Joe gets a G&T, Sean talks about the Jungle Cruise, we contemplate the name of the show, and discuss what is coming in the future. PLUS we discuss all the video coverage of Super Nintendo World, from Mario Kart to Yoshi Adventure to the interactive elements. Sean and Joe also ask the questions about why an unbuilt or demolished attraction always garners more interest than something built.
Showing posts with label super nintendo world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label super nintendo world. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #206 - Mario's Daddy
Alex and Joe discuss the news of the week including Dezerland opening in Orlando, Six Flags attraction delays, Lightning Rod updates, Kings Island Camp Cedar, and the Nintendo Direct reveal of Super Nintendo World. Plus Alex gives his review of Endless Summer - Dockside.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #205 - Tony & Tina's New Order Wedding
It is Alan, Alex, and Joe this week as we touch on some VelociCoaster and Super Nintendo World news before diving into a last-minute Orlando trip for Alan. We discuss driving, vacation homes, Gatorland, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, we praise Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge discussion, and more!
Sunday, December 6, 2020
The Pokemon Question
This week Universal finally revealed more details on Super Nintendo World and its three attractions: Mario Kart Koopa Challenge (nee Bowser Challenge as Koopa is his name in Japan), Yoshi Adventure, and several interactive experiences. This thing looks... incredible. I don't know how my already sky-high expectations and hype were somehow exceeded but here we are. Everything appears to be a home run so far, fingers crossed the rides bring it home (*side-eye to Smuggler's Run*).
Of course with an awesome theme park land reveal we get the usual amount of Very Bad Hot Takes. "If this is cloned how is it different than Ratatoullie?", "LOL Epic Universe", and "Is Nintendo even relevant? OMG TRON!". Between the fawning over the land, Disney fan cynicism, and people confusing a bus-bar driven dark ride with a rollercoaster are people wondering what will happen to the largest video game property around: Pokemon.
Pokemon, the original Red and Green games from Japan, was developed over the course of several years by game developer GameFreak. Upon a blockbuster 1996 release in Japan, the game received an animated series. Pokemon was localized for other countries and released, alongside the animated series, as part of a mixed-media product launch. The original Pokemon Red and Blue (Green was rebranded as Blue) did very well, as did the semi-follow-up, Pokemon Yellow.
The franchise continued to grow into the millennium with Wizards of the Coast releasing a collectible trading card game, the release of the first true sequel Pokemon Gold and Silver, an animated movie, licensed merchandise, and even Pikachu in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Pokemon was huge and only growing. As of the date of this article, Pokemon is listed as the largest media franchise in the world at a valuation of over $100bn USD in 2019.
Now, the obvious question when told "Pokemon is the biggest media franchise in the world" is "What are the theme park rights?" Well, it's more complicated than "Universal has it in the bag" but it's unlikely Disney will be able to swipe in for acquisition. The reason lies in some confusion about video game development and a unique quirk of Pokemon itself...
Pokemon, despite its nearly ubiquitous association with Nintendo's platforms, is not developed, owned, or licensed by Nintendo itself. GameFreak fully developed the concept on their own and are the main series developers, with other such as Creatures Inc and Niantic Inc developing other games. Prior to the launch of the worldwide Pokemon brand a whole new company was created, The Pokemon Company.
The Pokemon Company (TPC) was founded in 1998 after equal investment by Nintendo, GameFreak, and Creatures Inc. TPC controls all licensing of Pokemon: from video games to trading cards, plush to food pop-ups, television to movies, live-action theater to, yes, theme parks. To get an idea of what sort of IRL experience we can expect, lets look at two concepts TPC approved.
TPC licensed out the Pokemon characters and names once for a traveling theme park, Pokepark, which traveled through Japan and Singapore from 2005 to 2006. While the rides were customized its hard to call it a theme park - most of the attractions were off-the-shelf flat rides with minimal Pokemon theming. Pokemon also had a sporadic retail presence starting with a retail store in NYC from 2001 to 2005, at which point it was remodeled to become what we know as Nintendo NYC. In early 2020 TPC opened a more elaborate Shibuya, Tokyo Pokemon Store.
With TPC revisiting prior concepts it's not out of the realm of possibility that a theme park addition is on the list of additions. So while Universal and Nintendo have a working relationship and contracts signed that does not lead to the use of Pokemon by default. In order for Universal to start using the property, they would need to court TPC, Creatures, and GameFreak. The good news is Nintendo already has had positive experiences with Universal and will likely put in a good word. Conversely, while Disney could also court TPC for the use of its characters in the parks the Nintendo factor will likely play into them not receiving it.
