DISNEY AND UNIVERSAL PARKS OFFER ZOOM BACKGROUNDS

BY GABRIELLE

Video meeting technology like Zoom and Skype have proven to be a godsend during lockdown, enabling friends and family to connect remotely and chat to one another from the safety of their own homes.

To make such meetings more fun, the video communications software Zoom offers a virtual background feature, allowing users to display an image or video as their background during a Zoom call.

Both Disney and Universal have made photos from their parks available to Zoom users as video chat backgrounds.

Inspiring images from the popular theme parks are available as backgrounds, including Tokyo DisneySea, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Epcot, Pandora: The World of Avatar, Pixar Pier, Sleeping Beauty Castel at Disneyland, Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Castaway Cay and the Disney Cruise Line, the Studio Tour Tram, and other snaps of some of the most popular and iconic attractions at Disney and Universal resorts.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD ON TRACK FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

BY GABRIELLE

Super Nintendo World, the theme park that is centred on the well-known video game franchises from Nintendo, looks set to be a feature in theme parks around the world.

The Mario-themed world is due to open at Universal Studio’s park in Osaka, Japan this summer. Nintendo World is also opening as part of Universal Orlando’s new 570-acre theme park, Epic Universe.

The company has announced the popularity of Super Nintendo World is prompting the opening of the new parks across the globe.

Further Super Nintendo Worlds are also set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore.

A peep into what might be in store at Super Nintendo World Japan was recently showcased in a video fronted by English pop star Charli XCX.

The video shows visitors interacting with the land via purpose-made wristbands and an app. The interactive nature of the world is to give visitors the feeling that they are physically participating in their own video game.

UNIVERSAL BEIJING RESORT UNVEILS DETAILS OF KUNG FU PANDA LAND

BY GABRIELLE

Universal Beijing Resort has released details about its ‘Kung Fu Panda the Land of Awesomeness’, one of several lands that the resort will launch in 2021.

The land will be the first themed area in Universal theme parks to be themed on the animated film of Kung Fu Panda.

‘Kung Fu Panda the Land of Awesomeness’ is to vibrantly re-live the enchanting story of Kung Fu Panda, as Pando Po overcomes many an obstacle in his quest to become a master of martial arts.

With indoor attractions, the land will be devoted to providing visitors with a ‘Chinese legendary experience.’

Guests can enjoy a full immersive experience, with innovative technology and striking Kung Fu Panda sets. Among the iconic sets will be many a Kung Fu Panda favourite, including Emerald Palace, Panda Village and Peach Tree of Wisdom.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TO LAUNCH NINTENDO THEME PARK IN JAPAN IN 2020

BY GABRIELLE

Universal Studios is to launch a Nintendo theme park in 2020. Super Nintendo World is to open in Osaka, Japan in the spring, in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The theme park will feature rides based on Super Mario Kart and Yoshi. Nintendo fans will be able to experience an omnimover-style ride, which will propel them down a track with animatronic scenes and views of the park.

Yoshi-themed cars will take guests on a journey through the land. The site will also be home to Bowser’s Castle and Princess Peach’s Castle.

Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resort, announced plans for the new resort during Comcast’s 2019 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference in September.

Williams shared the news that Super Nintendo World will be coming to all Universal worlds across the global, except for Beijing, during the next few years.

Williams also disclosed plans for bringing a magnetic bracelet element to the park that will enable guests to interact with the land’s environment.

By wearing the wristband, guests will be able to track their scores accumulated on the interactive environment of the park.

“You will 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,” said Williams.

UNIVERSAL BEIJING RESORT TO OPEN IN 2021

BY GABRIELLE

Universal Beijing Resort will officially open in 2021. The new Universal Studios theme park was due to open in 2020 but has been put back until the following year.

The first phase of the theme park will feature Universal CityWalk, a retail, entertainment and dining complex, as well as Universal Studios.

The building of the first phase of the development is said to be in its final stages.

Plans are in motion for a further two theme parks to be built at the resort in the future. The site will also be home to the world’s first Universal Studios-themed hotel.

Universal Beijing Resort is located in the eastern suburb of the Tongzhou district of Beijing and will be the biggest Universal Studios theme park in the world.

Feature rides and attractions at the park will be based on well-known characters and stories, including the Minions, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Waterworld, and Kung Fu Panda.

The subway line that will link the resort with Beijing Universal City Avenue will be completed during the final quarter of 2019.

In an announcement about the opening of Universal Beijing Resort, the company said:

“You thought the wait is forever, but actually, it will be 2021.

“This is a gift in advance for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Please expect the grand opening of the Universal Beijing Resort in 2021.”