It has been rumored for months, and it looks like there is proof to back it up. Universal’s fourth theme park (third gate) will be called Fantastic Worlds. It is quite an exciting name.
Alicia Stella, a theme park writer for Orlando Parkstop revealed the leaked image on Twitter from another user.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: UNIVERSAL'S FANTASTIC WORLDS!
Image by @jacqueshca pic.twitter.com/a49rRkzaWW
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) December 13, 2018
The name Fantastic Worlds was trademarked by Universal back in June. Based on the image it looks like Super Nintendo World will be featured in the park. It makes sense to point out that on the image it does say “ All Content is in Early Development. Do not Distribute.” Universal hasn’t made an official announcement yet regarding a fourth theme park. So nothing else may be official for Fantastic Worlds.
So what could possibly be included in Fantastic Worlds? There is still a lot of IP, Universal could draw from. Let’s just look at some of the rumors that have been floating around about Universal Orlando. Including attractions and lands based off of Lord of the Rings and Star Trek. Not to mention the possibilities of building out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter even more with possible additions from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. On top of that, you have the Jurassic World franchise, which has had dominant performances at the box office. Those are just only a couple of options for Universal’s third gate.
Universal will probably build out Nintendo to the fullest. As Nintendo is home of multiple popular intellectual properties. Universal could also go the video game route and create attractions based on other popular video games/apps like Angry Birds, Fortnite, and Blizzard Entertainment fare. A video game park would be a way to stick out from Disney for sure.
I think we wouldn’t be seeing any of the previous IP’s featured at Universal Studios and Island of Adventures used at Fantastic Worlds, meaning no Transformers, no Kong, and definitely no Marvel. Jurassic World may crossover due to the insane theme park and financial possibilities, and even Back to the Future as a possibility to reintroduce that IP.
Mamma Mia may replace Terminator 2 3D at Universal Studios. That franchise may not fit the Fantastic World theme. Yet maybe properties from Universal’s DreamWorks and Illumination animation studios could work within Fantastic Worlds. Like Secret Life of Pets, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. Also maybe the Shrek reboot could be a part of Fantastic Worlds down the line.
Another option for Fantastic Worlds is for Universal to utilize the semi-abandoned Dark Universe. A themed land dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters, it would do well, and it would give us exciting attractions.
Universal’s Fantastic Worlds has the potential to be another solid theme park. Even if Universal goes out and gets licensing rights for new franchises. It just helps them in the theme park arms race against Disney. Universal look at these properties, I’m trying to help you!
Either way, a park anchored by Nintendo, and featuring other immersive lands should go over well. Universal can go in many directions when it comes to Fantastic Worlds.
I can’t wait for Universal’s Fantastic Worlds to open. Make sure to follow Boardwalk Times as we continue to give updates on Fantastic Worlds.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
