Latest news with #UniversalDestinations&Experiences
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Universal Horror Unleashed picks Chicago for second site
ORLANDO, Fla. - A Universal Horror Unleashed attraction will open in Chicago, the company announced Thursday, although its first foray into year-round horror isn't scheduled to open in Las Vegas until August. "We're bringing the full force of horror and thrills to a whole new audience in a whole new place," Universal Orlando posted on social media. Unleashed is a product of Orlando-based Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal. It will be Universal's first location in the Midwest. The company has been exploring new markets. Beyond Las Vegas, Universal is building a kids-oriented theme park near Dallas, which is set to open in 2026, and is planning a theme park in England. The Chicago expansion also is an extension of Universal's long-running horror brand. Universal Studios invented the film genre in the 1930s with movies based on Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and other creatures. Universal Studios Florida theme park is preparing its 34th edition of Halloween Horror Nights, an after-hours fright fest that has grown to include Universal Studios Hollywood park in California as well as theme parks in Singapore and Japan. The monsters roam their own land called Dark Universe in the Epic Universe theme park, which opened in Orlando in May. The Chicago venue will be on Chicago Avenue at the former Tribune Distribution Center near Bally's Casino. "We're excited to bring this bold concept to life in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture," Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a news release. "We're grateful for the city's support as we convert this dormant site into a unique attraction that showcases our storytelling expertise and ability to deliver mind-blowing experiences that shatter guest expectations." Themes for the new Unleashed mazes, expected to debut in 2027, were not announced. The Las Vegas location will open with four haunted mazes. ____________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios
Plus, The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park PARK UP Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios PLANS have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire. The attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone. 5 Plans have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces. The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars. "They'll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains. "They'll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they've only ever dreamed of." The application also expresses that in the first year, 8.5million visitors are expected to the Core Zone. Then, in future years, 12.5million visitors are expected annually. The split between domestic and international visitors is expected to be 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively in the first year. Then 52 per cent and 48 per cent respectively in future years. The attraction is also due to be open each day between 9am and 9pm, with visitors starting to arrive at 7am and depart up until 10pm. Hotel arrivals would take place later, at 3pm, to coincide with check-in times. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The Universal UK theme park is expected to open in 2031. Rides, experiences and attractions Many parts of the application reference what will be included in the theme park. This includes indoor and outdoor rides, attractions, games and pools. There is also set to be events spaces for parades, shows and displays. Entertainment venues are set to include theatres and cinemas and sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities are also planned. Other entertainment venues suggested are music and dance venues, nightclubs and even tattoo parlours. Planned indoor and outdoor cultural spaces include exhibition spaces, art galleries and museums. Under the accessibility section, the proposal also includes ride examples such as a Men in Black experience, One Fish Two Fish fairground ride and a Jurassic Park water-based ride. 5 The attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences Interestingly, the document also reveals that the site could have media and film production facilities, stating: "For instance a building may be used as a sound stage, film studio, event space or hosting a Universal Destinations & Experiences show or even a mixture of these uses." The application goes on to explain how the use of some buildings at the site may vary seasonally, "for instance during events such as Halloween Horror Nights". There will also be a maximum height of anything in the theme park of 115metres. Core Zone The Core Zone will be the central part of the attraction and is set "to contain the theme park, amusement park and/or water park". The plans also show that it could have an entry plaza, car and coach parking, a 500-room hotel, valet parking service and a transport hub. Lake Zone The Lake Zone will be the northernmost part of the attraction. In this zone, the proposed plans include business hotels with 2000 rooms, further hotels and accommodation with 3370 bedrooms and entertainment complex support. This zone is also set to include the Convention Centre, which will span across 55,000square-metres. 5 Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces Credit: Universal Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. In addition, this zone would have a new wetland habitat. East Gateway Zone The East Gateway Zone will be located in the eastern area of the Bedfordshire site, located near the village of Wixams. The East Gateway Zone would also adjoin the planned site of the new Wixams Rail Station. West Gateway Zone The westernmost area of the site will feature the West Gateway Zone. This zone is set to include a petrol station with 16 pumps, restaurants up to 5,866square-metres, a 200-bedroom hotel and entertainment resort complex support. Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. Accessibility and inclusion Universal is also committed to "creating a theme park experience that's inclusive and accessible to everyone, ensuring that all our guests can embark on unforgettable journeys regardless of their abilities". 5 The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars" Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences For the UK park this means that there will be wide and smooth pathways for wheelchairs, ramps and lifts, accessible toilets in each toilet block and accessible hotel accommodation. Rides would each have one row or seat that can accommodate wheelchair users or visitors with walking impairments. Assistive technology would also be available throughout the park such as captioning, audio description, tactile maps and a phone app. Transport The overall site also plans to include a new junction on the A421, an expanded railway station on the Thameslink/Midland Main Line at Wixams, improvements to roads and potential land for a new railway station on the proposed EWR Bletchley to Bedford line (if this were to happen in the future). The vision includes a four-platform, four-track station at Wixams with a new station building. The application also reveals that the Core Zone could have a transport hub, where a "rail-related development may be provided". Pedestrian and cycle routes are set to be added to the park too. In the mean time The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park and has shared all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip.
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios
PLANS have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire. The 5 Plans have been dropped for the new Universal theme park coming to Bedfordshire Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels , camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces. The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping "They'll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains. "They'll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they've only ever dreamed of." Read more on Universal The application also expresses that in the first year, 8.5million visitors are expected to the Core Zone. Then, in future years, 12.5million visitors are expected annually. The split between domestic and international visitors is expected to be 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively in the first year. Then 52 per cent and 48 per cent respectively in future years. Most read in News Travel The attraction is also due to be open each day between 9am and 9pm, with visitors starting to arrive at 7am and depart up until 10pm. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The Rides, experiences and attractions Many parts of the application reference what will be included in the theme park. This includes indoor and outdoor There is also set to be events spaces for parades, shows and displays. Entertainment venues are set to include theatres and cinemas and sport, recreation, leisure and Other entertainment venues suggested are music and dance venues, nightclubs and even tattoo parlours. Planned indoor and outdoor cultural spaces include exhibition spaces, art galleries and Under the accessibility section, the proposal also includes ride examples such as a Men in Black experience, One Fish Two Fish fairground ride and a 5 The attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences Interestingly, the document also reveals that the site could have media and film production facilities, stating: "For instance a building may be used as a sound stage, film studio, event space or hosting a Universal Destinations & Experiences show or even a mixture of these uses." The application goes on to explain how the use of some buildings at the site may vary seasonally, "for instance during events such as Halloween Horror Nights". There will also be a maximum height of anything in the theme park of 115metres. Core Zone The Core Zone will be the central part of the attraction and is set "to contain the theme park, amusement park and/or The plans also show that it could have an entry plaza, car and coach parking, a 500-room hotel, valet parking service and a transport hub. Lake Zone The Lake Zone will be the northernmost part of the attraction. In this zone, the proposed plans include business hotels with 2000 rooms, further This zone is also set to include the Convention Centre, which will span across 55,000square-metres. 5 Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces Credit: Universal Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. In addition, this zone would have a new wetland habitat. East Gateway Zone The East Gateway Zone will be located in the eastern area of the Bedfordshire site, located near the village of Wixams. The East Gateway Zone would also adjoin the planned site of the new Wixams Rail Station. West Gateway Zone The westernmost area of the site will feature the West Gateway Zone. This zone is set to include a petrol station with 16 pumps, restaurants up to 5,866square-metres, a 200-bedroom hotel and entertainment resort complex support. Any shops in this zone will have a maximum size of 1,100square-metres. Accessibility and inclusion Universal is also committed to "creating a 5 The plans state: "[Guests will ]experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars" Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences For the UK park this means that there will be wide and smooth pathways for wheelchairs, ramps