close it down and make the entrance elsewhere, the entrance of the Nintendo zone (thats why I said they could use a "modern" design for the general theming of the zone, so it doesnt clash with Hollywood main street), but who knows.


Then theres the Space Fantasy ride, a mack spinning coaster trying to do something similar to Space Mountain, with a pretty bad story, totally out of place with the hollywood theming (the entrance looks more like a nasa building), going to mark its 10th year when Nintendo zone opens, and IMO totally "disposable". Again the problem is, the red zone only takes away a small part of the building where the coaster is. This could mean the ride stays completly as it is and is the end of the Nintendo Zone.
But it also could mean something interesting, and makes sense with the budget they said. They could actually use it FOR the Nintendo zone. Starfox ride? Super easy to let the coaster layout and change the theming to it. Metroid ride? more of the same, even F-Zero. The problem, all this space franchises (except starfox right now but who knows in 2020) are not really that popular, and much less in Japan (although I think they wil actually use the same mld as the did with wizarding world in other their other parks, so they porbably thinking about world wide Nintendo, and not what is popular in each country, at least for the big rides and central theming), so again, anything could happen.
main_v.png


And then theres a very slim chance to see a big coaster, becuase theres alredy one passing inside the Nintendo zone (just near the entrance), the Hollywood dream ride. So if you guys are waiting for a similar coaster themed to Big Blue or Mute City, dont get your hopes up. I do not even know how (or if they) are going to try to cover the coaster form the rest of the Nintendo zone so it isnt out of place.

I think that covers the majority of things that could happen, but of course, we need concept art and info about what is going to be closed left open to know exactly what they want to do.


The red zone aint really for important rides. I believe most of the time its for seasonal attractions. The last time I went, those areas were mainly for the Biohazard USJ/Evangelion/Attack of Titans/Monster Hunter limited period attractions.

Also you drew your first map wrong.
 

Krafter

Member
I have a daughter who lives in Osaka, I go there every year and we always hit Universal. This is great news, looking forward to it.
 
It would depend on the franchises that will represent the theme park, along with the retail space that is being offered.

Here's my guess for the most well known franchises that will be a focus at the park:


  • Super Mario Bros.
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Kirby
  • Pikmin
  • Animal Crossing
  • Donkey Kong
  • Fire Emblem
  • Pokemon (IF the Pokemon Company is willing to cooperate)

I think Fire Emblem, beyond a small thing (not a ride) at the Japanese park, ain't gonna show. Pikmin likely the same, unlikely to get a ride but it'll probably appear in some form.

You know, as much as this is a Nintendo thing, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sonic or Pac-Man appear... or hell, even Dragon Quest at the Japan park, that'd be a huge draw.
 
The red zone aint really for important rides. I believe most of the time its for seasonal attractions. The last time I went, those areas were mainly for the Biohazard USJ/Evangelion/Attack of Titans/Monster Hunter limited period attractions.

Also you drew your first map wrong.

Not a good sign if they are leaving up the same studio buildings (the sound stages) there are up now (although the budget seems to say thats not the case).

And pretty sure the map is right. Thats the map they gave in the article, upside down (because it was pointing south the entrance instead of north like when you see it in a real map) and put in top of a goolge map satellite view, and it totally fits. The only thing I drew are the lines for Wizarding world and those are also right.

Lots of investment, bring one to Europe please Nintendo.

They won't will they

There was a Universal park in europe (Universal's Port Aventura), they were great, then they went out (the motives are still not very clear) and an italian company and some banks got it. Now the park is terrible and are building a ferrari land expansion and some casinos, that is the most stupid idea for a park ever, but hey, rich people seem to love it.

Cool, I wonder if that budget is from both companies or just Universal's share.

Probably just Universal. If anything Nintendo is winning money by lending their trademarks, just like it happened with Harry Potter.
The thing is, i hope those 400 millions are only for one park and not the a share between lets say Osaka and Orlando if both are build are the same time. I really, really dont want them to use sound stages for a Nintendo zone.
 
Opening in the same year as the Tokyo Olympics, huh? Should do well. That's a shit load of money though. Jesus.

Not at all, very typical investment for a zone in a theme park.
Ride prices if they are totally new (as, using new systems created specifically for that ride) are super expensive. And then theres the theming.
 
Could you make some photos of the area left to the 4d theater and post them here if it doesnt take much of your time? Theres no good photos on the internet and I would like to know how the Nintendo zone entrance could look if they used that part as the entrance.

Thanks in advance :)

Yeah I'll try. I'll post them here when/if I get them.
 
The red zone aint really for important rides. I believe most of the time its for seasonal attractions. The last time I went, those areas were mainly for the Biohazard USJ/Evangelion/Attack of Titans/Monster Hunter limited period attractions.

Yep. They had Evangelion 4D instead of Shrek in that 4D theatre.

They got similar stuff there this year too:
map_img.png



Could you make some photos of the area left to the 4d theater and post them here if it doesnt take much of your time? Theres no good photos on the internet and I would like to know how the Nintendo zone entrance could look if they used that part as the entrance.

Thanks in advance :)

I took a picture of it last year:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=UTZFcGVxckxiQThvVUZTblFzdUo4T1NNaldZSHl3
 

JimiNutz

Banned
Absolutely amazed that this hasn't happened sooner.
Now we just need the NCU (Nintendo Cinematic Universe). Animated movies with a Pixar budget.
 
Yeah I'll try. I'll post them here when/if I get them.

Yep. They had Evangelion 4D instead of Shrek in that 4D theatre.

