Hey Thrill Seekers,
Yesterday in a joint press release Universal Studios and The Pokémon Company confirmed their plan to offer more innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences starting in Japan. The project is part of Universal Studios Japan’s ongoing effort to enhance its offerings and bring fan-first, trip-driving characters to the park.
The press release also stated;
Universal Studios Japan is proud to build on its prior success and bring to life the world of Pokémon in new and enriching ways for the first time. Following its debut in Japan, Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint. Further details about the project will be announced at a later date.
The key part for us Orlando lovers is the confirmation that this will be rolled out across the Universal global footprint, which includes California, the upcoming UK resort and of course Universal Orlando Resort. The press release doesn’t actually confirm what the offering will be but conspicuous by its absence is the word “ride”, but heavy with the terms “experience” and “immersive”.
Universal and Pokémon represents stated;
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Destinations & Experiences
“Collaborating with imaginative and inventive storytellers fuels our ability to create and deliver mind-blowing attractions and experiences that shatter guest expectations. The Pokémon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come.”
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO, The Pokémon Company
“Since announcing our long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan to produce authentic Pokémon experiences such as the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween shows. As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to launch this new project at such a significant milestone. Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokémon, and with this project, we aim to create theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans around the globe.”
In Summary;
- A new Pokémon experience will be coming to all Universal Parks
- The attraction will be highly immersive, innovative and unique.
- It will include a World Class experience
What could the attraction be?
Based on the limited information we have, our best guess is
Be a Pokémon Trainer
You’d basically play a real-life Pokémon game inside the park. Likely similar to Super Nintendo World where visitors can really get involved and experience the world of Pokemon.
How it might work
You get a Trainer device (watch, phone app, or wristband like Power-Up Bands). You “explore” areas themed to:
- Grass / Forest
- City / Gym
- Cave
- Water
Catch Pokémon via AR, projections, screens, animatronics. You would then;
- Train them
- Battle Gym Leaders
- Collect badges
Why this fits
- Pokémon’s core fantasy = “I’m a Trainer on an adventure.”
- Universal already does this with Mario → Pokémon fits perfectly.
- Pokemon Go! Was and still is a immensely popular app and this would make fans feel like their living inside of it!
This would be
- Immersive
- Re-playable
- Merchandise-friendly
- Social-media gold
Where it would be – there are a few rumors already floating around
- Replacing Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure (permits to demolish this land were posted last year)
- Replacing Springfield – this feels less likely as Universal Studios has recently got a family friendly area in DreamWorks Land so it would make more sense to bring Pokémon to Islands
- Epic Universe – even more unlikely but with the amount of land they have to expand over you can never say never!
What would you like a Pokémon attraction to be like?
Smiles included…
Jamie
