Pokémon Replacing Simpsons, Zelda in Lost Continent & Luigi's Mansion for Epic Universe Rumor Update

[@ThemeParkStop]

What video game franchise should they add next?

[@Ihartwalrusguy]

Considering that Universal is getting the Big 3 of Nintendo,(Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon) the possibility is endless: * A Splatoon laser tag battle. * A Metroid simulator ride * An Animal Crossing playground Ala Mickey’s Toontown * A Medieval Times-Inspired dinner show based on Fire Emblem.

[@alexistramirez]

Sega World: Sonic the Hedgehog

[@Redknight-i3b]

Super smash bros ultimate

[@michaelparker2844]

Super Smash Bros on the original Zelda moving theater mechanics sounds promising. I think an animal crossing many land would be a really big hit for the younger audience and perhaps one that needs to go to the Texas kids park.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

Mortal kombat, bioshock (for an HHN house at least), Metroid, pac man, pong.

[@taraanddrewwinner7459]

A Luigi's Mansion miniland would be the perfect way to transition from Super Nintendo World to Dark Universe (just as a LOTR land would be a perfect transition between HtTYD and HP)

[@ThemeParkStop]

I like the way you think

[@damiangarcia4947]

Was just about to say this ☝🏼

[@tyhina2718]

If LOTR gets brought in I’ll never leave

[@theokid2000]

Heh, enter luigis mansion through the cute and bubbly mario land, exit out into the dark universe.

[@solskjaer1195]

Sorry but LOTR is coming to the UK park. You already stole Harry Potter. You're not having another much loved one of ours. 😜​@@tyhina2718

[@whimsyxox]

having zelda in islands, pokemon in universal, and mario in epic sounds like a dream 🥰 I already feel so spoiled as a how to train your dragon fan!

[@Legendary_Star-lord]

This might be hot take but Zelda should not replace lost continent

[@chrispcreme5859]

i would die of happiness if all of these happened. i love pokemon. i never played zelda or luigi’s mansion but know of them and anything more video game/fantasy related would be awesome additions. i’m still hoping we’ll see lord of the rings someday as well just to top it all off haha

[@whimsyxox]

@@chrispcreme5859 LOTR would be so cool! You can’t beat fantasy, seriously

[@remyd8767]

10:04 FYI... You showed a Disney ride there

[@a.y.greyson9264]

I totally see my brothers showing up at least 4 times a year if this happens!

[@m1lk0meda]

A pokemon land would just be insane, people i know who dont care about theme parks at all would be getting universal vacataion packages the day of announcement. Imagine getting a Pokeball and walking around the rethemed town interacting, battling and catching some. It would be harry potter levels of packed again the money just prints itself

[@Donyourmom]

I get why The Simpsons ride was axed, it’s just too bad it wasn’t F&F supercharged.

[@GodsServant543]

Yeah, they’d have to change the entire land, not just giving it a ride and a restaurant. It’s hard to get repeat customers for a Pokémon land without enough things to engage them.

[@off-the-grounder568]

The first attempt of a Pokémon theme park actually gave out special Pokémon with moves they’d only know if gotten from the park. I’d go if they brought that back.

[@isabellahevia3535]

They should incorporate it with Pokémon Go

[@Healthy_Toki]

@@GodsServant543 AR pokemon hunting throughout the theme park.

[@radder86]

I hope the build a full pokemon world. That would drive a lot of people to That area. Hopefully room for a few rides. Partnership with Nintendo was a slam dunk for both parties.

[@claudegrinnell9602]

It’s what’s needed to compete with the rat

[@claudegrinnell9602]

It’s what’s needed to compete with the rat

[@GMOTP5738]

No people need to get over pokemon its so cringe

[@ParkMind]

I really hope that Pokémon and Zelda have swapped timeframes. As islands is good enough to still be popular when epic opens while studios definitely needs a major big addition

[@supremefan]

Especially considering the Stunt show is the only thing recent that was any good. F&F and Jimmy aren't the best, and the Minion Blaster was fun but not much of a ride.

[@Tortidis987]

@@supremefan yeh i'd even argue that IoA will remain a more well-rounded park than opening day Epic Universe, while I hate to see the Lost Continent abandoned, that's nothing compared to USF's glaring problems and need for a new land.

[@liamlennon3316]

Eh I don't know about that like Islands doesn't have any shows and only one dark ride that isn't fully screen base

[@sandygames7691]

@@liamlennon3316what is this ride?

