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Fans excited about 'Nintendo world' coming to Universal Parks

ORLANDO, Fla. — Mario and friends are coming to Universal Orlando’s theme parks.

The creative visionaries behind Nintendo's legendary worlds and characters are working together with the creative teams behind Universal's blockbuster theme park attractions. Their goal: to bring the characters, action and adventure of Nintendo video games to life within Universal theme parks in new and innovative ways that capture what makes them so special.

“We're going to be able to create an entire Nintendo world, and as we continue to develop it, that world became more immersive, more involved, more colorful and more exciting and interactive,” Mark Woodbury of Universal Creative said.

The news received positive reactions from fans of all ages.

“We'd like to try new attractions and rides and stuff, and Nintendo is something the kids are interested in,” said visitor Becky Vallance.

All of the adventure, fun and whimsy you experience through a screen will now be all around you -- in breathtakingly authentic ways.

  • Nintendo-themed areas are coming to Universal Studios Japan, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.
  • These will be expansive, immersive and interactive. They will be highly themed and authentic environments filled with multiple attractions, shops and restaurants.
  • Guests will feel as if they are playing inside their favorite games -- this time in real life.
  • There will be something for everyone -- regardless of their age or gaming experience level.
  • Planning and creative work on these areas is well underway; they will open separately over the next several years.

University of Central Florida economics professor Sean Snaith said Nintendo has widespread appeal, which could make the attraction popular for children and adults.

“So I think it just broadens the appeal the way Harry Potter or the way Star Wars does to Disney's largely other character-driven attractions,” said Snaith.

The new themed areas come as the result of a global partnership between Universal Parks & Resorts and Nintendo -- two icons of the entertainment world.

Orlando is one of three cities that will host Super Mario, including Osaka, Japan and Hollywood, California.

Universal theme parks create incredibly popular family entertainment experiences for millions of people based on compelling characters, stories and innovative technology. Nintendo creates remarkable and imaginative games filled with captivating stories and beloved characters.

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