Comcast’s (CMCSA) -) Universal Studios Hollywood is always hard at work reimagining its theme park, in an effort to continue to give new and exciting experiences to its guests.
Universal Studios Hollywood opened the first Super Nintendo World in the United States in February, while the very first Super Nintendo World in the world opened in Universal Studios Japan in 2021. The collaboration between Universal Studios and Nintendo (NTDOY) -) has been epic and unbelievable at the same time. You might think that the park was geared toward just kids, but adults want to experience the excitement of the theme park as well.
Universal Studios is still expanding its immersive experience to include more of the beloved Nintendo characters that bring so much nostalgia to many, but also excite the younger fans as well.
Toad, Princess Peach’s trustworthy assistant, is now a character that guests can meet and get photos with. While Toad isn’t a superstar from the Nintendo line up, it is definitely good to see all the characters getting a chance to step out into the crowds.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Next Ride Coming Fast and Furious
Another box office hit series that is being brought to Universal Studios Hollywood is replacing a controversial attraction that finally closed earlier this year. Universal’s Animal Actors and Special Effects Show closed on Jan 8. Animal Actors attractions have been part of Universal’s productions since back into the 1970’s, according to Theme Park Insider. Closing the attraction was long overdue to do animal rights.
Replacing the outdated attraction is the new Fast and Furious roller coaster. The Animal Actors and Special Effects Show official demise allows for Universal Studios Hollywood to break ground on the new project, which was reportedly in the worlds before 2020, but like many things got derailed during the pandemic according to WDW News Today.
Since 2001, the Fast and Furious franchise has made 10 movies, earning Universal Studios $6 billion worldwide. The franchise was listed at the seventh highest grossing film franchise, according to CNBC in 2021, before the 10th movie came out.
Even though construction has begun the official name of the coaster is yet to be shared with the public or a projected completion date.
"Equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic Fast & Furious universe, this all-new roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences' decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme park destinations," the Universal Studios Hollywood said in the press release.
Buckle up… our new Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster is officially under construction! 🚦🚧
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) July 12, 2023
Fast and Furiously Increasing Appeal
Universal Studios Hollywood is launching epic attractions that coincide with its hit movies giving it a one up on one of its main rivals Disney (DIS) -). The launch of the hit "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" has Gen-X ready to go down nostalgia road to collect coins in person at its Super Nintendo World, along with a younger crowd that just as eager to enjoy the immersive gaming experience.
The Fast and Furious series attracts a whole different demographic to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme parks. The permit was filed last year but no announcement followed until now saying, “Construction will soon begin.” Leaving guests with unanswered questions.
We do know that the new ride will be built in the same space as the closed Animal Actors and Special Effects stage show theaters in Universal Studios' upper and lower lots, and will fly through the air taking twists and turns like a corkscrew through the sky, according to Theme Park Insider.
Both Disney and Universal are working to move past attractions that no longer appear in good taste and or are part of a past time that is not reflective of today’s cultures.
Universal is taking down its out-of-date Animal Actors stage, as it may not be humane in some cases, and Disney is retheming Splash Mountain because of its distasteful history behind the "Song of the South" movie theme are steps forward to create a place where all feel welcome and can enjoy themselves.
