Hey Thrill Seekers,
With the news this week that Universal have the go-ahead on planning permission from the government I thought I would start a blog with all the information we have on the UK Universal Theme Park set to open in 2031 and add to it as and when we know more information.
I know 2031 sounds super far away, but I thought the same thing when Epic Universe was announced alllll those years ago and in the blink of an eye I was soaring through Isle of Berk with Hiccup!
What We Know So Far:
Where will it be?
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom in Bedford.
The project will also lead to an expanded Wixams railway station and new direct slip roads from the A421. There is also rumours of Luton Airport being expanded.
What will it include?
According to current plans, a theme park (duh!) which will be nothing like the UK has seen before, a 500 room hotel and a dining/entertainment/shopping complex (UK’s very own City Walk?!) They purchased over 500 acres of land so lots of space for fun!
When will it open?
It is expected to open some time in 2031 with construction set to start next year (2026)
What rides / attractions will there be?
Universal have given no indication on what themes and IP’s they’re planning to use for the UK park however planning applications point toward a 115 metre tall coaster (yay!) and the concept art appears to show 4 different lands.
Some of the rumours for IP’s they could acquire are James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Paddington, Back to the Future along with rumours of seeing already owned properties such as Jurassic, Minions, Shrek and Nintendo.
Surely we also have to see the Wizarding World in some aspect?! Although licensed from a third party (Warner Bros), and those licenses have specific regional terms and may not automatically apply in the UK theme park scenario. Could we see some of the ideas from Jamie’s blog in the UK?!
There has also been reports that Universal has also registered or filed other trademarks in the UK related to specific event names such as Halloween Horror Nights.
Just a couple of days ago Universal released the following information, confirming that The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved our request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO)
As soon as we hear of any further updates on the UK Universal Theme Park we will be sure to add it here!
Smiles Included,
Abby
