KPop Demon Hunters - Universal Studios Takeover

[tcool123]

Likely? Nope, but fun? Yes! I just saw the movie yesterday, and I'm obsessed therefore time for the first KPop Demon Hunter Imagineering project

Why Universal Studios, not Disney?
While Universal may not be everyone's first choice, I think for KPop Demon Hunters and Universal it would make the most sense. Universal has shown with HHN and especially at Fan Fest they continue to look outside their own IPs to bolster their parks and events, and this new IP from Sony and Netflix is a perfect fit to continue pushing Universal as the true alternative for a Disney vacation with a strong female animated film with songs on par with those we have seen from Disney over the last ten years. Universal Studios Florida in particular offers plenty of underutilized space that would be perfect in capitalizing for a takeover in the style of what was seen at Disney parks with the Frozen Summer Fun series of events. With all that said onto why Universal was the best fit, let's dive into....

KPop Demon Hunters
Golden Summer

CityWalk Offerings

Universal Studios Offerings

Character Encounters
KPop Demon Hunters Parade
Live Music Performances
Specialty Food and Beverage Offerings
Specialty Merchandise Offerings ​

 

[tcool123]

CityWalk Golden Summer Offerings

Mock up of Universal CityWallk Moving Walkway banner for event

Upon parking at Universal CityWalk - or going up the bus staircase for those arriving from the resorts, guests will be made aware of KPop Demon Hunters Golden Summer thanks to to the iconic moving walkway billboards after security promoting the event with profiles of all three Huntrix members alongside their respective color being on full display. Depending on the time of arrival guests may hear the seasonal addition of the Twice cover of "Take Down" featured in the film's soundtrack and closing credits, while small this will be one of the more subtle changes for the property during Golden Summer. Upon reaching CityWalk proper guests will begin to enjoy the first of many offerings at the resort for Golden Summer.

Cinemark Showings

Every Friday at 12 PM and 7 PM as well as Sunday at 3 PM, guests will be to have the exclusive chance to see KPop Demon Hunters in theaters at the Universal Cinemark. Guests experiencing this limited time offering will be able to receive a limited edition sticker sheet featuring Derpy and Sussie - Jinu's animal companions, at any of the showtimes while supplies last.

Rising Star Update

Rising Star - for those who are unfamiliar, is the karaoke bar found in CityWalk. This karaoke bar's twist is live backup singers alongside a live band on the weekend, turning the guest into the lead singer of every performance. After guests get their fill of KPop Demon Hunters content at the park they can come into Rising Star and get to perform the first newly added songs in five years with "Golden", "Soda Pop", "Free" and "What It Sounds Like" from the soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters. All three of the group numbers will also coincide with Rising Star now allowing for three people to come onto stage and sing together just like Huntrix!

Exclusive Food and Beverage

Exclusive food and beverage items will be at the following venus Bend the Bao, Cowfish and Toothsome's Chocolate Emporium.

Saja Boys Bao at Bend the Bao
The Saja Boys Bao is a gochujang steak bao served with pickled red onions and kimchee slaw. Bao buns are scorched with the Saja Boys lion logo on the outside. This menu item fits right alongside the current menu at Bend the Bao cross utilizing ingredients currently in use.

Rumi's Kimbap at Cowfish
Kimbap will feel right at home at Cowfish home to sushi and burgers, nobody would even bat an eyelash. Rumi's Kimbap is made of steamed rice, crisp veggies, house-made pickles all wrapped in roasted seaweed.

Golden Honmoon Shake at Toothsome's Chocolate Emporium
Layers of vanilla ice cream swirled together with golden mango puree make for a sweet and decadent base for this over the top milkshake because if there's anything about Toothsome's that's true is the crazy toppings. The milkshake jar is rimmed in graham cracker dust with a tower of whipped cream top ontop of the shake base. The Golden Honmoon shake is then drizzled with a passionfruit syrup and to top it off a mini mango cheesecake on top.​

 

[tcool123]

Character Encounters

The following post is dedicated to small scale entertainment found throughout the park, please refer to the directory for information on the the event's parade, live music and nighttime show.

