SEIBUEN AMUSEMENT PARK IN SAITAMA, JAPAN TO UNDERGO 1960S’ REVAMP

 BY GABRIELLE

The Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is to undergo a major revamp, centred on a 1960s’ townscape.

The transformation of the park is due to be completed in 2021. The Seiby Railway co. has announced it will spend approximately 10 billion yen ($93 million). The theme park will continue operating during the renovation work.

The project will be assisted by Tsuyoshi Marioka, the company which helped modernise Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

Seibuen Park opened in 1950. The theme park covers an area of approximately 200,000 sq. mt. In the height of its popularity, the amusement site attracted 1.94 million visitors in the business year ending 1989. In the year ending March 2019, this figure had dropped to just 490,000.

With many of the facilities falling into disrepair, the theme park seems to be long overdue a makeover. As Takashi Goto, president of Seibu Holdings Inc., the parent company of Seibu Railway, said: “We want to ensure an increase in the level of satisfaction among visitors.”

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN LAUNCHES ‘HOGWARTS MAGICAL NIGHT – WINTER MAGIC’

BY GABRIELLE

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan has reopened its doors to ‘Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic.’

With festive décor, seasonal entertainment and much more, the Wizarding World is set to become even more magical for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Winter Magic event will feature a projection mapping show on the façade of the mighty Hogwarts Castle. Spells will be cast throughout the show that conjure up snowmen, presents and other items of a Christmas and winter theme.

A magical Christmas tree will be a key feature of the event, located in Hogsmeade Village. Visitors will be able to cast a spell on the tree, causing it to illuminate different ornaments.

To warm up guests during the chilly festive season, hot butterbeer will be being served, alongside other festive treats.

Adding some more festive cheer to the proceedings will be the Holiday Frog Choir, featuring four Hogwarts students and their frogs.

‘Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic’ commences at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan on November 8, 2019.

UNIVERSAL REVEALS PLANS ABOUT SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

BY GABRIELLE

Universal has shared details about the soon-to-be-opened Super Nintendo World, set to launch at Universal Studios Japan in spring 2020, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resort, shared more details about the new world during Comcast’s 2019 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference that took place on September 11.

Williams revealed that over the next few years, new rides, attractions, games, merchandise and more would be coming to all Universal Parks.

The chairman and CEO also confirmed Super Nintendo Park would be home to two rides, Yoshi’s Adventure and Super Mario Kart. Two themed areas will also feature in the park, centred on Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.

“It’s a whole new separate area of the park. It’s got food. It’s got merchandise. The first phase will have two rides, Super Mario Kart Ride as well as Yoshi’s Adventures.

“It’s the best, and we’ve tested them all, and they’re killers. It’s a great lineup. It takes it to the whole next level. It’s gonna redefine what a park experience is like. It really is special,” Williams commented.

The new park will provide an interactive experience for visitors, with the possibility of Nintendo Switch integration and with Nintendo-themed magnetic wristbands.

Talking about the interactive wristband, Tom Williams said:

“The wristband is super cool. It’s all magnetic. You slap it at your wrist, and it just snaps on, and it won’t come off.

“You’ll be able to go up and keep score and play with the various games, and that also translates to a score-keeping capability if you choose to do so within the rides and it actually interfaces back with your game console,” Williams added.