[@ParkMind]

@@liamlennon3316 while they could use a show they have 3 dark rides. One is the fantastic spiderman, a good one based on Harry Potter, and the other okay one is cat and the hat. Plus they have Kong which is technically a dark ride but more of a simulator. Outside of this there’s the hulk, Velocicoaster, and Hagrids. Not to mention toon lagoon, river adventure, and more

[@erikdaniels0n]

I kind of like the idea of Nintendo being the new Harry Potter/Wizarding World, having lands in each park

[@SSGoatanks]

If this happens and they have a Pokémon Park expansion, would people still go to Disney Parks?

[@Art3free-3]

@@SSGoatankspeople probably would combine their trip to universal with a trip to Disney

[@FungiGamer]

A Luigi’s Mansion dining experience sounds SUPER cool. A Pokemon zone would be fun to pass during HHN, especially if they have Ghost Pokemon wandering around! Personally, my blue sky Nintendo addition would be Nintendo Spaceworld (a nod to an old showcase name) with a Metroid show, F-Zero racing, and a Starfox motion ride or coaster

[@JerseyEmpireGroup]

I have the highest hopes we're getting a "Space World" of some sort. F-Zero and/or Star Fox have to be in the plans somewhere. Metroid would be a fantastic HHN house.

[@JoeyNuggies]

Pokemon ghost on HHN that would be so cool.

[@Chrisjbennett89]

I love to see luigi's mansion dark ride coaster.

[@Tonybits]

Wow would love to see a Starfox-themed area

[@AwkwardTurtle10]

It's so exciting that video games will finally get some attention in the Theme Parks, I never understood why parks never did anything with games until Universal made Super nintendo world, it was the best decision ever imo

[@oceanzmusic]

It's generational not every video game is

[@AwkwardTurtle10]

@@oceanzmusic The same can be said about Tv shows and movies though, it's exactly the same

[@Mymy_64]

YES! I love the idea of Luigi's Mansion getting its own section as It could basically be Universal's answer to Disney's Haunted Mansion. On top of it being a shooter ride like MIB works perfectly for it and a potential restaurant that could probably use the ghost from 3 as the staff is just genius. (And I know for a fact its going to be based off of the 2nd game)

[@JerseyEmpireGroup]

LET'SA GO! This is what I've been waiting for. As happy as I am about SNW at Epic, I'm ready for Studios and Islands to get some new lands to make them shine again.

[@ottot3221]

Luigi's Mansion dark ride and restaurant, yes please!

[@alimatt9685]

This video has me literally screaming... Absolutely love your vids keep up the awesome work! You're the news GOAT

[@ThemeParkStop]

THANK YOU!!

[@meandmylaptop]

I'm so bummed out about The Simpsons leaving. I absolutely love that area. The theming is outstanding.

[@OfficialMisterRogersJr]

I agree I want the Simpsons/Springfield to stay at Universal parks and resorts, forever and ever too.

[@pinkmarkercat]

Yeah but at the same time things are changing and i can kinda see why universal would change it to pokemon because like video games are becoming super popular now but it is still kinda sad to see the simpsons go

[@PipeGuy64Bit]

It felt like The Simpsons area barely had a chance to live.

[@LOZTGaming]

I've never forgiven them for taking out the Back to the Future ride for Simpsons.

[@Doghero780]

@@LOZTGamingnot to mention the disrespect to it in the ride queue. Karma I suppose. I do agree while I’ve never been able to visit that particular section (was focused on Jurassic park on my trip) the theming does look amazingly done.

[@ThaddeuHenriques]

Amazing job reporting on this Alicia! So grateful for the work that you do!

[@jamierusovick-smith6422]

These IPs are literally my kids’ favorites and I would book a trip in a heartbeat if these all come true! Thanks for all the amazing reporting!!!

[@AaronValliere]

To me I’d love to see them give an area to Speilberg and with today’s technology have 3 kick ass rides in ET, back to the future, and jaws. When I think Universal studios I think of Spielberg and these 3 movies.

[@RetroGirl1967]

I would love for them to retheme Springfield to Hill Valley. Improve the ride system for a Back to the Future ride. Moe's Tavern becomes the 1950s Lou's Cafe, another space in Fast Food Boulevard becomes Cafe 80s, and a third space becomes the 1885 saloon. The exterior buildings are the iconic Hill Valley town center (1955 version or 1985 version).

[@thebwsshow9211]

Something else that may or may not be worth noting, but when the Universal Orlando resort-wide map was updated to include Minion Land and remove Lost Continent, Fast and Furious Supercharged was also taken off. This might just be wishful thinking (no demolition permits have been filed to my knowledge), but its replacement is what I’m thinking will be next for USF in 2026, followed by Zelda in 2027 and Pokèmon (potentially on both coasts) in 2028.

