Minecraft’s Box Office Success Sends Theme Parks in Race for Game Expansions Like Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World

The Minecraft Movie just made $80 million in its second weekend and the race to get it into theme parks is on. At the same time, companies are proverbially licking their chops at the idea of using game properties in expansions to take a bit out of Disney. But if The Walt Disney Company can weather the tariff storm, it appears they have a huge gaming property they’re willing to use as a must-win-card.​

The success of Universal Studios’ Super Nintendo World has demonstrated the viability and popularity of video game-themed attractions. Initially launched in Japan in 2021, the park expanded to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023 and is set to debut at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. The immersive experiences, such as the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, have been pivotal in boosting attendance and revenue, with Comcast reporting a 17% increase in theme park revenue, reaching $2.42 billion in Q3 2023. Compare this to Disneyland’s opening of Galaxy’s Edge (a Star Wars land) which resulted in a decline of attendance for months following its debut.

Since we have a Super Nintendo World at @UniversalORL’s Epic Universe now, they should rename the one at @UniStudios to Super Nintendo Land. pic.twitter.com/K5RPP1V0kU

— magic city mayhem (@magiccitymayhem) April 12, 2025

Building on this momentum, Minecraft is set to make its physical debut through a partnership between Mojang/Microsoft and Merlin Entertainments. The “Adventures Made Real” initiative will introduce Minecraft-themed attractions, rides, and hotel experiences in the UK and US by 2026 and 2027, with plans for global expansion.​

The recent release of “A Minecraft Movie” has further solidified the franchise’s cultural impact. The film achieved a record-breaking opening weekend, grossing $313 million globally, and has since surpassed $550 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2025 to date . This success underscores the potential for video game properties to thrive beyond digital platforms.​ The value of a Minecraft video game expansion in an American theme park has never been higher… or more sought after.

Recognizing the shifting dynamics, Disney has invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, aiming to develop a persistent universe that merges Disney’s iconic characters with Fortnite’s expansive world . This collaboration represents Disney’s strategic pivot to engage younger audiences and diversify its entertainment offerings. While we’re not sure about theme park details in that $1.5B contract between Disney and Epic, you can bet that both at the box office and in their domestic theme parks, Disney is looking for an ace card. Clearly the future seems to be video games.

SUMMARY OF FORTNITE X DISNEY:

– Disney invests $1.5B into Epic Games
– Content of Disney will be watchable in Fortnite
– Players will be able to create their “own experiences”
– Avatar collaboration confirmed, alongside many other future ones pic.twitter.com/pkeNZnSBZz

— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) February 7, 2024

Plus… who has the rights to Sonic the Hedgehog for domestic theme parks? And what in the world is that valued at right now? Can you say chili dogs and loop-de-loops? What kind of danger would Disney be in if Universal Studios ALSO picks up the rights to Sonic for any of their Central Florida theme park empire? They might be calling Joypolis, the subsidiary of SEGA that would conceivably control theme park rights.​

The convergence of video game franchises and theme park experiences marks a significant evolution in entertainment. As companies like Universal, Microsoft, and Disney invest in bringing digital worlds to life, audiences can anticipate more immersive and interactive attractions that bridge the gap between virtual and physical experiences. Whichever companies win at this new race… the consumer will be the ultimate champion regardless. So bring on the theme park high score efforts!