Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Japan) have officially announced that their immersive dark ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will be closing permanently on 22 January 2024. By the time the closure takes place, the popular attraction will have been operating for nearly 20 years.
The attraction first opened in 2004, as a collaborative project between Universal Creative, ride system supplier Oceaneering Entertainment Systems and media creator Threshold Animation Studios. Predominantly, the installation was a copy of the ride by the same name that remains in operation at Universal Orlando Resort – Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Florida, USA).
This iteration of a Spider-Man attraction has become well known in the industry for being a trailblazer in the world of motion-based tracked dark rides, especially with its use in conjunction with 3D multimedia. To keep up with the modern age, the screen based elements of the attraction were given a 4K overhaul during their service life.
Now it seems that Universal Studios has plans for something new, although there has been no official word on the subject. The announcement of this closure, along with the recent retirement of the neighbouring Terminator 2 3D theatre and stage show means that a significant plot of land will become available for development within the park.
In the meantime, fans of the ride have been invited to come and take their final experiences alongside Spider-Man during his ‘Final Campaign’ and, from 4 July 2023 a limited edition commemorative sticker of the attraction will be available to guests upon request at the park.
