-
The new WDWMAGIC iOS app is here!
Stay up to date with the latest Disney news, photos, and discussions right from your iPhone. The app is free to download and gives you quick access to news articles, forums, photo galleries, park hours, weather and Lightning Lane pricing. Learn More -
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Now Open!
- Thread starter Bob Harlem
- Start date
DonniePeverley
Well-Known Member
Then you don't sign contracts that give creative control to those who have no idea how to create rides.
Whilst it was okay with JK Rowling, because she didn't over step into technicalities of what she didn't know. On this occasion it appears too much respect was given to Nintendo bros on the whole ride design which is a diabolical way to go about things.
From a theme park perspective, Nintendo was one of the last remaining IP holy grails. You sign that contract, smile, and shut up as the bookings increase.
Also, while I don't know the specifics between Uni and Nintendo or Uni and WB/Wizarding World, I would assume that they also have some pedantic rules as well that must be followed - just ones not noticed by guests.
Plummet
Well-Known Member
Sure but Universal has plenty of really popular properties that they don't really use... Nintendo is a bit of a grail but they aren't really at their peak still imo and if Nintendo World's bad choices were indeed caused by Nintendo then that is a case of Universal being bullied at their own parks and the partnership just simply wouldn't work.
Again, I've been speaking in generalities as someone who has worked with third party IP partners, and not the specifics on Universal and Nintendo's case.
What I do know about Nintendo, having spoken with peers in the field, is that they are a pedantic nightmare to deal with.
maxairmike
Well-Known Member
I understand personal preferences and an expectation that a Mario Kart attraction should actually move fast, but the level of hate and bashing it gets around here seems extremely disproportionate. I admittedly love it and think it pulls off the frenetic energy of the games and yes, even the illusion of speed well, but I also haven’t ever noticed anyone talking about it in the park(s) the way some have said they have (going back to earlier discussions about things that break immersion, like with those I think some are actively looking for these negative reactions over just enjoying things, maybe partly out of personal bias).
I suspect that Nintendo had an extremely heavy hand in designing the land from top to bottom, and they may have taken an approach that doesn’t land the same way here vs Japan for certain things. I’m still willing to give them the benefit of the doubt about what works best for their properties and goals for them in the parks, because clearly it’s still really darn popular across all 3 parks with the attraction.
I suspect that Nintendo had an extremely heavy hand in designing the land from top to bottom, and they may have taken an approach that doesn’t land the same way here vs Japan for certain things. I’m still willing to give them the benefit of the doubt about what works best for their properties and goals for them in the parks, because clearly it’s still really darn popular across all 3 parks with the attraction.
wdwfan4ver
Well-Known Member
Nintendo having a huge say in Universal theme parks in terms of how their IP is use is no different than the power J.K. Rowling has for how Universal can use the Potter Universal.
As far as Nintendo being a bully, it is a worst kept secret since I was growing up. You and I came are not from the same generation. When I was growing up, Nintendo was accused of having monopoly in the video industry by forcing 3rd party publishers and developers to only develop and publish games for the NES. It doesn't matter who the people in charge of Nintendo are, the company hasn't changed.
As far as Universal allowing Nintendo to bully, Its due to Nintendo's IPS have the potential to draw huge crowds and make a lot of money. Also Nintendo IPS have a higher upside than Universal has for IPS.
The entire thing like any multi discipline art is not simple pointing finger for praise or critique.
Some of it is internal design, some of it is external influence, and not just companies.
Nintendo IS unique in that it is a Japanese founded and headquartered business, with very different customs and culture. It was an attraction set designed first for and with Japan in mind with Osaka opening years before being cloned for the other venues.
On the design side, Nintendo is kind of like a Toon Town or Toon Lagoon as in you go immersion with it but it ultimately is a video game over the tap gag ridden world and people don't like to admit it, but shallow emotional storytelling with those old games. They are fun and have their place and immersion can always be improved upon for atmosphere, but ultimately it functions for its audience too as a vibrant world. It is not the same emotional pull as Star Wars, Indiana Jones or Harry Potter. So while not an excuse, it does come into play. The same way Dudley Doright and Popeye, or Mickey's Toontown were never going to draw a lot of the same heartstrings as the other major players. It is not their role.
Uni's Potter ventures with JK(and WB, because it is as much that studio as it is Rowling) joined with cinematic approaches to directly translate as much as possible in operational ways the way theme parks have done with movies for a long time. It was done for America's tourist market first and had a lot to work with in itself.
Some of it is internal design, some of it is external influence, and not just companies.
Nintendo IS unique in that it is a Japanese founded and headquartered business, with very different customs and culture. It was an attraction set designed first for and with Japan in mind with Osaka opening years before being cloned for the other venues.
On the design side, Nintendo is kind of like a Toon Town or Toon Lagoon as in you go immersion with it but it ultimately is a video game over the tap gag ridden world and people don't like to admit it, but shallow emotional storytelling with those old games. They are fun and have their place and immersion can always be improved upon for atmosphere, but ultimately it functions for its audience too as a vibrant world. It is not the same emotional pull as Star Wars, Indiana Jones or Harry Potter. So while not an excuse, it does come into play. The same way Dudley Doright and Popeye, or Mickey's Toontown were never going to draw a lot of the same heartstrings as the other major players. It is not their role.
Uni's Potter ventures with JK(and WB, because it is as much that studio as it is Rowling) joined with cinematic approaches to directly translate as much as possible in operational ways the way theme parks have done with movies for a long time. It was done for America's tourist market first and had a lot to work with in itself.