Of course, signed contracts are not a requirement for the development of a concept. As Alicia from Theme Park Stop and other rumors point out, Universal has quietly worked on Pokemon concepts for the parks already. These ideas range from a new land replacing KidZone (two competing concepts from what I heard) to a Pokemon Go after-hours event with characters, trainers, theming, and more.
So where does this leave us? From what the rumors say Universal has worked on concepts to present to TPC but nothing is finalized. COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in all of Universal Creative's plans, including laying off a majority of its workforce. Theme park and Pokemon fans should watch for the critical reaction to Super Nintendo World in Japan, I expect Universal is waiting to see which aspects are hits and which need tweaking before committing to one Pokemon concept for the parks. Then TPC would need to approve, and then guide, Universal Creative with the development and construction of the land. Once COVID-19 is over and Epic Universe is underway it is likely Pokemon will take a top priority with the company.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Super Nintendo World Update
Yesterday morning in Japan, Universal Creative's Theirry Coup unveiled the first real details and information on Super Nintendo World coming this summer to Universal Studios Japan. Lets tackle some of the information in bite-size chunks.
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| Photo courtesy Kurumi Mori of Bloomberg. |
No Limit!
Universal Studios Japan is launching their new advertising and marketing push for the park. "No Limit!" is the new slogan, highlighting the energy and elation one will feel at the park. USJ Marketing Director Ayumu Yamamoto stated if Disney is for those who want a dream world then they want Universal to make you be awake and feel alive. Talk about a shot across the bow.
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| Image copyright Universal Studios Japan 2020 |
Power Up Band
Super Nintendo World will be loaded with interactive games and activities. Guests will climb, jump, and run as they score coins and defeat bosses. How will they do this? With the Power Up Band, a snap-bracelet with a RFID component that will track all your progress. Punch a Question Mark block with the band on? You'll get coins! While not confirmed at this time at the bands could interact with Nintendo products that can read Amiibo.
The bands will be for purchase but will likely cost less than a MagicBand at Walt Disney World or an interactive wand at the Wizarding World.
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| Copyright Universal Studios Japan 2020. |
Super Nintendo World App
To track all your achievements, coins, and unlocks a new Super Nintendo World app is in development. When launched the app will let you track progress and battle bosses based on real interactions in the land.
More Information Soon
Yamamoto-san stated there will be a larger event in New York City in February 2020 where more information will be shared including an opening date. We expect more details on the attractions in the land along with a global launch of the Super Nintendo World projects.
We Are Born to Play
In the weirdest part of it all Nintendo and Universal unveiled a preview of the land as a music video by Galantis and Charli XCX. Yeah it's really random but it's also a top trending video on YouTube with almost one million views within less than 24 hours.
Friday, July 26, 2019
Universal Orlando Hosting August 1st Press Conference on Future of Florida Property
Invitations are extended to select media members for a press conference on August 1st, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
While the invite only says it'll cover the future of the Florida property several hints have been released that this will be "the big one": all unannounced projects for 2019-2021 and the reveal of their southern property plans, tentatively called Fantastic Worlds. During July 25th's investment call Comcast leadership hinted at major Florida news soon, old school insider HateToFly hinted at "fantastic" news during that week, and some birdies have whispered in our own ear.
With a focus on the future of Florida we imagine the following projects will be announced or giving updates on:
While the invite only says it'll cover the future of the Florida property several hints have been released that this will be "the big one": all unannounced projects for 2019-2021 and the reveal of their southern property plans, tentatively called Fantastic Worlds. During July 25th's investment call Comcast leadership hinted at major Florida news soon, old school insider HateToFly hinted at "fantastic" news during that week, and some birdies have whispered in our own ear.
With a focus on the future of Florida we imagine the following projects will be announced or giving updates on:
- Halloween Horror Nights 29 announcements (Us, Rob Zombie, etc)
- Jason Bourne show replacing T2 (2019)
- Endless Summer - Dock Side (opening 2020)
- New entertainment offerings (2020)
- Jurassic World upgrades and new coaster (2021)
- Fantastic Worlds (2023)
For more information on our predictions for Fantastic Worlds check out our article from 2018.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Parkscope Unproffesional Podcast Hour #139 - Accio Christmas
Joe and Lane are joined by Banks Lee from Attractions the Show to discussion Super Nintendo World permits, Walt Disney World parade taping, Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Celestina Warbeck, and the holiday offerings at Gaylord Palms!
Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, ParkscopeNick, ParkscopeLane, and Sean.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Permits Filed for Super Nintendo World at USF; Construction Begins Early 2018
In a bit of late breaking news WFTV reports permits have been filed for demolition and construction for Super Nintendo World. Demolition of KidZone starts early 2018.
We will have more as news breaks.
CONFIRMED: .@UniversalORL submitted plans for 8.8 acre Super Mario Land, called Prj 487, at USF in KidZone/Barney/Animal Actors area behind Simpsons land. Will have Donkey Kong and Mario Kart areas. Construction likely to start early 2018. pic.twitter.com/jWGhjEkSBm— Chip S. (@chickenlilchip) November 21, 2017
Plans show that the ET ride building will be spared in the construction of Super Mario Land at .@UniversalORL in KidZone area.— Chip S. (@chickenlilchip) November 21, 2017
The Mario Kart section of Super #Mario Land is 76,916 square feet; the Donkey Kong section, 204,993 square feet. With estimated 3 year construction time for Japan's #Nintendo expansion, USF land could be open in time for @WaltDisneyWorld 50th in 2021.— Chip S. (@chickenlilchip) November 21, 2017
A few more #Nintendo Land plan details, including a map. The plans show Universal plans to have dining with a total seating capacity of 365 seats. Sorry we didn't have time to shade in the map, but you can see Simpsons and Fast Food corner to the left and ET to the bottom right. pic.twitter.com/xXqg52s9CX
— Chip S. (@chickenlilchip) November 22, 2017
We will have more as news breaks.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #127 - Stampeeding Spanish Teenagers
Alan, Joe, Nick, and Sean team up for yet another road trip extravaganza. First we talk about Hurler 2.0, Mine Blower at FunSpot Kissimmee, developments on the old Wet 'n Wild property, and dive into the Super Nintendo World leaks and plans.
Next up Nick talks about his first trip to Walt Disney World with his child and a review of Pandora: World of Avatar. Then we close up the show with Alan discussing his whirlwind European trip to Port Adventura, Ferrari Land, Tipidabo, Conny-land (with Mammut Tree and Dino Attack), Legoland Deutschland, and Tripsdrill (with the nuts bathtub flume ride).
Next up Nick talks about his first trip to Walt Disney World with his child and a review of Pandora: World of Avatar. Then we close up the show with Alan discussing his whirlwind European trip to Port Adventura, Ferrari Land, Tipidabo, Conny-land (with Mammut Tree and Dino Attack), Legoland Deutschland, and Tripsdrill (with the nuts bathtub flume ride).
Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, ParkscopeNick, ParkscopeLane, and Sean.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Super Nintendo World Concept Art & Rendering Leaks
Last week concept art and computer renderings for the original pitch for Super Nintendo World leaked. Now the flood gates opened with more art, renderings, and inside information leaking. We'll be breaking down what the leaks are showing, what has changed, and what is remaining the same.
This is the general layout and original entrance to Super Nintendo World. In this version guests would enter through Peach's castle (located roughly where Animal Actors is now) into a large indoor area. The indoor area would feature a Nintendo World Store, a Pokemon area (not elaborated on), Luigi's Pizza (don't think too hard about what they'd do with the other Luigi's Pizza), a small tea cups like ride with Koopas, and a Bullet Bill TTA-like ride.
Going clockwise around the land is a Kirby young kids area with one ride and a kids wet/dry play area. We believe this Kirby area has been cut, which is a shame as it would have been a fantastic memorial to the late CEO of Nintendo Satoru Iwata (he worked extensively on the series).
Next up is Donkey Kong Island which takes inspiration and setting from the Donkey Kong Country series. The first attraction is a large kids play area tree fort similar to the one Donkey Kong has at the beginning of each game. The second attraction is an outdoor coaster using the boom coaster patent. This coaster will be a new attraction and not a retheme of the Woody Nuthouse coaster. At this point we the coaster is remaining in the final plans but have not heard if the kids play structure remains.
Mario Kart. Practical. Real. Insane. The concept has evolved since the initial proposal above but the ride will retain the same scope and scale as the concept art. There's a debate about the use of projections and "AR" glasses in the ride to replicate the battle items during racing. Our understanding is some sort of AR will be used to show the shells, bananas, and other items on the track but how that is implemented might still be in development.
