RUMOR: Are Pokémon, Zelda, and Luigi Heading to Universal Studios Theme Parks?

Imagine stepping into the vibrant realms of your favorite Nintendo games, where fantasy and adventure leap off the screen and into reality. Universal Orlando is on the brink of transforming this dream into an exhilarating experience for Nintendo fans and theme park lovers, alike.

With the impending arrival of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe in 2025, rumors of Pokémon and Zelda-themed expansions have also been added to the mix for future installments. Are we on the cusp of a new era of interactive entertainment?

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Super Nintendo World's Orlando Location Ushers in New Era at Epic Universe

Scheduled to open in 2025, Super Nintendo World at Universal's Epic Universe marks a decade since Nintendo and Universal's partnership began. This immersive land is set to feature iconic attractions like the 'Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge' indoor ride, 'Yoshi’s Adventure' outdoor ride, and the thrilling 'Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness' roller coaster. This development is just the beginning of Universal Orlando's journey into the world of Nintendo.

The image below was featured in one of our recent articles (photo credit thanks to Peaceful Thrill Seaker). The Orlando Super Nintendo World location will be no different to the other theme parks, offering iconic installments such as Mount Beanpole (red), Peach's Castle (green), and Bowser's Castle (blue) where the Bowser's Challenge Mario Kart ride is located.

Super Nintendo World - Orlando Construction | Image: Peaceful Thrill Seaker

Potential Nintendo IP Expansion at Universal Studios Florida

Recent developments suggest that Universal Studios Florida is gearing up for a significant change. Thanks to a recent video from Theme Park Stop, a Youtube channel dedicated to theme park news and rumors, we have some more details about potential expansion into other IPs, including Pokémon, Zelda, and Luigi's Mansion.

Adding Pokémon to the Mix

The Pokémon franchise is rumored to replace the KidZone area, previously planned for a DreamWorks-themed land. While Universal Studios Japan is leading the way with a Pokémon ride, replacing 'The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man', the ride in Florida is expected to feature groundbreaking Augmented Reality technology, similar to the Mario Kart attraction.

Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge - Team Mario | Image: Universal Studios

This experience will likely include selecting a Pokémon through AR and using hand gestures to engage in battles, enhancing the interactive nature of the ride.

The Uncertain Future of The Simpsons Ride

The Simpsons, now under Disney’s ownership, might soon see its contract with Universal Studios Florida come to an end. Rumors are circulating about the closure of The Simpsons Ride, possibly within a year.

The Simpsons Ride - Universal Studios Orlando | Image: Wikipedia

This move could pave the way for the new Pokémon-themed area. The potential for an interactive Poké Ball purchase, linked with a dedicated app, is also being speculated. This feature would allow guests to catch and collect various Pokémon, possibly integrating with the new ride.

Zelda's Potential Realm: Transforming Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure

The Legend of Zelda is another franchise rumored to be receiving its themed land, potentially replacing the Lost Continent section at Islands of Adventure. The current speculation points to an indoor boat ride, possibly incorporating Mack Rides' Rocking Boat concept, allowing for a unique ride experience.

Islands of Adventure - Lost Continent | Image: Wikipedia

The land might also include a smaller outdoor ride and a reimagined Mythos restaurant, themed around the Deku Tree from Zelda. This Zelda-themed land, separate from the upcoming live-action Zelda movie by Sony, would purely celebrate the video game series.

Luigi's Mansion: A Spooky Addition to Epic Universe

Epic Universe's expansion plans don't just stop with Pokémon and Zelda. If things pan out, Mario's brother, Luigi, may be getting his own experience through a Luigi's Mansion-themed mini-land. This wouldn't be just another ride; we could be seeing a fully immersive experience that rivals the Donkey Kong Country area Nintendo has been rolling out. Envision a unique warp pipe entrance, whisking guests from the bustling Super Nintendo World courtyard into a world of ghostly adventures.

Luigi's Mansion | Image: Reddit

Situated between the existing Super Nintendo World and the Dark Universe lands, this proposed area is set to amplify the thrill factor at Epic Universe. The main attraction? A dark ride that promises an eerie journey through a haunted mansion. Here, guests could wield an advanced version of Luigi’s Poltergust ghost vacuum, blending elements of interactive shooter technology reminiscent of 'Men in Black: Alien Attack' and 'Villain-Con Minion Blast'.