Is Universal Planning a Wicked Theme Park to Rival Disney?

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Summary

  • Universal my add a Wicked-themed experience to its parks, capitalizing on the success of the movie.
  • Epic Universe in Orlando will feature immersive lands based on popular franchises like How to Train Your Dragon and Super Nintendo World.
  • Speculation suggests Universal may create a Wicked-themed expansion or even a standalone park, enhancing competition with Disney.

Given the triumph of the “Wicked” movie, Universal may be considering establishing a permanent “Wicked”-themed experience within its parks as part of their future plans. Universal’s theme park developments are quite ambitious, including the upcoming debut of Epic Universe in Orlando and the launch of Universal Kids Resort in Texas. Moreover, they are broadening their horror offerings with a new attraction in Las Vegas, for which tickets are now available for purchase.

The upcoming Epic Universe is slated to be the third significant theme park at Universal Orlando, alongside Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The eagerly awaited park boasts five immersive realms, including areas inspired by “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Super Nintendo World,” and “Universal Classic Monsters.” Beyond the captivating realms, Epic Universe will offer 30 diverse dining spots, each designed to whisk guests away to distinct culinary landscapes. Expect to savor a Butterbeer Crêpe in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic or a Mario Burger in Super Nintendo World. This is the first time in over a decade that a fresh theme park will be unveiled in Orlando, making it an exhilarating expansion for Universal enthusiasts.

Recently, Universal Orlando experimented by offering a short-term “Wicked” experience. This temporary event featured opportunities to meet Glinda and Elphaba, themed snacks, unique merchandise, and exhibits showcasing costumes from the movie. It seemed designed to gauge interest in a long-term presence of “Wicked” within the parks. Given the franchise’s lasting appeal, it wouldn’t be unexpected if Universal chose to expand on this concept. In fact, Mark Woodbury, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, suggested as much in a recent interview with The New York Times, stating, “When I saw it, my initial thought was, ‘This is a theme park in the making.'” Interestingly, he used the term “theme park” instead of “land,” fueling speculation about the size of Universal’s future plans.

Could Wicked Have A Home In Universal Studios?

One captivating prospect is that Universal might extend Epic Universe with a themed expansion based on Wicked. Given the ample room for further growth, a gateway transporting guests into the realm of Oz could be a logical inclusion. The universe of Wicked, characterized by compelling narratives, memorable characters, and breathtaking aesthetics, lends itself perfectly to an immersive theme park experience. A dedicated Wicked land or even an entire park could further solidify Universal’s standing as a formidable competitor to Disney. The Wizard of Oz has been a cherished tale for generations, and the Wicked musical-turned-film franchise has only heightened its cultural impact. Realizing the world of Oz within a permanent theme park setting could prove irresistible to fans and transformative for Universal’s expansion plans.

Despite no formal declarations being made yet, the idea of a Wicked theme park adventure continues to be an enticing prospect. For now, enthusiasts can merely imagine and guess about what Universal might be planning, given that Epic Universe is set to debut on May 22, 2025, along with three new resort hotels.

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2025-02-24 00:37