Universal Destinations & Experiences is planning to add “Wicked” to their theme parks as more than just a themed shop.
Wicked Attractions
CEO Mark Woodbury told the New York Times he has secret plans for “Wicked” attractions.
“When I saw it, my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen,'” Woodbury said of the “Wicked” film.
Woodbury didn’t share more, like what kind of attractions or where they would be located. But Universal has been collaborating closely with Universal Pictures in recent years, the NYT pointed out. Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, coinciding with the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The new Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando Resort will include a “How to Train Your Dragon” section based on the successful film series.
“We’ve cultivated a creative and commercial shorthand across our teams, and that ease and comfort with one another allows us to pull levers across the company to amplify our respective strategies,” said Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios.
In November, Universal Orlando Resort opened Wicked: The Experience. In addition to “Wicked” merchandise available for purchase, the store has props and costumes on display amid replicas of the film’s sets. Guests can sometimes meet Glinda and Elphaba.
Universal Studios Hollywood also offered “Wicked” experiences including merchandise, an Emerald City photo op, costume displays, and special food items.
Universal Studios Singapore went all in on “Wicked” with a small version of the Emerald City including replicas of The Hot Air Cafe Float on In and The Emerald Beautification Salon, meet and greets with the witches and The Wizard, Elphaba and Glinda makeovers, and more.
Universal Studios Japan will have special “Wicked” experiences from March 7 through December 31 as part of the “Wicked Celebration.” This will coincide with the release of “Wicked: For Good” in November.
In fact, Universal Studios Japan once had a Land of Oz, complete with Munchkinland and The Emerald City. It featured a shortened version of the “Wicked” Broadway show. The mini-land was open from 2006 to 2011.
Watch our tour of the Wicked Experience at Universal Studios Florida, as well as Nana’s reviews of the Wicked treats at Universal Orlando below:
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