Whereas Disney Parks shuttered plans for Galaxy’s Edge future phases for the time being, it looks like Universal Studios has a very different plan going forward. Universal Studios Japan has begun installation of track for the next stage of Super Nintendo World. What is that track? Well, WDWNT has the info on the planned Donkey Kong roller coaster ride, which is said to emulate the jumping mine carts from the Donkey Kong Country games. Will guests be attempting to catch virtual bananas as they ride? It wouldn’t surprise us.
The installation is important because the pandemic would typically signal that theme parks want to slow down. New projects are typically not being greenlit. But the Donkey Kong coaster may be going ahead because Universal would like to make sure everything works well in Japan before bringing Phase 1 and 2 developments to their new theme park in Orlando, Florida on opening day. That’s right, I’m hearing that plans are for Super Nintendo World in Epic Universe to feature all the stuff being implemented in Japan over time… except all at once from the get-go. This would confirm reporting from Theme Park Shark back in July.
Surprisingly, it would also seem that the area in Orlando will feature an expansion pad for the future… one that may not be possible in Japan. That’s the joy of having a new canvas at a new theme park, I suppose. It’s nice to see that even during the pandemic, Universal is pushing ahead with expensive expansion and expansion planning.
So what do you think about Super Nintendo Land and its coming to the United States with Epic Universe? Will you be planning to attend in the first year? Let us know in the comments below!
