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Topics: Theme Park, Entertainment, Harry Potter
If you haven't heard, Universal is expanding to the UK, with British Harry Potter and Jurassic Park fans rejoicing in the news that a park dedicated to their favourite things will soon be within 45 minutes of London.
After years of keeping us on edge, Universal Studios was finally able to confirm their plans to build a theme park in the UK yesterday.
The billion-pound project, which Sir Keir Starmer believes can help deliver £50 billion into the UK economy, is set to begin construction in Bedford next year with the aim of opening by 2031.
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For those of you who haven't stepped foot in any of Universal Studios' other five parks in Hollywood, Florida, Singapore, Beijing and Japan, you might have no idea what to expect following the news of the deal being struck with the UK.
Well, first of all, it's going to be bloody massive. The entertainment resort is expected to span 476 acres which if my maths is correct, is around 297 football pitches back to back, so make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in if you do end up going.
There will no doubt be a ridiculous amount of themed food vendors and gift shops where you can drop £50 without a second thought but of course, the main attraction for many will be the rides.
Considering Universal Studios produce films such as The Simpsons, Jurassic Park and Despicable Me, you're likely to see some of your and maybe your kids' favourite characters or film scenes depicted on the rides.
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Florida, which is perhaps the most popular option for Universal Studios fans visiting the US, is probably the model on which some of the rides will be based, so looking at their most in-demand attractions probably gives us a good idea on what we can expect in the UK.
Love them or hate them, you can't deny that minions have become one of the most recognisable franchises of recent years, so it's no surprise that there is a ride for younger kids in Florida.
In this motion simulation, you will 'join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable ride. You’re recruited for Gru’s latest scheme—one where you'll become an actual Minion. But when things don't go as planned, you’re launched into an unforgettable trip through his super villain laboratory. It's heartwarming and humorous family fun for everyone.'
The beloved train is a staple for fans of the wizarding world but whether or not Universal plan to build this particular attraction in the UK, given King's Cross Station is already just round the corner (45 minutes away) is unclear.
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They also have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Watford, but given the thirst for more magical content, we're definitely likely to have some Potter themed rides, such as the escape from Gringotts. Universal describe that ride as a thrill where you 'enter beneath a massive fire-breathing dragon and journey deep underground.'
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie are perhaps the world's most recognisable family and especially popular in the UK, so we're likely to see a ride dedicated to Matt Groening's most famous creation.
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Universal describe their Florida edition as 'an indoor simulated rollercoaster ride where you'll careen and crash through the park in an over-the-top non-stop exhilarating adventure.'
One for people who prefer staying the right way up, this attraction is less of a rollercoaster and more of an opportunity to shoot some aliens and defend the Earth. Thrill-seekers are told to 'use your laser gun to zap those little suckers and rack up points before they zap back at you, sending your car spinning out of control'.