Gwi-ma's Demon Domain at Sting Alley



Sting Alley has been transformed into the Realm of Gwi-Ma where demons lurk in the shadows around every corner looking to claim souls for their ruler. This offering will be set up as an outdoor walkthrough through Sting Alley in the New York area of the park. Guests will enter the queue for the experience on Delancey Street next to the League of Demon store takeover at the Film Vault. Upon entering Sting Alley graffiti on the walls warn of demons ahead alongside with boarded up windows, through the cracks in the paneling guests can make out demons popping out from Gwi-ma's realm with red light pouring out.

The first demon (A) guests will face is at Spot A at the Loading Zone. This demon is a Jeoseung Saja, a human soul corrupted, they will be walking at the Loading Zone with purple smoke pouring out from the door behind them obscuring much of the platform they are on. They mock the guests walking through and thank them for giving their souls up to Gwi-ma. The second demon (B) is a petite female orange demon snarling at guests making swipes at them who pops up from behind various crates left behind from the humans who used to live in Sting Alley before their souls were taken away.

Turning the corner around a new constructed mesh covered fence is the third demon (C) who guards the entrance of the Demon Archway. This blue demon paces back and forth also snarling at guests. Upon walking through the archway the music becomes more chaotic as guests continue ever closer to encountering Gwi-ma. The next demon stop (D) is a double whammy as guest past under the Demon archway. One of the fire escape walkways have been retrofitted allowing for a swinging demon hand to come from above aiming to take guests away. Immediately after that is a stilt walker demon dressed as another Jeoseung Saja, with long flowing robes. They will pop out from a crevice hidden behind the walls of the archway, crouching down after guests in an attempt to take their souls away.

Screens put into doorways in the alleyway show the Honmoon weakening with cracks forming and red flakes fluttering. The next series of scares are faceless demons (E and F) who lurk in the corners of the alley way popping out as strobe lights go off with their distorted joint based movements. Just as it seems like guests may feel safe they reach a portal that shows into underworld (G). Gwi-ma appears with live flames popping out from above the portal as he speaks welcoming his new souls into the abyss of demon hood. This correlates with the end of the walkthrough opening allowing for guests to spread out as the demon horde (four to five different demons) stalk and chase guests around the area as they successfully claim their souls for Gwi-ma.

During inclement weather two to three demons from the experience will be found lurking inside the lobby of the Horror Make-up Show and another two demons will be found roaming Sahara Traders and the Palace Arcade.

Meet Jinu at Horror Make-Up Show Spot

Located at the Hollywood character meet and greet adjacent next to the Horror Makeup Show is the Jinu meet and greet. The queue for this meet and greet utilizes the existing queue for the meet and greet and a new extended queue that cuts into the Horror Makeup Show theater plaza. The backdrop has been depicts the Saja Boys lion logo. During the day following the performance of the Saja Boys at the Mel's Drive-in Stage Jinu will stay in the park along the other members of the Saja Boys where he will meet guests waiting for him. In the evening Jinu will come out for sets to meet guests without any prior show. Jinu will not meet guests during the KPop Demon Hunter Parade that occurs throughout the day.

Located at the old Fear Factor Live! queue and waiting area is the main meet and greet for the event where guests can meet all three members of Huntrix at once! The queue for this meet and greet utilizes the existing queue and waiting area for the Fear Factor Live! amphitheater allowing for easy operation, and minimal impact on guest flow. A curved backdrop has been placed in the center of the courtyard depicting the Huntrix logo and brand name of the group making it feel like an official meet and greet from the world of KPop Demon Hunters. The group will be found here meeting guests from 10 AM to 8 PM every single day. Unlike Jinu who can't appear when the Saja Boys perform or when the parade is happening, Huntrix will be greeting guests throughout the day with the only pause being cast changes, this has been done to ensure that guests that are looking to take photos and meet their favorite animated K-Pop trio can do so with ease.​

 

[tcool123]

KPop Demon Hunters Parade
Showtimes: 11 AM and 4 PM

Taking a page out of Disney's playbook for when it came to promoting and celebrating hit new films a small scale parade has been created that will run twice a day throughout the park. This parade will run alongside the Universal Mega Movie parade during the summer. Following the end of the Golden Summer takeover the Derpy and Huntrix floats will be added into the Universal Mega Movie parade for future runs.

