Park notes: Universal’s Nintendo wristbands / Gun at Magic Kingdom / Museum of Illusions

Wristbands coming to Universal’s Super Nintendo World will aim to turn the land in its own video game.

Ahead of the first version of the land opening at Universal Studios Japan this summer, the park revealed the “Power Up” wristbands, which will allow guests to interact with the land in different ways, such as collecting coins by finding Mario’s question mark blocks and battling bosses. All of this will be connected to your smartphone to track your score.

“Super Nintendo World is a life-size, living video game,” Thierry Coup, chief creative officer at Universal Creative, said at the Jan. 13 event in Osaka. “You’re playing it and living the most exciting adventure.”

The event was otherwise scarce on other firm details about the land, keeping with Universal’s habit of staying silent on coming attractions. It did feature the debut of a new music video that includes a glimpse of what may be the ride vehicles for the land’s Mario Kart attraction.

The first U.S. version of Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Despite construction having already begun, Universal has not officially announced the project or when it may open.

Orlando will have to wait until 2023 to get its own Super Nintendo World as part of the new Epic Universe theme park.

Magic Kingdom guest forgot gun was in his bag

A Missouri couple was stopped by Disney World security last month when an unloaded gun was found in their bag — which the father claimed he had simply forgotten.

Citing a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Sentinel said the gun, along with ammunition, was found inside a zipped bag placed inside a purse that was inside a backpack at a security checkpoint outside Magic KIngdom. The report said the 35-year-old man explained it was a gun he bought for wife, and claimed that they forgot to leave in their hotel room.

Disney World policies do not allow any firearms or ammunition in its parks or in its hotel rooms, even with a concealed carry permit.

The couple was not arrested or banned from the parks, but OCSO did take the gun.

It’s far from the first case of a “forgotten gun” at Disney. In May 2019, for example, a 29-year-old from Daytona Beach also said he forgot about a gun in his backpack before trying to enter Magic Kingdom. In that case, he was charged with a felony. In December 2019, another man was arrested outside Animal Kingdom after a bag check found a gun in his bag, after police said he tried to enter the park through the “no bag” line at the security checkpoint.

Museum of Illusions coming to Icon Park

A new interactive experience is coming to Icon Park along International Drive: the Museum of Illusions.

The museum will feature exhibits that play visual and sensory tricks on guests, such as an upside-down room, all while explaining the science behind what you think you’re seeing. Unlike other museums, guests are encouraged to “laugh, scream, run and take photos,” according to a press release.

“Icon Park is proud to offer one of the largest selections of entertainment options in Central Florida. From thrilling attractions to top-tier museums to world-class restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Chris Jaskiewicz, president and CEO of Icon Park, said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome the Museum of Illusions into the ICON Park family and know our guests are sure to be amazed at what they’ll see.”

The museum is set to debut this summer.

The complex formerly known as I-Drive 360 and Icon Orlando is set to add two other attractions this year: a 300-foot-tall slingshot ride called the Orlando Slingshot and the 400-foot-tall Orlando Gyro Drop Tower.

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