Epic Universe, Universal’s new theme park in Orlando slated
to open in 2023, will get a Super Nintendo World, as has been widely speculated
since the new park was announced.
The Universal Hollywood Resort also will get a Super
Nintendo World.
During parent company Comcast’s earnings call on Thursday, executives
confirmed that the land will come to the domestic parks.
Super Nintendo World will open this summer in Universal Studios
Japan in Osaka.
Comcast CFO Michael Cavanagh said Universal Studios Japan dragged
down earnings for Universal’s parks in Q4. Parks revenue was up 3.2% to $1.6
billion, but adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) was down 4.5% to $646 million because of softness in Japan,
he said.
“Looking forward, we remain confident in our outlook for
growth in the parks business, which will benefit from our robust pipeline of
new attractions,” Cavanagh said.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said the fourth quarter was “challenging”
for NBCUniversal’s theme parks, but the year overall was solid. He is
particularly bullish on Super Nintendo World’s opening in Japan and its effect
on attendance there.
Citing the 2021 opening of a Universal park in Beijing and
Epic Universe’s 2023 opening, Roberts said, “The parks business is set up for
growth for years to come.”