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Credit: Inside the MagicSad news, Spider-Man fans – Universal has just announced that The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: The Ride will close its doors for good in 2024.
A thrilling combination of a simulator and dark ride, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has spent years transforming Guests into last-minute reporters for J Jonah Jameson at the Daily Bugle. After boarding a vehicle known as the “Scoop,” Peter Parker’s alias warns riders to “be careful” as this is the “most dangerous night of [his] life.” Guests subsequently encounter the Sinister Syndicate – a group of villains, including the Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus, who are holding the Statue of Liberty hostage – and it’s up to the web-slinging hero to save them.
Originally opening at Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando Resort in 1999, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was an immediate hit with Parkgoers. Universal Studios Japan later introduced its own version of the ride on January 23, 2004. The addition was linked to a huge boost in the Park’s attendance, jumping from 8.8 million in 2003 to 9.9 million the following year.
But now, after two decades, Universal Studios Japan is preparing to say goodbye to the Marvel character: the Resort just announced that The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will close for good in January 2024.
From July 4, 2024, Guests can participate in the ride’s “final campaign,” which will see riders receive a memorable keepsake sticker and also give them the opportunity to purchase exclusive merchandise.
Guests can embark upon one final amazing adventure with Spider-Man until the ride closes for good on January 22, 2024.
Since its opening on January 23, 2004, the popular attraction “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” has brought excitement and exhilaration to many people, including Japanese and international guests. During the last 20 years, it has impressed over 100 million guests.
As a token of our gratitude, the “Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” final campaign will be held from July 4, 2023 (Tuesday) to January 22, 2024 (Monday), which is the last day of the operation. “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” is the first attraction in history to have won the World’s No. 1 Ride award for seven years in a row. This is a ride that has gained tremendous popularity both in Japan and overseas as a super-exciting attraction where you can immerse yourself in an unimaginable sense of reality while running through the streets of New York with Spider-Man on a thrilling adventure.
Rumors started spreading about Universal Japan replacing The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man earlier this year. While there’s still no confirmation about its replacement, there have been whispers about a potential Pokémon dark ride – marking the first Pokémon attraction at the Universal Parks.
There’s also been speculation about the future of both Spider-Man and Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure over at Universal Orlando in recent years due to contractual agreements between Disney and Universal regarding the use of Marvel IP (which is why Walt Disney World doesn’t have its own Avengers Campus). However, considering that the contract is still in good standing – and considering how popular the attraction, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom Fearfall, and the surrounding Marvel Super Hero Island remain in the theme park – it’s safe to assume it won’t meet the same fate any time soon.
Universal Studios Japan also announced two more attraction closures. Backdraft (a fire special effects show previously also found in Universal Studios Hollywood) and T2-3D: Battle Across Time (the Terminator show that also once operated at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida) have both remained closed since the Park’s COVID-19 closure in 2020. The Resort today confirmed that neither will reopen. It’s also set to close Jurassic Park: The Ride for an extensive two year closure where the ride is expected to be refurbished into Jurassic World: The Ride.
What’s your favorite Universal Park attraction? Whether it’s at Universal Studios Japan or Universal Orlando Resort, let us know in the comments!