[@stevepage4504]

I think fast and furious theme will stay but ride completely changed. The que will be kept as is and have a coaster that starts within the building and then launched out the front over the path and have most of the coaster over the lake. Ride too happiness at plopsland is 1 of if not best coaster in world and has 90% of its layout over the lake there. Universal already working closely with MACK on number of rides for epic. A Mack extreme spinner would be unique and easily themed to fast and furious. That gives studios an extreme ride to diverse it's appeal. If they do go with changing it to a coaster they can even keep the original ride open for the 1st few months of construction of the coaster while they start on the footers and supports in the lake without announcing anything to build intrigue like they did with veliocoaster

[@victorandrews9388]

Massive love for The Simpsons and Springfield! 🥰 Am I the only one wishing they stay and keep the brand alive in Orlando and Hollywood? 🤞💛

[@mozartsghost9271]

Nope. I like it there too, but Disney is hellbent on buying up everything.

[@Bdukeboy]

I hope Simpson stays

[@LocalGoobs]

Not at all! I love The Simpsons rides when I was there, but I guess things change huh 😅

[@joshuacoldwater]

We have to remember when they built The Simpsons area their competition was not the owner of the series. They did purchase all theme park rights, BUT- any items they sell that are connected to a FOX show have a percentage that HAS to go to FOX. Disney, has owned FOX for almost a decade now. I am truly surprised that it lasted as long as it has. It can’t be easy writing a daily check to Disney.

[@ReneGonzalez-rf3tm]

I actually like the simpsons area even if it’s not as busy. Seems like it’s a nice place to walk through but u don’t see many people hanging around since it’s mainly pay more to play fair type games

[@Ihartwalrusguy]

Considering how The Simpsons Ride revealed how Doc Brown lost the Institute of Future Technology to Krusty the Clown as tribute, I wonder how the Pokémon land would pay homage to the Simpsons? Maybe a certain Team Rocket seized control of Krustyland?

[@Redknight-i3b]

Or name a pokemon on krysty

[@m1lk0meda]

Or krustyland gets bought out and transformed into the world's largest Pokémon theme park, something like ryme city where they just exist in the world alongside people. Could easily see the story being you crashing through the park using Pokémon abilities to evade or fight back against team rocket causing mayhem for everyone.

[@ThemeParkOgre]

I'd expect them to gloss over it, sadly

[@Kev-O33]

no

[@tuckermitchell7869]

Probably something more subtle, since they are losing the rights they probably won’t be able to directly reference The Simpsons. Maybe a Pokémon gets radiated and grows giant like Maggie does during the ride Easter egg somewhere.

[@Lemanic89]

Those boat movements for the Zelda attraction may hint at Universal focusing their Zelda investments on the Adult Link timeline aka Toon Link. The boat being the King of Red Lions btw.

[@marcussheen]

Great update! I had the Mack boat ride in mind when you mentioned Creature of the Black Lagoon a few videos ago but Zelda seems a good fit too. Not that hot on either Zelda or Pokemon themes, but somehow the Epic Universe Nintendo stuff transcends my indifference to computer games.

[@radder86]

Could always be for both rides. It's not like they are a stranger yo using the same ride systems. Would be fun to do

[@marcussheen]

​@radder86 Yes you're 100% right actually

[@SBOutrich]

Was hoping for them to bring back Back to the Future to Simpsons area but Pokémon will definitely sell more probably

[@JudgeDunfeeTheParkitecter]

Same I wanna go on back to the future I never did it

[@fireflyfox93]

I loved it when it was Back to the Future. I appreciate that they still have some of the vehicles in the park.

[@kylek1476]

I don't think I have heard anyone non-ironically mention Back to the Future in the last 10 years, short of people talking about the Delorean or on the studio tour at USH

[@supremefan]

@@kylek1476 Was my favorite ride as a kid, would love to see it return also albeit with better vehicles and video. AI could do a number on faking the actors in their original form.

[@UmmYeahOk]

⁠​⁠@@kylek1476they keep selling merch in the park, have meet and greets with Doc, offered a themed escape room at City Walk, and had dedicated areas at the Legacy store. It has a bigger presence than ET if you factor all that in. BTTF is a strong franchise to bring back, not just for Gen X and Millennials, but because it’s so timeless, I’m sure younger generations will/would appreciate it as well. If they are going to have a Classic Monsters section, then BTTF makes sense, especially with ET as it’s fellow 80s neighbor. But the big reason to have a return is because it’s a Universal property. Wizarding World is WB, Simpsons is Fox, Nickelodeon is Viacom, Marvel, is, well, Marvel, and Nintendo, though they have some solid agreements, Universal does not own them. Universal needs their own IPs, and so far has just been relying on acquisitions like Illumination and DreamWorks.

