Credit: William Warby, FlickrIt looks like big changes could be on the horizon for Universal Orlando Resort, especially when it comes to the future of Springfield and The Simpsons in the park.
According to rumors circulating the theme park world, The Simpsons’ contract with Universal is set to expire in 2028. This could mean we’re saying goodbye to Springfield and hello to something entirely new. But what might that be?
If the rumor mill is to be believed, the beloved Pokemon franchise could be moving in to take over the area. And that’s not all—word on the street is that The Legend of Zelda might find a home in The Lost Continent over at Islands of Adventure.
With the highly anticipated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD set to open in Epic Universe, these changes could give Universal a Nintendo presence in all three of its major theme parks.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—what about Men In Black: Alien Attack? This iconic ride has been a fan favorite for years, sitting right next to Springfield in Universal Studios Florida.
While there hasn’t been any official word from Universal, the prospect of the Men In Black ride shutting down is something we’ve all quietly speculated about for a while. Sure, it’s a fun attraction, but let’s be honest, it’s had its fair share of technical hiccups over the years.
Given its proximity to Springfield, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to imagine that the ride could be on the chopping block if Universal decides to revamp the area for something massive, like an entire new land.
Rumors suggest that if Pokemon does take over Springfield, Universal could potentially create a large, immersive land, and that might mean bulldozing Men In Black: Alien Attack to make room for it. It’s all speculation at this point, but it’s hard not to wonder what the future holds for this quirky ride.
Sure, it’s fun to blast away at aliens with Will Smith guiding you, but with new technology and immersive lands popping up left and right, you have to wonder if Men In Black is starting to feel a little dated. Could this be Universal’s chance to bring in something fresher and more exciting?
On the other hand, the ride has a loyal fan base. People love the interactive element and the nostalgic Men In Black vibe. There’s something satisfying about earning your score and getting your photo snapped mid-alien battle.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Universal decided to keep Men In Black: Alien Attack around, perhaps with some much-needed upgrades to the tech and the ride experience. But the bigger question is, does the ride still fit into Universal’s vision of the future?
When you look at Universal’s trajectory—especially with the introduction of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Epic Universe—it’s clear that they’re focusing on immersive, interactive lands that go beyond just a ride or two. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is shaping up to be a game-changer, with interactive elements, themed dining, and, of course, attractions that bring you right into the world of Mario and friends.
If Universal is planning to expand its Nintendo footprint across all three parks, you can bet they’re going to go all-in on creating a truly immersive experience for Pokemon and Zelda fans.
Just imagine stepping into a Pokemon world, complete with interactive elements that let you “catch ’em all,” themed dining where you can enjoy dishes inspired by the franchise, and cutting-edge attractions that transport you right into the middle of a Pokemon battle.
It’s the kind of thing that could rival anything Disney has going on, especially for fans who have grown up with the Pokemon games, shows, and movies.
As for The Legend of Zelda potentially coming to The Lost Continent, that’s another exciting possibility. The area has always been a bit underutilized, and bringing in a popular franchise like Zelda could breathe new life into it.
Imagine wandering through Hyrule, solving puzzles, and embarking on epic adventures just like Link. With Zelda’s rich lore and iconic settings, it could easily become one of the most popular lands in Islands of Adventure.
At the end of the day, Universal hasn’t confirmed anything yet, and it’s all just speculation at this point. But with 2028 creeping closer, you can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens to Springfield, Men In Black: Alien Attack, and The Lost Continent.
Whether The Simpsons stays or Pokemon takes over, one thing is for sure—big changes are coming to Universal Orlando Resort, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
What do you think the future holds for Universal Orlando Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!