and lifts, accessible toilets in each toilet block and accessible hotel accommodation. Rides would each have one row or seat that can accommodate wheelchair users or visitors with walking impairments. Assistive technology would also be available throughout the park such as captioning, audio description, tactile maps and a phone app. Transport The overall site also plans to include a new junction on the A421, an expanded The vision includes a four-platform, four-track station at Wixams with a new station building. The application also reveals that the Core Zone could have a transport hub, where a "rail-related development may be provided". Pedestrian and cycle routes are set to be added to the park too. In the mean time The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski spent three days at 5 The Universal UK theme park is expected to open in 2031 Credit: PA
Axios
26-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Universal bringing horror venue to Chicago River
A horror venue will open along the Chicago River in 2027. Driving the news: Universal Destinations & Experiences announced Thursday it will build a "year-round immersive horror experience" called Universal Horror Unleashed at 700 W. Chicago Ave. in a vacant 114,000-square-foot building. Zoom in: Universal is promising "terrifying mazes, unforgettable scares, themed bars and unique food and beverage offerings, and a retail space featuring exclusive merchandise" at the new facility, which will be across from the expected Bally's Casino. Officials say the venue will create more than 400 permanent jobs in roles that include operations leaders, merchandise hosts, entertainers called scareactors, and make-up and prosthetics artists. What they're saying:"This is exactly the kind of creative, high-impact investment we're working to attract — one that brings new life to a vacant site, creates hundreds of jobs, and cements Chicago as a must-visit destination for entertainment tourism," Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. Between the lines: The project will receive state incentives through the Illinois EDGE program, and state officials predict Horror Unleashed will generate $1 billion in economic impact. "Universal choosing Illinois didn't happen by accident — we were proud to support this project through our EDGE incentive program, which has helped fortify a positive business climate that draws world-class companies to the state," Gov. JB Pritzker said.
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fans 'thrilled' by theme park announcement for fastest ever rollercoaster yet
News that a brand new coaster is coming to a theme park in California has fans ecstatic but especially because this one in particular has a special feature like no other - the highest speeds ever If you're a fan of thrills, spills and all things theme park, then you'll be just as over the moon as other avid fans who are delighted with news of a brand new rollercoaster coming to a fan-favourite park. And not just a new coaster, but one with a big name brand attached to it that fans of the movie franchise, that has spanned over 11 movies no less, will revel in. As if zipping about at ultra high speeds isn't thrilling enough, the new ride coming to Universal Studios Hollywood is the fastest coaster they've ever created, with expected speeds of 72mph - faster than the park's Islands of Adventure ride, Velocicoaster, which reach dizzying speeds of 70 mph, and is located over in Orlando, Florida. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster for the Californian park, launching in 2026, and will debut as the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. Work is already well underway and fans are ecstatic to see the exhilarating Fast & Furious universe brought to light. Theme park super fan Karen McGregor, revealed the new coaster will see her travelling to the other coast of America. "I'm always in Orlando's Universal parks as an annual passholder, but this news means I'll be looking at flights to LA as soon as I find out the exact opening date. "It's so exciting to have a new outdoor coaster come to the west coast and I can't wait to ride - and take the whole family. The teens will love it!" Although an exact date hasn't been released yet, fans already know what they're in for after the ride vehicle was recently released. Riders can expect to zip along 4,100 feet of elaborate track inside a replica of main character Dominic Toretto's car, which will have a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation. Dom, played in the movie franchise by Hollywood actor Vin Diesel, is famous for driving a black 1970 Dodge Charger. The fully rotational ride vehicles will create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at furiously fast speeds while being catapulted along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots. And in classic Universal style, the queue sounds just as fun as the ride itself, with fans expected to line up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films. The ride will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood bringing a whole new perspective to the park for visitors. The ride will join Universal Studios Hollywood's slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge ride; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™, Jurassic World—The Ride; Illumination's award-winning The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash as well as the theme park's signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction. If you fancy visiting, then you can buy a one day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free with Prices for 2026 start from £89 per adult and £85 per child based on Spring arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week of the first.