[@technosworld2]

Wow, some of the most amazing rumors yet. I do think it would be smart to put Pokemon in the Simpsons area as it would help spread out the guests between parks and also The Simpsons days were numbered due to Disney buying Fox and its waning popularity.

[@AuRoBoss]

The Simpsons is waning BUT it’s still an absolute powerhouse in merchandise. I wouldnt be surprised if Universal makes more on Simpsons merch than every other property (aside from Harry Potter) combined

[@dashkatae]

It would be smart to put Pokemon there as it would be an extension of the kid's area giving more reason for families to come to the park. With all the recent updates, it feels like Universal Studios is focusing more on kids while IOA is more focused on teens/adults which is perfectly fine and absolutely smart.

[@supremefan]

@@AuRoBoss I can attest i've purchased every stuffy and shirt from the Simpsons area, even paid hundreds for the huge Krusty and 3 eyed fish since I suck at winning the games.

[@birdflox1337]

​@@AuRoBossI wouldn't be surprised if Pokémon ended up making more merchandise money than all other brands combined, including Harry Potter.

[@andyvalencia4578]

Thank you Alicia for the updates! 👏 a lot to look forward to 😊

[@ThemeParkStop]

You are so welcome!

[@FlavorLab]

Thanks for being the best at what you do!

[@blakegoff1739]

Oh my god, it all sounds so good! Especially all of the Legend of Zelda stuff! If this all winds up happening, then it'll be dream come true!! Thanks for the video, Alicia! ❤❤❤

[@Blitzjewel]

As much of a soft spot as I have for the Simpsons area, I think Pokemon in that space would work really well as another IP that could appeal to pretty much all ages. Not as young as Minions or Dreamworks but something in-between which Studios definitely needs height-wise. I would just be happy to get to go on a ride that doesn’t make me so nauseous😅

[@JerseyEmpireGroup]

Pokemon is that perfect, literal, all-ages property. It bridges generations and transcends age.

[@thedrewster0408]

Also, Pokémon has made more money in franchise sales than “Mickey Mouse and Friends” in just 28 years of its existence.

[@ethanpaul1865]

​@@thedrewster0408to add onto that, not only has Pokemon out performed Mickey Mouse, Pokemon is also just straight up the highest grossing media franchise of all time, period. Obviously that probably gets murky taking into account inflation but still, it is by no means some niche little IP and is absolutely the perfect choice to replace the Simpsons.

[@thedrewster0408]

@@ethanpaul1865 With account inflation, that is definitely true as Mickey Mouse has been existing for over 95 years. That’s nearly a century ago and the accounting practices in all sorts of industries at that time were way different back then! Also, the fact that the first animated short featuring the titular character is finally in the public domain although there are some “legal holes”that you need to avoid when publishing your own version of Steamboat Willie.

[@purpirek]

Not really Pokémon franchises is going downhill lately

[@ThemeParkOgre]

The Pokemon area opening in 2026 would make a lot of sense with that being Pokemon's 30th anniversary (eek).

[@fireflyfox93]

It would make sense for some previously closed rides to sit for a little bit. A lot of money is being poured into Epic Universe, they're a little busy right now 😅

[@WorkerBeeSupply]

Pokémon will have HUGE merch opportunities.

[@dustinsensenig9798]

That was my question about the Hagrid's queue

[@GLJosh]

I really hope that Pokémon would replace The Simpson's at Universal Studios Hollywood. They could make each one a different region.

[@JerseyEmpireGroup]

That's a killer idea.

[@robertgronewold3326]

Chances are, they might make an entirely new place in the Pokemon world for that area to be.

[@BumblestoiseExE]

Honestly it makes more sense to replace Transformers, as much as I love that ride. It sits directly next to Hollywood’s Nintendo world, and Spiderman in Japan being replaced by Pokemon enforces that theory

[@EliteDogSF]

I'm 36. As much as I loved the Simpsons growing up, Pokemon was my life back in '98. If it takes the Simpsons place, you'll get my age group, along with kids now who love Pokemon. Absolute win win. Only ones that like Simpsons now are older adults like me

[@Danrarbc]

I love all of these. And they're exactly where I think they'd make sense too.

[@brettellison]

Simpsons Ride is quite hilarious, but in desperate need of refurbishment. I'd rather have a full Pokémon land instead.

[@potato-kw1er]

It will leave eventually, since the Simpsons is owned by Disney now

[@Donyourmom]

@@potato-kw1erUniversal signed a 20 year contract with 20th Century Fox. Just because disney owns the Simpsons (and 20th century fox) does not mean they can void the contract.