They got similar stuff there this year too:
map_img.png



I took a picture of it last year:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=UTZFcGVxckxiQThvVUZTblFzdUo4T1NNaldZSHl3

Makes sense they are using that part of the park. Thanks guys!
Praying for them to throw down the sound stages and building a real zone.
BTW Your photos are great Mike, really hoping it looks nothing like the videogame "experiences" universal japan likes to make. Being also a project for orlando makes me a little less scared.

So who's paying for this?

Universal. Nintendo receives money. Thats why iwata wnated to expand the bussiness. The want to be disney so they can stay aglot forever, even if videogames start to go sell less.
 

ArtHands

Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
Here're some map visualizations of my own, based on my memories


Here's the zoomed in version to give you a better perspective of the scale for the Hollywood region. Top left is from USJ's official map, and the top right is when they remodelled the region for the Cool Japan USJ attractions (Evangelion, attack of titans etc).

Ix9HLwZ.jpg
 

efyu_lemonardo

May I have a cookie?
Probably just Universal. If anything Nintendo is winning money by lending their trademarks, just like it happened with Harry Potter.
The thing is, i hope those 400 millions are only for one park and not the a share between lets say Osaka and Orlando if both are build are the same time. I really, really dont want them to use sound stages for a Nintendo zone.
Exactly, so I'd expect them to be responsible for part of the budget as well. Hopefully more money means better theme park attractions.
 

ArtHands

Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
Not a good sign if they are leaving up the same studio buildings (the sound stages) there are up now (although the budget seems to say thats not the case).

And pretty sure the map is right. Thats the map they gave in the article, upside down (because it was pointing south the entrance instead of north like when you see it in a real map) and put in top of a goolge map satellite view, and it totally fits. The only thing I drew are the lines for Wizarding world and those are also right.



There was a Universal park in europe (Universal's Port Aventura), they were great, then they went out (the motives are still not very clear) and an italian company and some banks got it. Now the park is terrible and are building a ferrari land expansion and some casinos, that is the most stupid idea for a park ever, but hey, rich people seem to love it.



Probably just Universal. If anything Nintendo is winning money by lending their trademarks, just like it happened with Harry Potter.
The thing is, i hope those 400 millions are only for one park and not the a share between lets say Osaka and Orlando if both are build are the same time. I really, really dont want them to use sound stages for a Nintendo zone.

You were right about the map. I misread it lol

so its basically the shaded region. The entire Hollywood region and probably some parking lots.
xoY1BN5.jpg
 

ArtHands

Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
Here're some map visualizations of my own, based on my memories


Here's the zoomed in version to give you a better perspective of the scale for the Hollywood region. Top left is from USJ's official map, and the top right is when they remodelled the region for the Cool Japan USJ attractions (Evangelion, attack of titans etc).

Ix9HLwZ.jpg

Here's a spherical photo on the left of the 4D theater on google map

https://www.google.com.sg/maps/@34....A/wtCOgQEsb8Y!2e4!3e11!7i10240!8i5120!6m1!1e1

You were right about the map. I misread it lol

so its basically the shaded region. The entire Hollywood region and probably some parking lots.
xoY1BN5.jpg

Thanks a bunch for all this info, is good having people that can talk from experience and give more scope to the porject.

And from what i see they already changed for the Japan experience Space Fantasy from what i see in the map.
What do you think are the chances that Space Fantasy is "eaten" by Nintendo land (like duelling dragons was "eaten" by Wizarding World in orlando). I see you painted that part red in your map, but in the map given by the website it only touches that building slightly, and it would be a pity, because I think it would be a great idea to transform it into one of Nintendo sci fi franchises. Is that ride popular?


Exactly, so I'd expect them to be responsible for part of the budget as well. Hopefully more money means better theme park attractions.

Not how this things usually work. WB and Rowling receive money form licensing and the more they do is letting the thinking people (the guys who worked in the movies and Rowling herself) take part in the designing process. Universal is the one that gives the budget.

Same thing for Nintendo, license the characters, let people like Miyamoto on the designing process (that was said in one of the interviews, that nintendo people were helping with design), and Universal puts the budget and land.
 

Neoxon

Junior Member
I want to ride a rapidash

And I don't want to hear any excuses
That depends on if The Pokémon Company plays ball. And while before I'd be a bit skeptical on if they would, stuff like the recent Super Mario Maker costumes does show that maybe TPC is starting to loosen up.
 
Thanks a bunch for all this info, is good having people that can talk from experience and give more scope to the porject.

And from what i see they already changed for the Japan experience Space Fantasy from what i see in the map.

It's a temporary change, just like the other Cool Japan stuff:
http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/detail.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=320779

Probably more likely that they'd rebrand it than scrap it if they do anything. Not that old is it? Built in 2010.
 

ryan299

Member
Eventually IoA's 'Ye Olde 80's Marvel Land' will have to be replaced (maybe they're not contractually obligated, but realistically it's showing its age). Then instead of the Hulk Coaster, we'll have the Bowser Coaster.

They'll never get rid of the Marvel stuff unless Disney offers them a crazy amount of money. I'm surprised they haven't expanded it with the popularity of the movies.
 
Eventually IoA's 'Ye Olde 80's Marvel Land' will have to be replaced (maybe they're not contractually obligated, but realistically it's showing its age). Then instead of the Hulk Coaster, we'll have the Bowser Coaster.

Pretty sure Universal said their contract with Marvel can be renewed in perpetuity, but yeah eventually it will be replaced since I don't think they can really have new rides or other more modern Marvel stuff added. Even though they might keep it just to not allow Disney to add Marvel stuff to Disney World.
 

Chindogg

Member
Nintendo worth less than Harry Potter to Universal. RIP.

Eeeh. It's more like Universal perfecting what they did with Potter and being able to translate that into other endeavors. The Hollywood version of Wizarding World was slightly cheaper.
 
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