Confirmed: Pokémon ‘Experience’ Coming to Universal Studios Locations Worldwide. Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company just confirmed they are working on a massive new project together. While the collaboration started back in 2021 with parades and shows, this new update is much bigger: these Pokémon experiences are officially going global. We will see Pokémon at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the US in the future.
From the Universal Japan Press Release: Universal Studios Japan is pleased to build on its existing collaboration with The Pokémon Company to embark on a project to create an unprecedented interactive Pokémon experience. After its debut in Japan, this new Pokémon experience will be rolled out to Universal Destinations & Experiences’ (headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA) global locations. Further details about the project will be announced at a later date.
The project will start at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. But here is the most important part for fans outside of Japan: once it debuts there, it will move to Universal’s other locations around the world.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, based in Orlando, Florida, plans to roll out this “unprecedented” experience to its global parks. This means we will eventually see Pokémon-themed areas or attractions at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and possibly the new Universal Kids resort being built in Texas!
At Universal Orlando, ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ was just announced, and rumors have been swirling about a replacement of the former Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure Park. Other blogs are reporting this will be the location of the new Pokémon Experience coming to Universal Orlando, but nothing has been confirmed!
Until now, most Pokémon’s presence in theme parks has been temporary or limited to Japan. By bringing this to their global locations, Universal is positioning Pokémon as a core part of its international identity, similar to how it handled Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Confirmed: Pokémon ‘Experience’ Coming to Universal Studios Locations Worldwide
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Destinations & Experiences
”Our collaboration with The Pokémon Company, which captivates the world with its imaginative and innovative content development, gives us the power to create incredible attraction experiences that exceed our guests’ expectations. Pokémon is one of the most beloved franchises around the world, and through this ongoing partnership, we will bring the fascinating world of Pokémon to our guests in innovative ways.”
Takashi Murayama, President of USJ LLC
”Since October 2021, Universal Studios Japan has been working with the talented people at The Pokémon Company to develop a variety of content, including parades and stage shows, to deliver a ‘realistic Pokémon experience’ to guests both in Japan and overseas. Now, together with Pokémon, beloved around the world, we will create an unprecedented, innovative experience. We are very pleased that this global project, which will be shared with the world, will be launched from Universal Studios Japan.”
”We believe this global project will go beyond the boundaries of traditional entertainment, provide guests with experiences that far exceed their expectations, and make a meaningful contribution to society. These are the very embodiment of the ‘NO LIMIT!’ spirit, and we look forward to its future.”
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company
”Since announcing our medium- to long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan’s outstanding creative vision and world-class technical capabilities to produce a variety of ‘real-life Pokémon experiences,’ including the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween show.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and we are extremely pleased to be able to fully launch this new project with you all at this major milestone. Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through the existence of Pokémon, and we produce Pokémon every day. With this project, too, we hope to create new entertainment that is unique to theme parks, as a rich experience in the real world, and continue to provide surprises to people all over the world.
