Newsletter: In the Loop: $350-million Nintendo-themed land coming to Universal Studios Japan

Welcome to another edition of In the Loop, the Los Angeles Times’ theme park newsletter. I’m Funland theme park blogger Brady MacDonald, and this week, we geek out on the new Nintendo-themed land, try out the new Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park take a ride on a volcano-themed VR coaster and get ready for the “Frozen” musical.

Nintendo

Universal Studios Japan will spend $350 million on a Nintendo-themed land that will rival the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in size and quality.

VR coasters

Two-dozen virtual-reality roller coasters are set to debut this summer as theme parks around the globe prepare to take riders on a physical journey through a digital universe.

Six Flags Magic Mountain will add an alien invasion-themed VR experience to the 40-year-old Revolution coaster.

Belgium’s Bobbejaanland will transform its Revolution indoor coaster into a volcano-themed virtual-reality experience.

Great Wolf Lodge

The oft-delayed $300-million woodsy-themed Great Wolf Lodge opens California’s first indoor water park about a mile from Disneyland.

Thorpe Park

A new “mind-bending” thrill ride coming to the United Kingdom’s Thorpe Park combines magic illusions, virtual reality, 4-D video, CGI footage, live action and special effects.

Disneyland resort

Disneyland will break ground on a 14-acre “Star Wars”-themed land in April but has yet to announce a scheduled completion date.

Tomorrowland’s Super Hero HQ will close April 2 as Spider-Man and Captain America relocate to an undisclosed location in Disney California Adventure.

The “Frozen” musical will debut at DCA’s Hyperion Theater on May 27, which will force the closure of the nearby “Frozen” singalong show on April 17.

Disney CEO Bob Iger tells shareholders he feels “pretty good” about the demand pricing planned for Disneyland that will raise admission costs on the most popular days.

Knott’s Berry Farm

A Utah family sues Knott’s after they allege their 10-year-old son was injured on the Coast Rider roller coaster in 2014.

And finally

Universal Orlando is contemplating a separately ticketed Yule Ball during the winter holidays at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with themed music, food, drinks and dancing.

Still need more theme park news? Check out the Los Angeles Times Funland theme park blog on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram. Also feel free to email me with any feedback on the newsletter.

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