6 Ways Universal Destinations & Experiences is Building for the Future and Fueling Growth
From creating exciting attractions and immersive experiences to entirely new theme parks and resorts, NBCUniversal is growing their theme parks businesses across the globe. Take a look below at some of the most highly anticipated projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences delivered in 2023.
December 06, 2023
1. Universal Studios Japan's Donkey Kong Country
Since its opening in March 2021, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Studios Japan has been immensely popular. In Spring 2024, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will expand by 70% its current size with an all-new area, DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™, based on the globally beloved and popular Nintendo franchise, Donkey Kong ™. On Mine-Cart Madness™, a first-of-its-kind thrilling family coaster, it will seemingly jump across gaps in the track and perform other stunts from the Donkey Kong Country games.
2. Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience.
3. Universal Orlando Resort's DreamWorks Animation Themed Land
In 2024, Universal Orlando Resort will become home to a new set of popular stories from DreamWorks Animations’ franchises, which is part of the NBCU family of companies, in an all-new themed land.
The new land, which occupies approximately four acres of space within the larger resort, will feature opportunities for families to meet popular characters, experience the joy of play and make memories with characters from the films and products they have only imagined. These include Shrek, the top-grossing DreamWorks Animation film of all-time, Trolls, which has over 4B views across Peacock Kids, the two-time Oscar winning Kung Fu Panda and Gabby’s Dollhouse, the global preschool phenomenon that recently celebrated an impressive product milestone at retail, having sold 1 million Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouses. This project adds to our range of experiences in Orlando.
4. Universal Horror Unleashed at AREA15 in Las Vegas
The new concept pairs the company’s impressive expertise in the horror genre with next-level immersive experiences in an all-new format. A variety of unique, immersive, and horror-centric experiences will surround eerie eateries and bone-chilling bar areas. It will deliver on the thrills Universal’s horror fans have come to love and excite anyone looking for a new level of experiential entertainment. In addition, guests can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
5. Universal Orlando Resort's Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort
Universal Orlando Resort announced the addition of two new hotel properties to the Universal Orlando hotels portfolio. Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will each feature 750 guest rooms in the resort’s Prime Value category – bringing the total number of guest rooms across the destination to 10,500 – and are slated to open in early 2025.
6. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Studios Hollywood
It is “game on” as enthusiastic guests enter the giant green pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom to experience the highly immersive and interactive land to become an integral part of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach’s exhilarating universe.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an all-new, visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.
From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.
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