Universal Will Open UK Theme Park & Resort, Its First in Europe
Universal Epic Universe in Orlando hasn't even officially opened, yet the company already has epic new plans. It's expanding its theme park footprint in a different way, with a location on the other side of the Atlantic. Comcast NBCUniversal has announced plans to open its first-ever entertainment complex in Europe. It's building a massive new Universal theme park and resort in the United Kingdom.
Europe's first Universal-branded theme park and resort is heading across the pond. Comcast NBCUniversal says it's pursuing its first resort complex in Europe. It's building its next great locale on a 476-acre parcel in Bedford purchased in 2023. The company notes that's a 35 minute train ride north of London. It also says the park's location is connected by fast rail links to 80 percent of England's population and half of the UK population by 'two hours travel time. '
Universal Destinations & Experiences will design and build the United Kingdom complex. What will it actually include, though? The proposed plans must still undergo approval, which the company will submit in the coming months, so it can begin building in 2026. For no,w Comcast NBCUniversal says the UK Universal resort will 'feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.' As for the 'world-class' theme park, the company promises 'several themed lands featuring Universal's distinct style of immersive and thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment.'
That doesn't tell us much about what those lands will actually be. (We're betting 'The War of the Roses' is not among them, but we can dream…) The generic concept art for the UK Universal park doesn't reveal much either. Our best guess as to what lands might be included is to look at what Universal has recently built.
'Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates,' said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, in a press release. The company also believes/hopes/is trying to will into existence huge success. It says the park will become 'one of the highest-attended attractions in the continent and to bring in millions of new visitors to the UK.'
If it's as epic as everything else Universal theme parks are currently doing, it will bring in visitors from outside the UK, too.
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