Unit One: Bobby's Welcome
Song: Golden

As the parade starts rolling guests are welcomed by a small lead float with Bobby frantically walking in front of it on his headset. Bobby will be heard over the speakers talking to the event team making sure everything is ready for his girls. Following the welcome float will be the Huntrix fan club, a group of performers clad in Korean street wear dancing along to the music.

Unit Two: Saja Boys
Song: Soda Pop

On the top of a soda can float are all five of the Saja Boys. They will be dancing along to the track Soda Pop. From the back of the float there will be bubbles pouring out into the parade route as the carbonation from the soda pop starts pouring out from the can.

Unit Three: Gwi-ma
Song: Your Idol

This float is four screens with triangle tips forming a box. The front facing screen will feature Gwi-ma calling out to guests praying on their weaknesses asking for them to join his dark side. The other three screens will play clips of various demons from the film on loop with each demon changing in a digital purple flame the goes around the entire float. Various demons will be on foot behind the float performing to "Your Idol" recreating the dance moves seen from the Saja Boys in the film.

Unit Four: Derpy
Song: Free (Instrumental)

On a fluorescent blue and pink float mimicking the colors that appear when Derpy teleports is a large scale puppet of Derpy. Derpy will be able to bounce his head around to the music which causes Sussie's beak to open up as will as blink and turn his head to look at guests. While simple this float allows for guests to see Derpy and Sussie at the event as this is their only in-person appearance.

Unit Five: Huntrix
Songs: Golden, What It Sounds Like

Closing out the parade is three tiered float with each tier color coordinating to the member of Huntrix riding it. This float has the trio performing Golden as well as What It Sounds Like.​

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

Unit Four: Derpy
Song: Free (Instrumental)

On a fluorescent blue and pink float mimicking the colors that appear when Derpy teleports is a large scale puppet of Derpy. Derpy will be able to bounce his head around to the music which causes Sussie's beak to open up as will as blink and turn his head to look at guests. While simple this float allows for guests to see Derpy and Sussie at the event as this is their only in-person appearance.

I LOVE DERPY!!!!!!!!! We need an MiB retheme to let you shoot at demons!

 

[tcool123]

Specialty Food and Beverage

Throughout Universal Studios Florida new food booths have been set up throughout the whole park celebrating Korean cuisine, beverages and fusion opportunities.

Hunter Snacks
Located at Universal Music Plaza, Traditional Food Booth

Menu
Classic Korean Corndog
All-beef corndog rolled in panko breadcrumbs and crinkle-cut French fries. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Hunters Corndog
All-beef corndog rolled in panko breadcrumbs, dried ramyun and Hot Cheetos. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Huntrix Prawn Crackers
Bagged prawn crackers with Zoey on the bag, original or KBBQ flavored.

Located at Gramercy Park

Menu
Korean Stuffed Pancakes
Known as Hotteok, mini fried pancakes stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon and maple syrup. Served with powdered sugar on top, in a group of three.
Huntrix Dalgona
Dalgona candies with emoji stylized versions of the Huntrix members.
Sweet Rice Punch
Known as Sikhye, a sweet rice punch served chilled and nonalcoholic with a dash of cinnamon and puffy rice.

Idol Chicken
Located at Gramercy Park, Traditional Food Booth

Menu
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Gochujang Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken tossed in gochujang sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Ganjang Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken tossed in a garlicky sweet and sour sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Huntrix Prawn Crackers
Bagged prawn crackers with Zoey on the bag, original or KBBQ flavored.

