Leaked Models Show Plans for Nintendo World at Universal Studios
Posted on July 08 2019 by Charles Xavier
Earlier this morning, some photos leaked of a concept model showcasing a land for Nintendo World designed for Universal theme parks. The images were found and shared on social media by The Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast, showing the main courtyard areas for Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country.
Notably, the images are from 2016, and it has been pointed out by Orlando Park Stop that Donkey Kong’s addition to the model suggests it was part of the now-cancelled plans for a Nintendo-themed land in the KidZone area of Universal Orlando. The plans were presumably moved to a new Universal theme park being built nearby, provisionally named “Fantastic Worlds”.
The models are certainly legitimate, as Orlando Park Stop goes on to informatively reveal. Barring the Donkey Kong Country section, the concept model is nearly identical to what is currently being built in Universal Japan. Furthermore, the model is in line with concept art released in Japan and Singapore, as it features many of the same landmarks.
I can’t wait for this to get built; I’d love to visit a Nintendo-inspired theme park! It seems like it has a lot of potential, and of course I’m hoping we get an area for The Legend of Zelda – preferably a whole Zelda theme park on it’s own!
Will you be visiting Nintendo World once it opens? What are some attractions you are hoping to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: The Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast (via Orlando Park Stop)
Charles is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. He is a Visual Development artist focused on enviroments and pitch paintings. Check out his Instagram and Twitter to see his latest artworks, a lot of which is Zelda fan art! His favorite candy is Skittles – he feels the world should know this.