Plummet
Well-Known Member
Oh my generation knows Nintendo for being a bully for different reasons, usually with their older Youtube stunts etc.
I will say that J.K. Rowling, and I do not mean to compliment her in anyway shape or form, seemed like she delegated a lot of the actual theme park ride stuff to Universal and was more interesting in the look/feel of the land itself. Now, she did do some (in my opinion) stupid things as well (no character M&Gs for... basically anyone) but that can work better because tbh Universal has not done M&Gs that well (except for a few outliers like Donkey + the Transformers characters) until recently and after HP was already built
This is pretty much the same I've been told by my friends at Uni Creative. And after Hogwarts was complete and they were happy, they became even easier to please with the subsequent worlds. But they still come by to check on the operation and leave plenty of notes.
DonniePeverley
Well-Known Member
"Utter nonense"
Yet it's a brand with massive global recognition, multigenerational appeal, a complete universe of visually distinct worlds, and a proven emotional connection with its fans.
The only things off the top of my head that haven't been claimed or rumored is Star Trek... and maybe DC Comics if Six Flags' financial position gets any worse.
Love this.
Remember, the major players aren’t thinking in terms of single rides anymore. They’re thinking in full lands. Places you can exist in. And they have to work for the whole family, which immediately knocks out anything too violent or tonally narrow.
So let’s go through the list.
The two big ones:
James Bond
Pro: Globally recognizable. Cool factor is undeniable.
Why not: Not really a "place." This is a studio park stunt show or standalone experience. Also not family safe enough for a full land. I didn’t list it originally because of certain rumors.
The Lord of the Rings
This one works. Fully realized world, multiple environments, built for immersion. I also didn’t list it because of the same rumors.
And the rest:
Mission: Impossible
Cool, but Bond fills this space better and with broader reach. It's too small for a full land. Works as a stunt show or attraction.
The Hunger Games
Strong concept, but the dystopian tone is a buzzkill. You want guests to spend money, not get bummed out. Ride? Maybe. Land? Hell No.
Twilight
Its moment came and went. 15 years ago, maybe a ride sponsored by Volvo. Today, little to no relevance.
The Matrix
This one is interesting. It’s almost a world, and ironically easy to build since it’s just a version of reality, and then toss IO or Zion in an indoor building.
But tone kills it. Not really family safe (especially with the bag stigma from Columbine and subsequent school shootings attached to it), and not something a park wants to lean into long-term.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Recognizable, colorful, family friendly. But it’s shallow. You get Sonic, and that’s about it.
Compare that to Nintendo where you get Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, etc. No one’s building a anything around a Sega ecosystem in 2026.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Could have worked. Probably should have happened 15 years ago. But it hasn’t stayed top of mind. The movies didn't have the staying power they should have. Also, given that Disney was a proucer and distributor of the films, I wouldn't be surprised if the IP owners would offer it to them first.
John Wick
Would be cool. Very cool. Not family safe. Not even close.
Mad Max
Also very cool. But harsh tone, limited audience, not something families want to live in for hours.
Rocky
Great character. Not a world. There’s nothing to build beyond a tribute. Put up a statue and call it a day.
The Smurfs
Universal already did it. Cute, but thin and not relevant anymore.
Dragon Ball
This is a legit one. Massive global appeal. Main issue is it’s built around fights, not environments. Could be worked around, but it’s not a clean translation.
One Piece
Huge. But structurally messy for a land. It’s a series of locations, not one cohesive place. Works better as shows or attractions.
Warcraft
Rich world, visually strong. But too gamer-heavy for broad appeal. Also tone can skew darker than you want for a full land.
Halo
Iconic, but same issue. Military sci-fi isn’t broad family appeal.
The Walking Dead
Universal literally did this and kept it for a few years. Good for seasonal or horror events. Not something families want to spend a full day in. Also, not as relevant anymore.
Baloo124
Well-Known Member
My favorite trilogy ever made... Fellowship, Two Towers, King.
Love 'em. Have 'em memorized. Never grow tired of 'em.
With that being said, I'm not sure how I feel about them being theme-parkified.
I'm not suggesting Uni would do a bad or disrespectful job with the IP by any means. But the stories and characters are so timeless, I'm just not sure I want to hear Gandalf say "please gather up your personal belongings" or see Aragorn's Pizza.
Middle Earth is too grand a place to be confined into theme park land(s). All imo, of course.
I'm also not 100% against the idea. It's complicated.
Rich Brownn
Well-Known Member
I worked the Hogwarts Express. It took five years to change a sign from ---> exit to <---lift exit---> with approval bouncing around between Universal, WB and JK (who does, indeed, pay very close attention to what goes in and what doesn't)
Sounds about right.
But I am certain it was far more professional and collegial than anything to do with Nintendo.
rd805
Well-Known Member
Acting like Nintendo is not one of the top 3 biggest IP Brands in the world, and could easily be replaced with something else is the actual utter nonsense. And go figure, most people's photo's that are shared when coming home from Epic is of SNW. Coincidence? NO. Just because the wait times are very long, and the MK ride confused you does not mean the area isn't a smashing success in terms of $$, and attendance for Universal.
There is literally no IP or brand that could perform better than Nintendo in a theme park sense except for DISNEY, and Harry Potter. It's that big!
There is literally no IP or brand that could perform better than Nintendo in a theme park sense except for DISNEY, and Harry Potter. It's that big!
drkarcher22
Active Member
Yep, went on Saturday for the first time, holy hell they are making so much money on plastic straps with a simple QR codes that connects to an app. Probably the most successful thing merch wise other than wands in HP lands.