Saja Soda
Located at Gramercy Park

Saja Soda is home to dirty sodas, the latest trend sweeping the food and beverage world. This choice to tie the Saja Boys to dirty soda plays into their song "Soda Pop" as well as the boy band being dirty as they're demons. Each drink is tied to a member of the Saja Boys

Menu
Romance's Love Potion
Sprite mixed with strawberry syrup and lemonade ;garnished with strawberry bursting pearls.
Mystery's Gulping Concoction
Fanta Grape mixed with vanilla cream and raspberry puree; garnished with cotton candy fluff.
Baby's Sweet n Fluffed
Cherry Coke served in a cup lined with marshmallow fluff mixed with grenadine; garnished with a white chocolate covered cherry.
Abby's Spiced Quencher
Sprite Tropical served in a cup rimmed with chamoy and tajin and mixed with Jalapeno and Chipotle Pineapple flavors; garnished with a lime wheel.
Jinu's Tricked Brew
Diet Coke mixed with coconut cream and lime juice; garnished with a lime wheel.

Ramyun Kitchen
Located at Expo Circle Food Truck

Menu
Superstar Ramyun
Ramyun noodles served with scallions, star-shaped carrots and kimchi. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Spice Queen Ramyun
Spicy ramyun noodles served with scallions, cheese, and sliced chicken thigh. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Hamburger Ramyun
Spicy ramyun noodles served with scallions, cheese, and ground beef chunks. Served with a side of Huntrix Prawn Crackers.
Huntrix Prawn Crackers
Bagged prawn crackers with Zoey on the bag, original or KBBQ flavored.
​

 

[Haymarket]

Netflix is doing a collaboration with Samsung's theme park, Everland. Maybe it'll give some sense of what Netflix is open to doing when it comes to permanent attractions with a licensee like Universal or similar.

'KPop Demon Hunters'-themed zone to open at Everland, South Korea

Everland theme park has teamed up with Netflix to create a new themed zone inspired by the record-breaking 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters.

blooloop.com

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...ersive-KPop-Demon-Hunters-themed-zone/2388455

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

To be fair I think K-Pop Hunters would be better if it was show in Universal FanFest Nights.

 

[tcool123]

Specialty Merchandise

Huntrix Merch Carts

Three Huntrix merch carts will be set up throughout the park. The first merch cart will be set up on the Music Plaza near the stage where the nightly Huntrix - Live! takes place. The second cart is set up near Mel's Drive In, the starting point for the K-Pop Demon Hunters parade, and the final cart is set up by the Fear Factor area which is home to the Huntrix meet and greet. The merch carts have the same lineup of merch allowing for ease of purchase for guests. Merchandise includes:
- Huntrix and Saja Boy Light Wands
- Huntrix Band Shirt
- Huntrix Anime Shirt
- Huntrix Doll Set
- Huntrix Friendship Bracelet Set: Golden, Huntrix, Zoey, Mira, Rumi designs
- KPop Demon Hunter Emoji Mystery Pin Set: Hungry Zoey, Angry Mira, Sleepy Rumi, Demon Rumi, Star-eyed Bobby
- Derpy Tiger 02Pin Set: Smiling Tiger, Tongue Out Tiger, Magpie Tiger, Sleeping Tiger

League of Demons

Taking over the Film Vault is the League of Demons. The main feature of this retail experience is the Demon Makeup Experience, here guests of all ages are able to get their face painted becoming a demon. Guests will have various options with the cheapest option being demon stripes as seen on Rumi and the Saja Boys and the most intensive option includes full face coverage with guests being able to choose between orange, red and blue demon makeovers complete with purple lines and swirls cutting through the color. Guests who receive demon makeovers will be able to have unique interactions with Huntrix and Jinu when they meet them.

In addition to the makeup experience guests will be able to buy Saja Boy merchandise at this location including the Saja Boy light wand and a Saja Boy band shirt.​

 

[Miru]

I feel like a nod to Sony’s other Netflix releases (Vivo, Mitchells vs the Machines, Wish Dragon) could be a nice touch, such as popcorn buckets based on the films in question.

 

[Haymarket]

“KPop Demon Hunters” To Open Theme Park Experience

Coverage of what's coming to Everland.