Also in the concept art is a Bowser's Airship ride and Luigi's Mansion interactive play area. These concepts seem to be sacrificial lambs for Mario Kart; when the budget restraints hit these will be the first attractions removed so the Mario Kart ride doesn't get touched. We have not heard of these attractions coming to the final version of the land.
Next up is Hyrule/The Legend of Zelda, an area we believe that has been cut from the final plans. In prior released (above) images you can see a preshow with Princess Zelda and the implementation of the 'puzzle moving theater' patent. Other famous areas from the series like the Great Deku Tree and Kokiri Village show up in the land along with an "interactive area".
What is not leaked, but expected to be coming to the land, is the Yoshi dark ride. The Yoshi dark ride will be an all ages ride aboard Yoshi ride vehicles. With the refocus on Mario and Donkey Kong only for Phase 1 the Zelda area, smaller attractions, and Kirby area have been jettisoned to future expansions in other parks.
We have heard that sections of KidZone will start phased closing for demolition and construction starting after Halloween Horror Nights 27. Hopefully an official announcement will come soon afterwards.
Delivering #video #game environs to the 'real world' is a much higher bar than "riding the movies." Universal & #Nintendo know this well. pic.twitter.com/6Hib7U331s— Gary Snyder (@thatsjustgary) June 17, 2017
This is the general layout and original entrance to Super Nintendo World. In this version guests would enter through Peach's castle (located roughly where Animal Actors is now) into a large indoor area. The indoor area would feature a Nintendo World Store, a Pokemon area (not elaborated on), Luigi's Pizza (don't think too hard about what they'd do with the other Luigi's Pizza), a small tea cups like ride with Koopas, and a Bullet Bill TTA-like ride.
Going clockwise around the land is a Kirby young kids area with one ride and a kids wet/dry play area. We believe this Kirby area has been cut, which is a shame as it would have been a fantastic memorial to the late CEO of Nintendo Satoru Iwata (he worked extensively on the series).
A bit more of #UniversalStudio's #SuperNintendoWorld w/ #DonkeyKong & #Zelda. #Florida (#MarioKart goes to #Hollywood & #Japan too.) #E32017 pic.twitter.com/FKdH9xVwtm— Gary Snyder (@thatsjustgary) June 17, 2017
Next up is Donkey Kong Island which takes inspiration and setting from the Donkey Kong Country series. The first attraction is a large kids play area tree fort similar to the one Donkey Kong has at the beginning of each game. The second attraction is an outdoor coaster using the boom coaster patent. This coaster will be a new attraction and not a retheme of the Woody Nuthouse coaster. At this point we the coaster is remaining in the final plans but have not heard if the kids play structure remains.
Concept #art & more. #SuperNintendoWorld's #MarioKart - 'bringing a new level of interactivity for rider and guest alike.' #UniversalStudios pic.twitter.com/WF3Js9wqcW— Gary Snyder (@thatsjustgary) June 17, 2017
Mario Kart. Practical. Real. Insane. The concept has evolved since the initial proposal above but the ride will retain the same scope and scale as the concept art. There's a debate about the use of projections and "AR" glasses in the ride to replicate the battle items during racing. Our understanding is some sort of AR will be used to show the shells, bananas, and other items on the track but how that is implemented might still be in development.
Also in the concept art is a Bowser's Airship ride and Luigi's Mansion interactive play area. These concepts seem to be sacrificial lambs for Mario Kart; when the budget restraints hit these will be the first attractions removed so the Mario Kart ride doesn't get touched. We have not heard of these attractions coming to the final version of the land.
#UniversalStudios #Florida #SuperNintendoWorld:#MarioKart #DonkeyKong #Zelda @OrlandoInformer @GameXplain @MyNews13 @RichOBJ @skubersky pic.twitter.com/BgfrCnGwXD— Gary Snyder (@thatsjustgary) June 10, 2017
Next up is Hyrule/The Legend of Zelda, an area we believe that has been cut from the final plans. In prior released (above) images you can see a preshow with Princess Zelda and the implementation of the 'puzzle moving theater' patent. Other famous areas from the series like the Great Deku Tree and Kokiri Village show up in the land along with an "interactive area".
What is not leaked, but expected to be coming to the land, is the Yoshi dark ride. The Yoshi dark ride will be an all ages ride aboard Yoshi ride vehicles. With the refocus on Mario and Donkey Kong only for Phase 1 the Zelda area, smaller attractions, and Kirby area have been jettisoned to future expansions in other parks.
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| Copyright Universal Parks and Resorts and Nintendo 2016 |
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #126 - Spring Trip Report Blow Out!
