Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
The Jotter is normally focused on the latest news from the Orlando theme parks, but we’ve been keeping our eye on events at Universal Studios Japan. This park will be opening a new Super Nintendo World later this year, which may become the model for a land in Universal’s new Orlando park, Epic Worlds. In an announcement from Japan earlier today, Universal gave more details about the park, as well as launched a new website for the park (currently only in Japanese) and released a Super Nintendo World Japan music video. Perhaps the biggest news is the announcement of a “living video game” where park guests collect virtual coins in a competition against other park goers. Progress in the game is tracked through a mobile app that is synced with wristbands Universal is calling a “Power Up Band”. Only time will tell if this new game will come to Epic Worlds in Orlando.
Gusteau’s Sign at Epcot
Major renovations are underway at Epcot, along with the construction of new attractions. As a sign of Disney’s progress (pun intended), a sign for Gusteau’s was seen being put into place in the France pavilion at Epcot. This once fictional restaurant from the Ratatouille movie by Disney and Pixar is now a reality as part of a new attraction called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This trackless ride is scheduled to open this summer. You can see the ongoing construction of the ride from Disney’s new aerial gondola transportation system, The Skyliner. Just hop on the leg that travels between Epcot and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Polynesian’s Gem, Aunty Kau’iy, Will Be Missed
Sad news. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort lost one of its beloved Cast Members, Kau’ihealani Mahikoa Brandt. Aunty Kau’iy, as she came to be known, started as a hula dancer in Adventureland after being recruited by Disney scouts in the early 1970’s. She eventually became a popular Cultural Ambassador at the resort, where she would spend time with the guests chatting, dancing, and playing the ukulele. She was remembered and honored at a ceremony that finished with a lei being set afloat in the Seven Seas Lagoon from the docks at the Polynesian Village Resort.