Obviously, these are just rumors so far but it does make a lot of sense. Saturday Night Live is an iconic brand that Universal owns, and Universal’s strategy seems like they want more of their own IP in their parks, and less of properties they don’t outright own.
Escape rooms coming to theme park destinations seem overdue. In the past, I’ve heard rumblings of Disney doing their own escape rooms. So, Universal creating themed escape rooms at CityWalk would work. It seems like an untapped market within the experience industry.
Orlando ParkStop’s Alicia Stella located permits for interior demolition that may add more fuel to the fire on these rumors. Stella also pointed out that Universal trademarked the name “Universal’s Great Movie Escape” a couple of years ago with the sole purpose of using it for escape room attractions.
Screamscape also reported the Universal Legacy Store could get replaced by a beer garden concept. Orlando Weekly then pointed out that the plans sound similar to Wubei Craft Food and Beer, a restaurant concept that debuted at Universal Beijing’s CityWalk. The concept was designed by Universal Creative, which also designed Red Oven Pizza Bakery and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
So, a Saturday Night Live comedy club, Universal’s Great Movie Escape, and Wubei Craft Food and Beer all coming to Orlando’s CityWalk? It’s possible and these are the perfect type of projects to hold us over before Universal’s Epic Universe theme park which is slated to open in 2025.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
