YouTube's theme park super fans on Universal's UK park

BBC News

12-04-2025

Confirmation that Universal wants to build a theme park in the UK has sent ripples of excitement across Europe and the world.Among the most enthusiastic voices have been YouTubers who have made theme parks their niche. A few of them have filmed videos near the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks, south of Bedford, where the US firm plans to build the attraction following government backing.The dedicated theme park fans have revealed what has them and their audiences so excited.
The view from the brickworks
Bedfordshire local Dan Richards has about 111,000 people subscribed to his YouTube channel, DigitalDan.While grateful for his audience, the 20-year-old admits he finds it "surreal" so many people watch him around the world.He recalls: "I really enjoyed theme parks and wanted to share my reviews and speculation on new rides and theme parks. "A lot of people took theme park vlogging very seriously at the time, so I wanted to create videos that were a laugh and just were fun to watch."Over the last few months, thousands have watched DigitalDan deliver updates while sat on a deckchair close to the former brickworks site Universal plans to build on."'The Field' is a personal favourite series of mine, my good friend Marcus and the viewers. Absolutely love filming it and talking about the project whilst being right there on site," he explains.
The theme park fan visits destinations around the country and further afield. In 2018 he took a trip to Universal's park in Florida and is planning a return trip later this year.With friends he has often speculated on what could be included in the park and is hoping for rides based on animated franchise Shrek, but was not surprised by reports Harry Potter might not be included."With Orlando being such a loved place even just for Harry Potter, bringing it here would take visitors away there and from the Studio Tour in Watford."The fact a theme park on this scale and with Universal's quality is coming to Bedford is what excites me the most."We have so many amazing theme parks here in the UK, but to add one that could be seen as one of the best in the world, built by one of the best theme park companies, is super exciting."I think overall it'll benefit the parks all across the country, as everyone will be investing and visitor numbers should increase everywhere."
The view from Surrey
Jack Silkstone lives in Thorpe, Surrey, almost next door to his favourite site - Thorpe Park - which, like many major UK attractions, is run by Merlin Entertainment.The 25-year-old spent three years making YouTube videos documenting his neighbour's construction of Hyperia - the UK's tallest rollercoaster - and he is excited to focus on Universal next.He says: "Tens of thousands of people will tune in to watch a new fence being erected or some concrete blocks being delivered."The theme park fan is hopeful the American giant will bring new fans and healthy competition to parks in this country and around Europe."If they play their cards right they can capitalise on the many overseas visitors coming primarily for Universal," he explains."I think if anyone will likely be worried about this news it will be Disneyland Paris. They've been quite slow with announcements and construction over the past decade, so I can see a lot of UK families choosing a trip to this new Universal park over a trip over to France."Hopefully this also pushes for Merlin to up their UK investments and make the theme park industry in the UK thrive even more."
The YouTuber flies to America to visit Universal and Disney parks almost every year, with a tour to see Asia's parks on his bucket list.He compares the new park to Universal's Beijing offering, which is mostly under cover as it does not have the level of sunshine enjoyed by parks in Florida and California."I don't think we should necessarily expect the biggest and most thrilling rides in the country to be built at this Universal park. "Instead, we should expect highly themed, immersive experiences, using the very latest technology to tell stories from the films we know and love."I still need to keep pinching myself to remind me I'm not dreaming. I'm so excited to see construction start and will be making very regular trips to the construction site fences to document this amazing project."
The view from the US
For 24-year-old Krystal Palace, the new theme park is a littler further to travel.The New Yorker is a regular visitor to US theme parks, as seen on her YouTube channel, The Krystal Palace, which is not about the Premier League football team.The new attraction may be enough reason for her to book tickets to Bedford for her first UK visit."I love visiting new places and especially if there is a Universal theme park there, I'll book a trip," she says."I appreciate the location too. It seems easy enough to get to with just a 45-minute train ride outside of London."No matter where Universal opens a new park, I'll always want to be there on opening day to see the magic first-hand."
A keen adventurer, the YouTuber says her 57,000 subscribers come to her for authenticity and helpful information about visiting attractions.She is hoping for new rides not seen at other parks, especially those that invoke nostalgia for her such as Paddington, Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future."I have received so many comments and messages about how guests wish they never removed the Back to the Future ride from Universal Studios Florida."What I admire most is how much Universal Creative seems to value the fan experience."Just look at the detail in Epic Universe - they clearly aren't cutting corners. That same level of care and creativity is what I expect will set Universal UK apart."
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