Alan, Jeff, and Joe talk about the mess of an opening of Volcano Bay, the inevitability of Pandora doing "well", Flight of Passage ride system issues, Nintendo announcements (no, not the leaked plans), Mean Streak 2.0 teaser, and Kennywood's 2018 plans. Finally they all talk about their trips over the past month to Cedar Point, Lake Compounce, Hersheypark, Holiday World, Kennywood, Carrowinds, and more!
Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, ParkscopeNick, ParkscopeLane, and Sean.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Intel Briefing: Super Nintendo World
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| Image copyright Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts 2017 |
I can and probably will get into a longer discussion on podcasts, twitter, forums, and here about how this is the next Harry Potter for theme parks; a property loved and celebrated that has seen little theme park coverage that will expand the customer base of the parks and attract existing theme park fans. Instead today lets cover some of the known knowns and some intel we've received.
First, Osaka. Universal Studios Japan will open the first Super Nintendo World in early 2020 prior to the Summer Olympics. The project will cost 60 billion yen, or roughly $545 million USD; for comparison all of Hogsmeade in IoA, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts Express cost roughly that amount. The one confirmed attraction, Mario Kart, will use state of the art technology to recreate racing through the courses found in the game. But unlike the game you will not be seeing this on a screen. To summarize a design motto of the whole project: "If guests wanted to see these worlds on a screen they would be playing it on one of our consoles." This is Nintendo video game worlds come to life, not "ride the movies". The second attraction in Japan is expected to be a high tech dark ride using innovative "omnimover" ride vehicles themed to the Yoshi games.
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| Copyright Nintendo and Universal Parks and Resorts 2017 |
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| Copyright Nintendo and Universal Parks and Resorts 2016 |
Universal is pushing the interactive elements of the Wizarding World even farther in Super Nintendo World by incorporating Nintendo's own products into the land. Shigeru Miyamoto has stated Nintendo Switch functionality will be incorporated into the lands. We're not sure how so it will interact with the land, such as exclusive games or character skins. Frankly, I think it's a bad idea to design a permanent land around a $300 piece of technology that has lifespan of five years before a new $300 object, with different inputs and requirements, is released. Remember the Apple Lightning Cable was only introduced five years ago. Even without a Nintendo Switch the land will be full of piranha plan AAs, moving coins, and "Start A" buttons to press.
Food and beverage is now a staple at any amusement park with Pandora's wine and even Cedar Point's beers by BrewKettle. Nintendo will be no different and may even step the game up as the food offerings at Universal Studios Japan and around the country are more intricately themed than in the USA. It's interesting to see if Japan's kawaii designs will make its way to the states in a spurt of "authenticity" or if local chefs might reimagine the offerings.
Mario is not the only popular and influential world created by Nintendo but it will be the first represented at Universal Studios. Similar to how the first Harry Potter expansion was initially called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" before the branches for Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were created, the Super Nintendo World moniker can work till a "Super Nintendo World - Mushroom Kingdom", "Super Nintendo World - Hyrule", and "Super Nintendo World- Pokemon" open.
This fall I'm excited to visit Pandora, in 2019 I'm very excited to see what Disney cooks up for Star Wars, but nothing touches my excitement for Nintendo. Please stay with Parkscope and our podcast over the next few years as we approach the opening to Super Nintendo World.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Super Nintendo World Breaks Ground in Japan for 2020 Opening
Universal and Nintendo held an official ground breaking ceremony early June 8th, 2017 in Osaka, Japan. The land is opening in early 2020, in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics.#USJ『SUPER NINTENDO WORLD』建設着工式、開催！https://t.co/p132eNsWEO を公開！ #任天堂 #マリオ pic.twitter.com/JZMPuQnUOt— コンフェティ(conфetti) (@conpetti) June 8, 2017
Orlando's version is expected to open in either late 2020 or early 2021.
CONFIRMED-Mario Kart attraction coming to @USJ_Official. Will be the "centerpiece" of Super Nintendo World & have "worlds most advance tech"— Park Pass (@ORLParkPass) June 8, 2017
This post will be updated with more information as we receive it.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Super Nintendo World
Early Monday morning Nintendo of America tweeted out the first piece of concept art for the new Nintendo land at Universal Studios Japan, Super Nintendo World.
Super Nintendo World will be coming to Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando Resort. Nintendo will open at USJ prior to the 2020 Summer Olympics and then shortly afterwards in the states.
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