Report: Universal Studios Japan plans major expansion
A news agency in Japan reports that Universal Studios Japan is planning a major expansion.
According to a report from Nikkei, Universal Destinations & Experiences is planning to spend up to US$1.8 billion to expand Universal Studios Japan onto nearly 15 acres of adjacent land owned by the city of Osaka.
Universal has not yet confirmed the plans, but Osaka's major has posted to social media that an announcement is coming next Thursday.
Like the Tokyo Disney theme parks, Universal Studios Japan is the final boss battle for global theme park fans. Visitors crowd the park nearly every day, with USJ drawing 16 million visitors in 2024, according to the latest TEA Global Experience Index attendance report. That makes USJ the world's third most popular park, behind Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and California's Disneyland.
Unlike at those parks, USJ visitors almost all show up at rope drop and seem to hold PhDs in maximizing park time. That makes navigating the park a challenge for those who do not come prepared or do not buy a Universal Express pass. Clearly, there is demand for more attractions at the park.
Universal previously announced plans for a new Pokemon experience at Universal Studios Japan, with a version of that experience also expected to replace The Lost Continent at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure.
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Replies (2)
I'm guessing it's an expansion to Super Nintendo World, which will I'm effect also tell us what's coming to Orlando further down the line (Nintendo's deal with Universal is that Japan always gets the new licenses first)
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Well said Robert. Those park goers in Osaka are experts in park navigation and they are there early! USJ even more than the Tokyo Disney parks seems mobbed and in great need of more real estate and attractions. It already is a fantastic park. This new expansion will be a win for everyone.