Universal has the Pokémon deal theme park fans have spent years waiting for — but little to show for it so far.Pokémon has long seemed like a natural fit for Universal. The company has turned Nintendo properties into major theme park draws with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, while its relationship with The Pokémon Company has grown through parades, shows, and seasonal entertainment at Universal Studios Japan.Credit: Warner Bros.That relationship took a major step in January. Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company announced a new global project promising more immersive Pokémon experiences, with Japan set to debut the concept before it expands across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ wider global footprint.Seven months later, there is still no confirmed U.S. destination, opening date, attraction lineup, or clear explanation of what those experiences will actually involve.Credit: Universal Studios JapanUniversal’s Pokémon Plans Remain Unconfirmed in OrlandoThe resort confirmed this year that The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure will close in phases for a new themed area.Poseidon’s Fury and The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad are already gone, demolition has accelerated throughout 2026, and Mythos Restaurant is expected to close in 2027.That has intensified speculation that Pokémon could take over the land between Seuss Landing and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Rumors have included a Pokémon Snap-style dark ride and interactive elements, but none have been confirmed by Universal.Credit: UniversalThere are obvious reasons the theory refuses to die. Universal has promised Pokémon experiences beyond Japan, The Lost Continent is being cleared for redevelopment, and the franchise would give Islands of Adventure another huge family-friendly property alongside Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Marvel.Still, the key detail has not changed: Universal has never confirmed Pokémon for Islands of Adventure.Even as construction walls have expanded and demolition has continued, the company has stayed quiet on what will replace The Lost Continent. Its January Pokémon announcement also stopped short of naming Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing, Singapore, or any other specific resort in the planned global rollout.Disney Suddenly Enters the Pokémon PictureWhile Universal keeps its theme park plans under wraps, Disney has now made a Pokémon move of its own.Credit: DisneyDisney+ announced a global distribution agreement with The Pokémon Company International on August 28. The deal includes the new stop-motion series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, created with Aardman and set to debut on Disney XD and Disney+ in 2027.The agreement also includes Pokémon the Series: The Beginning. The classic series, following Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s earliest adventures, began airing on Disney XD earlier this month and is now streaming on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets.There is no indication that Disney’s deal extends to theme parks. Universal remains the company with the announced Pokémon theme park partnership, and its January statement said unique Pokémon experiences would eventually spread across its global footprint.Credit: Universal Studios JapanThat leaves the two companies in an unusual position. Disney has suddenly put Pokémon front and center in its streaming strategy, while Universal — the company promising to physically bring the franchise into more parks — has offered almost no new details since January.At Islands of Adventure, the construction is real. The Pokémon land is not — at least, not officially.Would you like to see Pokémon at a Universal theme park?The post Universal Falls Quiet on Pokémon Theme Park Plans, Disney Signs New Deal appeared first on Inside the Magic.