[@rapids444]

@@Donyourmom no, they can't void the contract, but it is set to expire in 2028 so they could be working on what to replace it with because it's very very unlikely that they're going to extend that contract. They could also come to a mutual agreement to terminate the contract early and take it out.

[@Prince_Icarus]

God, imagine a ride that revolves around Mewtwo being born. Then in the line you could see Mewtwo in his capsule just like the Avatar ride at Animal Kingdom.

[@legend_oflouis9813]

Massive Pokémon fan, but that ride sounds so lame! I wish Nintendo wouldn’t overthink these rides so much and go for these overly ambitious interactive rides that just don’t seem to work as well as they really plan. Mario Kart was such a missed opportunity. What I’d do for just a really good Pokémon Snap Dark ride. Gyarados bursting out the water, bird Pokémon swooping from above, a huge Chrizard blowing mist in the riders faces. I can play the games and catch them I don’t need to do that IRL but want I can’t do is see them larger than life in an immersive space. Zelda sounds promising though, again I may be biased as darkrides and super themed coasters are my thing.

[@lucasd6880]

I'm inclined to agree. The interactive stuff is fun, but it also feels a bit limiting. I think I'd rather have something like Forbidden Journey: not interactive, but big scale animatronics and sets

[@ThemeParkOgre]

I agree. Sometimes simple is best - a solid dark ride with some good animatronics and effects is all we need

[@agentsloan4277]

A Luigi mansion haunted house would be awesome

[@geoffreyblum2014]

I think a Pokémon Snap ride would make more sense, especially if it took after the game where continuous ride throughs would unlock more secrets.

[@m1nouz384]

I’m still really, really hoping for some LOTR at Universal as an expansion. I know it’s probably not gonna happen, but it’s probably my number 1 biggest wish for any theme park

[@ThemeParkStop]

Maybe someday!

Rumour has it LOTR will be in the UK universal park

[@camelotbabe93]

Yep, as there’s already the tour less then 50 miles away, I highly doubt that they would include a version of the wizarding world in the UK resort.

[@mra2zee]

@@camelotbabe93they’re talking about lord of the rings…. Not Harry Potter lol

[@camelotbabe93]

@@mra2zee I’m sorry I must have misunderstood.

[@curioustourists]

Literally planning my life around coming to Orlando from Ireland in 2025 because of these updates Alicia!

[@fashionpanda]

it’s so weird they wouldn’t fast track an immersive pokémon land asap. they would basically be printing money if they did an incredible immersive pokemon experience

[@rebirthoflegend4797]

No idea how much weight to apply to it. But I went to Poseidon's fury in it's last week and the actor who guides you along made extremely overt hints that it was Legend of Zelda replacing the lost continent area.

[@hellomerio]

This is so weird, I predicted some of these things in a video a while back and now hearing rumors about them makes me think I may have predicted the future, lol. Hope they come true, so excited for Universal's future!

[@onlyapp]

Exciting! I just hope they never get rid of ET the Ride.

[@jongrant6385]

Surprised a Pokemon Snap style ride isn't in the making, feels like it might fit this better than a battling ride...

[@NocturneFexy]

I think it makes sense for Japan because AFAIK they have limited space so they kind of have to encompass the franchise in such a small space. I really don't know about Orlando though.

[@presidentfrog4683]

We need a Pokemon Snap ride where you can choose different courses to ride and the Pokemon change every time you ride so you can always see something new. The point of the game would be to take pictures of the Pokemon and the ride system can create interesting or rare scenarios for photo ops via AR, just like in the game. Let's say you take certain actions at key points, just like the game, to create these rare scenarios or uncover rare Pokemon. It could also use a point system instead if they would prefer it to be like the MIB ride. It could use AR to curate the ride personalized to you based on your Poke Ball data. Then after the ride you can pay $10 to keep all your snaps from the ride to build your collection and try and snap them all. Pokemon is a treasure trove of great park ideas. This is an actual gold mine.

[@FvTv_]

I hope simpsons stays open til 2025 summer, I love that ride

[@Jesusiscomingsoon1000]

Same

[@seanmclaughlin3717]

Thanks!

[@ThemeParkStop]

Thank you! Glad you liked the update!

[@transportationuk7656]

Pokémon at Universal will be a huge success.

