Pokemon Land at Universal: Time to Say Goodbye to Springfield?

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Hey Universal Vacationers! Universal might be getting ready to say goodbye to The Simpsons — and hello to Pokémon.

Rumors have been swirling that Universal Studios Florida could be planning to replace Springfield with a Pokémon-themed land, bringing Pikachu, Poké Balls, and digital catching quests to real life. And based on recent moves from both Universal and Disney, this rumor might be more than fan fiction.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why Pokémon makes sense, and how Japan might already be leading the way.

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Universal’s Survey Hints at Pokémon Testing

In early 2025, Universal Studios Hollywood hosted a special event called Fanfest Nights. It was a hit, and now Universal is exploring more after-hours experiences, possibly at both Hollywood and Orlando parks.

To help shape the next version of Fanfest Nights, Universal sent a survey to Annual Passholders — and one of the intellectual properties it asked about was Pokémon.

Even more interesting: Universal asked if guests would be interested in a Pokémon Go-style experience, where digital Pokémon would be hidden around the park and could only be found by interacting with in-park tools, much like how Disney’s Batuu Bounty Hunters game works inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.

According to theme park reporter Jim Hill, this isn’t just about one special event. Universal may be using these surveys to test fan interest in a much larger Pokémon project inside its theme parks.

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Why Pokémon Makes Sense for Universal

Look—this rumor doesn’t sound wild when you consider the bigger picture.

Universal has already struck gold with Super Nintendo World, which launched in Japan, Hollywood, and now, Epic Universe in Florida. Pokémon would be a natural follow-up.

Here’s why:

• Multi-generational fanbase: Pokémon has been around since the ‘90s. Kids, teens, and adults all know and love it.
• Mobile game synergy: Pokémon Go was a massive success and continues to thrive.
• Character popularity: Pikachu, Squirtle, Jigglypuff—these characters are just as recognizable as Mario or Minions.
• Merchandising potential: Let’s be real… people will definitely buy exclusive Universal-only Pokémon merch.

Universal is looking for big, family-friendly IPs to compete with Disney’s hold on younger audiences. Pokémon fits that mission perfectly.

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Would Pokémon Replace Springfield?

That’s the current rumor — and the timeline backs it up.

The Simpsons land, which includes The Simpsons Ride, Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern, and Lard Lad Donuts, has been a staple of Universal Studios Florida since 2013. But the franchise is owned by Disney, and Universal is only using it through a licensing deal.

That deal is set to expire in 2028.

With Universal shifting focus toward long-term projects (especially post–Epic Universe), replacing Springfield with something newer — and not tied to a competitor’s IP — makes a lot of sense.

Even Disney seems to be preparing for the end of the deal. On September 29, 2025, Disney surprised fans by announcing a new Simpsons movie set to release on July 23, 2027. At the same time, Disney announced a deal for four more seasons of The Simpsons.

Why now?

It could be Disney building up the franchise’s value to negotiate stronger licensing terms with Universal. Or it could signal that Disney is planning to bring The Simpsons into its own parks once Universal’s deal ends.

According to Jim Hill, Disney very much wants the theme park rights. Data shows that Simpsons fans overlap with Disney animation fans — and the show’s popularity on Disney+ supports that.

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Why Springfield Hollywood Could Stay

While Springfield in Orlando may be on the chopping block, Universal Studios Hollywood might keep its version of the land longer (if a deal between Disney and Universal can be agreed upon).

Here’s why:

• Location logistics: Springfield acts as the main gateway to the Lower Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood. Changing it would cause major guest flow issues during construction.
• Higher detail: The Hollywood version includes more detailed props, easter eggs, and unique nods to the show than the Florida counterpart.
• Creator connection: The Simpsons’ showrunners and writers have been known to visit Universal Studios Hollywood’s version specifically, praising its recreation of the show’s setting.

So even if Florida moves toward Pokémon, Hollywood may hold onto Springfield — at least for now.

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Universal Studios Japan May Already Be Leading the Way

Let’s talk about Japan — because Universal has already started building out Pokémon experiences overseas.

In October 2021, The Pokémon Company and Universal Studios Japan announced they had entered a long-term partnership to “jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022.”

That partnership became real in March 2023, when Universal Studios Japan debuted the No Limit! Parade. This was the first parade in a Universal park to feature official Pokémon characters, alongside Mario, Hello Kitty, and others.

And in January 2024, Universal Studios Japan closed The Amazing Spider-Man ride after its Marvel licensing agreement expired. According to insiders, one of the top IPs being considered for that space is — you guessed it — Pokémon.

If Japan rethemes Spider-Man to Pokémon, it will be the first permanent ride dedicated to Pokémon inside any Universal park. That would act as a proof-of-concept for similar lands or attractions coming to Florida or elsewhere.

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So… What Would Pokémon Land Replace?

Here’s the part that longtime Universal fans might have mixed feelings about: Springfield.

Yes, The Simpsons land—home to:

• The Simpsons Ride
• Moe’s Tavern
• Krusty Burger
• Lard Lad Donuts
• Duff Brewery

It’s all themed to the iconic Fox series. But here’s the thing: The Simpsons is owned by Disney. Universal’s rights to use the brand are tied to older licensing deals, and that agreement is currently set to expire in 2028.

This is a major factor. It gives Universal a logical window to begin planning a replacement—especially with the company’s attention now shifting toward long-term development post–Epic Universe.

Springfield has been around since 2013. That’s over a decade ago. If Universal wants to refresh that part of the park with something new, Pokémon would be a top-tier choice.

And Springfield—sitting near Men in Black and across from Diagon Alley—offers prime real estate for something new.

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What Might Pokémon Land at Universal Include?

While nothing is confirmed, here’s what fans are speculating based on the Pokémon Go-style survey and Universal’s history of themed lands:

• Interactive Pokémon-catching quests, accessible through an app or wearable device
• Trainer battle zones where guests can challenge friends in live-action games
• Character meet-and-greets with Pikachu, Ash, and Team Rocket
• Themed quick-service food, like Poké Ball snacks or region-inspired dishes
• Exclusive in-park Pokémon you can’t get anywhere else — not even in Pokémon Go
• A major ride or simulator, potentially a retheme of The Simpsons Ride track layout

If Universal follows its Super Nintendo World blueprint, expect high theming, interactive technology, and mobile integration — all layered with Pokémon nostalgia.as their cards in a shoebox. Right now, this is all speculation and examples of what Universal could do.

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WhWhen Could Pokémon Land at Universal Open?

Let’s look at the timeline:

• Epic Universe now open, freeing up Universal’s development teams.
• The Simpsons contract ends in 2028, allowing Universal to replace Springfield without legal hurdles.
• Universal is already testing Pokémon interest with guest surveys and interactive concepts.
• Japan could open a Pokémon ride as early as 2026, giving Universal time to evaluate guest response before launching similar experiences in the U.S.

So realistically, we could see Pokémon Land at US Universal Parks as soon as 2028–2031, depending on how quickly Universal wants to move — and whether Disney tries to re-up the Simpsons deal.

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Final Thoughts: Would Pokémon Land at Universal Be a Game-Changer?

There’s a lot of smoke — and now, more fire.

With Disney leaning harder into The Simpsons (new movie, more seasons, stronger branding) and Universal deepening its partnership with The Pokémon Company in Japan, it looks more and more likely that Springfield in Orlando is living on borrowed time.

Whether this land opens in 2028, or beyond, the idea of a Pokemon Land at Universal feels more like a “when” than an “if.”

And honestly? It may be time.

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