Universal Parks around the world are now officially planned to receive Pokémon experiences, and not just Universal Studios Japan. This according to an official joint announcement from the companies today. So far only Japan has had Pokémon characters and experiences in its park, but that’s about to change.
Let’s dig into today’s announcement, and see what it could be mean for Orlando, in today’s breaking news update. See the video version of this story below for additional visuals.
Today, Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company announced a plan to offer more “innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences.”
As part of the announcement Universal said “A bold new global project is set to begin at Universal Studios Japan, creating unprecedented and innovative experiences in collaboration with Pokémon…”
Official partnership image from today’s announcement
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal said:
“Collaborating with imaginative and inventive storytellers fuels our ability to create and deliver mind-blowing attractions and experiences that shatter guest expectations. The Pokémon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come.”
Looking at a translated version of the announcement on social media sites, it says:
“Based on a hyper-realistic experience that stimulates all five senses, it brings the Pokémon world to life in an unprecedentedly interactive and rich way.”
Official social media post on X, translated to English
This announcement comes as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It represents a broadening of the two companies’ existing partnership.
Originally partnering with Universal Japan back in 2021, the companies have introduced Pokémon characters into that park via parades and shows. So far a ride or permanent attraction has not yet been announced.
Official graphic for Spider-Man ride closing, Image: Universal Studios Japan
It is believed that Pokémon will be getting its first ride at a Universal park in Japan, taking over the now closed Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride in the New York section of that park. Despite visible work now happening on the exterior queue area of that former attraction, an announcement for its replacement has not yet been announced.
A partnership between The Pokémon Company that extends beyond Universal Studios Japan had not been announced until today, with all official press releases only ever referring to the Universal Japan park specifically.
Excerpt from today’s announcement, Source
Today the companies revealed that “following its debut in Japan, Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint.”
Rumors for where the property, which is one of—if not the—most popular in the world, could go in Orlando have focused on the Lost Continent area of Islands of Adventure.
Permits for demolition of this area, which has seen both of its remaining attractions close permanently in recent years, were posted in 2025. Universal Orlando has confirmed that work will start shortly in the area to make way for new experiences in the future.
Today’s joint announcement from Universal and The Pokémon Company is vague, saying that more info to be released later.
Aerial view of Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure, Photo: @bioreconstruct
The key takeaway, is that the Pokémon-Universal partnership appears to have expanded beyond just Universal Studios Japan, and now includes Universal parks around the world, including Orlando, which was mentioned by name in the press release.
A timeline for these experiences, and when they would be rolled out across the world, was not announced. But with demolition set to start this year in Lost Continent, many fans are eagerly awaiting more information, and further confirmation.
Pokemin in No Limit! Parade, Photo: Universal Studios Japan
Stay tuned to the site or subscribe to the YouTube channel for continuing coverage on possible Pokémon experiences and rides coming to Orlando, and see our latest story for official details and the latest construction on the new Fast & Furious drifting coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida.
Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Images: Universal Studios Japan | Original Photos: Alicia Stella | Aerial Photos: @bioreconstruct | Other Images as Captioned
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Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes to the Orlando theme parks. She is also co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.