[@kaileyallen4365]

I'd be willing to bet Universal is waiting for Epic Universe to open to pull guests away from Diagon Alley and then also away from Hagrid's Motorbikes & Velocicoaster before starting any larger construction projects in those two parks. It'd make perfect sense because more people would be visiting their awesome new park with new attractions, giving them a TON of time, money, and space needed to get stuff done. Additionally, I think a legend of zelda area would be PERFECT to reintroduce a new inverted coaster to Universal again. Ever since we lost the Dueling Dragons, they haven't diversified their coaster type a whole lot! I'd love to see a legend of zelda inverted coaster (it could be family friendly in the same sense that Hagrid's is: not too scary for mom & dad to come, but speedy, well-themed, and fun enough for even the more daring coaster enthusiasts to enjoy) maybe themed around your glider in the games? With the new-er concept of a multilaunch inverted coaster starting to gain momentum, Universal has a chance to really do something amazing. I'd love to see that from them! I mean, they've already managed to make the best family friendly coaster I've ever seen out of Hagrid's!

[@isunlloaoll]

Universal is the new king of theme park entertainment. Everything coming from them is filled with excitement and hope. Meanwhile, disney...

[@kuratainoma852]

Pray for Epcot

[@FTChomp9980]

Universal Studios actually listens to fans when comes to Theme Parka meanwhile Disney is shooting themselves in the foot.

[@kennywalker4091]

Universal is a ride focused park, Disney is an experience focused park. It's not a competition.

[@kentslocum]

As someone who never understood the appeal of The Simpsons, I am glad that they may be replaced soon at Universal Orlando. Now we just need the same at Universal Hollywood...

[@vectorwolf]

Losing Simpsons isn't a loss. The area is cheap looking, the IP is tired (not to mention owned by the competition), and the ride is aged and nausea inducing. Pokémon would be a far better and more widely appealing franchise. I lament the loss of Lost Continent though. Not because Poseidon's Fury was good (because it wasn't, really) but because it's one of the last bastions of non -IP content left. I wish theme parks would just lay off the IP thing and create more original content, like the European parks do. Just look at Efteling, for crying out loud. IP is a crutch.

[@DemandMedia.]

Alicia I love watching your videos as a theme park lover its always good to see how you report on new updates !

[@ThemeParkStop]

Thank you!

[@brookebuscemi1290]

springfield in universal orlando is one of my FAVORITE parts. so many good things to eat, and my family and i love the simpsons ride. i’ll be sad to see it go so soon if the rumor’s true.

[@OfficialMisterRogersJr]

I agree with you. 😎👍🏻💯 and This is totally out of order. 🤮👎🏻💯

[@Jeffrey_Siebert]

Thanks for another great update!!!

[@JBAGrim]

The Simpsons stuff getting replaced with Pokemon would be bittersweet. A Pokemon land would be an amazing addition to the park, but the Simpsons ride is oddly one of the most fun rides in that park, and I love the theming of the various sections in the Simpson's cafeteria.

[@squidward_tortelllini]

? the simpsons ride sucks

[@Seroxm13]

I love both the Simpsons and Pokemon. Grew up with both of them in the 90s and early 00s. So yeah, it's bittersweet to see the Simpsons go, but I knew it would happen since Disney own them now.

[@cendresaphoenix1974]

Why not just replace the dinosaur part that don't care about? Or the Nickelodeon part they don't care about... A lot of free space here. The Simpsons being taken down is kinda lame.

[@Nintendofan781]

@@Seroxm13 disney won't do much with it unfortunately

[@KaiDub24]

⁠@@squidward_tortellliniopinions. It’s one of my favorites

[@AmusementInsider]

Going a bit crazy with the interactive rides maybe? They already are not the most popular or highly rated with guests (MIB, Minion Blast); even haunted mansion-style rides that are transformed into shooting rides are always poorly received. These additions don't make sense logically in my opinion. Extrememly odd choices, but excited for them nonetheless.

[@ThemeParkStop]

I get the feeling interactivity is a requirement from the rights holders on these... I am thankful Mine Cart Madness somehow escaped the mandate.

[@AmusementInsider]

@@ThemeParkStop People complaining of too many screens will turn to 'too many shooting rides'

[@cristianchavarria5359]

With Pokemon and Zelda Universal would hit hard on Disney

[@NickiMinajIsCancelled]

I feel like not doing a flying coaster is a missed opportunity for Zelda.. We already have two boat rides at islands, and there is a strong rumor for another boat ride to be added to epic in dark universe.

[@andrewmlinarcik2473]

If universal is able to execute all of this even to some degree, I do not see how they don't surpass Disney as frontrunner in the race. Universal IP for new expansions is in such a better place in terms of popularity than Encanto and Indiana Jones.

[@gregmendoza1915]

The brand loyalty just triumphs all of universal feats. I really want universal to come out ahead. But some people are literally crazy when it comes to Disney shit. Disney can literally serve them shit on a stick but it's got mickey ears on it...

[@gregmendoza1915]

Disney is good at what they do. They target them young and the kids grow into the loyalty. Scary stuff

[@ducktails1695]

@@gregmendoza1915 Brand loyalty will only get you so far. Companies that just sit and rely on "brand loyalty" generally end up going bankrupt eventually, or at least have a big downturn in the company. No company is immune to just sitting on their hands and doing nothing just because their brand has loyal fans.

[@robertgray1756]

As a older gent who first visited these Universal parks in 2002, i'd be happy to see a refreshment of any kind for the Mythical area. It's better than not seeing it used at all.

[@rottab9397]

this means they're gonna waste pokemon on a moving seat screen ride.... Idk about this

[@ugh9671]

I was predicting The Simpsons area would be replaced by a Pokémon land for some time now.

[@TadThuggish]

I like The Lost Continent and wish it was still around in its true form....but those Zelda rumors are good eatin'. I'd rather have that than a land busted.

[@LuisGarcia-pr2tc]

Wow this is big news. I am mad about extending the queue for hagrids. They really need to figure out the delays on that ride and deal with the real problem. Such a fun ride but the wait time is ridiculous

[@bjornemccomb8262]

My little boy is gonna have his mind blown! All his Nintendo favs are gonna be represented!!! Pokémon is a close second…I can’t believe it 😩

[@AdamYJ]

So, I guess the Springfield area of Universal might get rethemed as Pallet Town or whatever the newest starter town is (sorry, I haven’t kept up with Pokemon).

[@jonathanbowers8964]

Yeah. Pallet town makes a lot of sense. I personally wish they would theme it to Fuchsia city (if they have to do Kanto) and then making the ride based on "Pokemon Snap in the Safari Zone"

[@AdamYJ]

@@jonathanbowers8964 What is the newest starter town? I haven't been keeping up with Pokemon. Because, to appeal to kids, they'll probably use that or whichever one is most popular across the franchise. I'm not really the best person to guess at what Universal will do. At 41, I am officially an "old dude" in this field. And kind of an "old nerdy dude" too. So, all the IP I like tend to be too old, too obscure or too foreign. I mean, except Universal Monsters and Nintendo (and I still tend to reach back to the NES days for Nintendo).

[@anonanonymous9670]

@@AdamYJ There's really no newest starter town since the new games are open-world but I guess Mesagoza would count since that's where the tutorial for the game ends

[@SuperIndiedrummer]

Wow Luigi's mansion would be awesome 😎

[@AA-cl2oq]

I haven’t wanted to go to a theme park in a while, this seems exciting and luring!!!

[@madalyn5761]

i haven’t been on the simpsons ride in so long bc it’s the only ride that manages to make me nauseous and i absolutely adore pokémon so i’m not complaining if this rumor does become true 😛

[@Trahzy]

It's likely it would just be re themed to Pokémon with the rest of the land. Which I'm not for personally. That land fits great how it is.

[@BumblestoiseExE]

Pokémon replacing Spiderman in Japan actually makes a lot of sense! Considering where the Hollywood Nintendo area is, and the Transformers ride being right next to it being very outdated at this point. We haven’t seen those designs for the Transformers since 2011 and the new movies are using completely new designs. It’s unlikely the Transformers are going to stay much longer. So, potentially, we could have the Pokemon ride right next to Nintendo land, and maybe someday replacing the mummy ride, the DK coaster attraction. As much as people love the Mummy ride as a ride and how much people love Brendan Frasier, that might be the next attraction to go after Transformers. That’s just my theory, anyway, nobody has to agree.

[@SBOutrich]

Getting rid of the animal show area and making that the battle arena would be cool too

[@vianjelos]

Fear factor live was an interactive show where actual park guest competed..they could use the same arena and have actual guest act as Pokémon trainers to battle. Let the guest user loaner Pokémon just like in the Pokémon stadium games so that the competition is fair and based solely on the skill of the trainer. Ever since they got rid of fear factor there has been a gap for an interactive stage show..so it would make the most sense for it to be Pokémon stadium.

[@fabianugalde3789]

I know everyone loves Nintendo, but I'm honestly disappointed we won't get to see other franchises which I can imagine could have great rides. Some that come to mind are a Megaman dark ride, a Street Fighter simulator ride, multiple Sonic the Hedgehog roller coasters, and much more. Also, is it me, or does it feel like Universal itself is focusing on external properties more than their own?

[@Alex-eo7my]

Literally every single one of these would be AMAZING! Universal is on track to dethrone Disney, especially if these rumors are true

[@TV_Crafts]

I've been a huge Nintendo fan since 2003. A Zelda, Luigi's Mansion, and Pokemon land, along with the confirmed DK and Mario lands sounds like a dream come true. I selfishly hope the Zelda land and movie aren't based off the BotW Zelda games. I want my green tunic boy.

[@CC-nh6gt]

Thank you for all the updates. So excited for the future of US ❤️

[@NicoAnimation]

Wait, does this mean the E.T. ride is now dead? That is a huge bummer if so. I rode it as a kid in Universal Hollywood, my FAVORITE ride, but it was retired in the late 90s. But a couple years ago I got to re-live the ET ride on a trip to Florida! I was so happy that anytime I visited Florida's park the ET ride would still be there. But now you say that area's being replaced with Dreamworks? So is the ET ride gone for good? :(

[@ThemeParkStop]

ET Adventure is still there, and even received upgrades recently. The new upcoming DreamWorks area only replaced Barney, Fievel, and Curious George.

[@NicoAnimation]

@@ThemeParkStop Phew, thank you!!

[@the_bun_e3314]

A Five Nights at Freddy's attraction would be cool! Sally Corp used to have concepts of a ride for sale, but I think they shelved it after Universal got the rights to FNAF.

[@rayeiswriting4372]

They need a house based on jt

[@jimmyhook4852]

I'm all for a Pokémon ride in Universal Orlando :D

[@UndeadNerdT800]

Pokémon just announce their own theme park chain. How do you think it could affect universal?

[@ThemeParkStop]

Just like Nickelodeon having theme park attractions elsewhere and Universal Kids still using SpongeBob in the new Texas park, as long as they stay separate and are uniquely distinct, I don't think it matters.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

@@ThemeParkStop unless if your marvel and simpsons ha ha. But any I love the pokemon ride ideas I’m excited to be a part of it.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

@@ThemeParkStop another question what are you expecting to happen to kang and kodos.

[@zihaozhang3714]

You mean thing with Yomiuriland, it looks like it is not a whole park but just a section of the park going to be based on Kanto. I don’t think it will affect anything what universal is doing because Yomiuriland have a Pokemon section there already called Pokémon Wonder

[@Ihartwalrusguy]

@@zihaozhang3714 plus Hello Kitty has Puroland in Japan but is still available in USJ

[@gregg5958]

Will be a sad day for Simpsons fans. I cannot see Disney building theme park attractions based on this franchise so that means it just would not have a theme park presence at all anymore. At least not in the United States. 😢

[@therealventures]

Universal is really spoiling us and I love it 😊 if this comes true, expect Universal to bring in new crowds!

[@tannerrugg3480]

Bro a Torterra Animatronic would be amazing

[@candycorncrypt]

This all sounds like a DREAM!! 💛🧡🤍

[@donray2435]

Holy hell....gonna be EPIC!

[@luiscomic5138]

@@donray2435 badumtss!

[@kobeangelesdamelio]

Any news on The Simpsons ride in Hollywood? I just started working there in November

[@l.c.8798]

Universal is killing it!! 🎉

[@isabellecrawford-finn8057]

What’s the song at 5:39 ?

[@richardvogel1195]

I hate to see the Simpsons area gone

[@SupermanFan2002]

Great Video Alicia 👍❤️👏

[@kuratainoma852]

After Harry Potter, Dreamworks and Nintendo, please bring the Lord of the Rings & Netflix Series in..

[@taraanddrewwinner7459]

I hope they go with this... spreading out each of these major franchises and giving each its own room to breath in its own miniland is a better option than trying to cram it all into one "Nintendo" land.

[@DcBjørnson]

If all these plans actually come to fruition, I believe Universal will overtake Disney.

[@gabrieldally6044]

Kind of makes me mad how universal has iconic franchises that are still relevant today such as Back to the Future and they do nothing with them

[@AnthonyInacio-hx7wx]

Pokemon replacing Simpsons makes a lot of sense since Pokemon is way more popular and has more wide appeal.

[@robynwolph3836]

When is this happening? I'm planning to go to Universal Studios Orlando Resort in May. Will it be gone by then? I really need some insight as I rarely go to Orlando theme parks.

[@ThemeParkStop]

We definitely do not believe it would be closed that soon

[@robynwolph3836]

Ok. Thank you. That's very good to hear

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I definitely wanna see a Luigi’s Mansion dark ride happen!

[@ElliotyaelMeza]

Yes im just a big pokemon fan and also Orlandos version should be a new pokemon ride rebuilt from the ground up and not copy the spiderman ride building