{"id":44286,"date":"2025-04-23T16:30:18","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/44286\/"},"modified":"2025-04-23T16:30:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:30:18","slug":"what-universal-studios-great-britain-could-look-like-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/44286\/","title":{"rendered":"What Universal Studios Great Britain could look like \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

Detailed concept art and published reports about coming attractions for a new Universal Studios theme park in the United Kingdom offer plenty of tantalizing clues about the potential rides, shows and lands planned for the multibillion-dollar park.<\/p>\n

Universal Studios has announced plans to open its first European theme park in 2031 in Bedford, located about an hour north of London by train. Universal plans to begin construction in 2026.<\/p>\n

Universal Studios Great Britain will include themed lands based on James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Paddington, Jurassic Park, Minions and Back to the Future, according to the BBC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE:<\/strong> Epic Universe first impressions from inside Universal\u2019s newest theme park<\/a><\/p>\n

It is still too early in the process to know the possible attractions and experiences that will be featured at the Universal theme park in Bedford, according to a Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson.<\/p>\n

\"AerialAerial map of the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

The Bedford development will include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal\u2019s distinct style of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, according to a Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson.<\/p>\n

The BBC reports the new Universal park will include a James Bond stunt show, Lord of the Rings castle and roller coasters themed to Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Minions.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE:<\/strong> First look inside Dungeons & Dragons at Universal\u2019s Fan Fest Nights<\/a><\/p>\n

Future expansion on the 476-acre Universal site could include lands based on Wicked<\/a> and Nintendo<\/a>, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

Plans for the park are unlikely to change with contracts signed for the blockbuster themed lands and rides already designed, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

\"AerialAerial photo of Universal Studios Great Britain property outside London from a Universal video. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be left out of Universal Studios Great Britain because the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour has \u201cwatertight exclusivity contracts\u201d to the franchise, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarner Bros. has the U.K. rights to Harry Potter attractions,\u201d a source told the BBC. \u201cThey tried to find a way round it but couldn\u2019t. That could change in years to come, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reporting in the BBC story is purely speculative and references a source that does not work for Universal, according to a Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE:<\/strong> Universal\u2019s Stardust Racers is the frontrunner for best new coaster of 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

High-resolution concept art of Universal Studios Great Britain offers plenty of clues about the potential rides, attractions, shows and lands coming to the park.<\/p>\n

Concept art is just that \u2014 conceptual. The teaser illustrations are designed to create excitement for a project that can change \u2013 and often does change \u2014 throughout the development phase.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, let\u2019s take a land-by-land look at what we see in the concept art and what could go where in the park.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of the familiar Universal globe and arch at the entrance to the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nHollywood<\/p>\n

The entrance to the park features the familiar Universal globe and arch seen at parks in California, Florida, Japan, China and Singapore.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of the entry promenade at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

The entry esplanade looks like a recreation of a Hollywood street found at many Universal parks around the world.<\/p>\n

A 500-room hotel already announced by Universal with a dedicated entrance to the park is visible on the left side of the entry esplanade.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of the 500-room hotel planned for the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

The right side of the street includes a pair of theaters that could house the \u201cSing on Tour\u201d live show and a 4D movie based on Kung Fu Panda or Shrek.<\/p>\n

The Hollywood promenade dumps out on a pathway encircling a central lagoon surrounded by six themed lands.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a kiddie land with spinning rides at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nPaddington<\/p>\n

Heading clockwise around the lagoon, the first land could be themed to Paddington Bear.<\/p>\n

The popular British children\u2019s literature character has appeared in three live-action animated comedy films \u2014 making Paddington the furry face of a franchise.<\/p>\n

The anthropomorphised bear who loves marmalade sandwiches and often wears a red hat and blue coat first appeared in a 1958 children\u2019s book by British author Michael Bond.<\/p>\n

\""Paddington"\u201cPaddington\u201d tells the story of a young bear who makes his way to England in search of a new home. (Courtesy of StudioCanal)<\/p>\n

Paddington would be the ideal theme for a kiddie land aimed at young children.<\/p>\n

Concept art shows two standard spinning flat rides, a kids climbing play area and a few shops at the rear of the land.<\/p>\n

The Samba Balloon ride seen in the concept art can be found at Universal parks in Japan (Moppy\u2019s Balloon Trip) and China (Lanterns of Legendary Legends).<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a town square and waterfront band shell at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nBack to the Future<\/p>\n

The Hill Valley town square from the Back to the Future movie franchise that was filmed on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot is clearly depicted in the concept art for the U.K. park.<\/p>\n

The iconic Hill Valley clock tower from Back to the Future has been purposely obscured in the concept art to mask the location, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Town Square in the back lot of Universal Studios Hollywood was used as a filming location from Back to the Future i and II. (Photo by Keith Durflinger\/Los Angeles Daily News)<\/p>\n

The blue coaster with the towering spike track cries out for a backward and forward launch aboard a DeLorean time machine ride vehicle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has got to be a Back To The Future coaster for sure,\u201d according to Screamscape<\/a>. \u201c88 mph anyone? Forwards, backwards and double back again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a blue coaster with the towering spike track at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

Coaster enthusiasts<\/a> say the track layout looks like an Intamin launch coaster similar to Pantheon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia or Toutatis at Parc Asterix in France.<\/p>\n

Universal has told local residents that the maximum height of any ride or attraction in the U.K. park would be 377 feet.<\/p>\n

A clamshell-shaped performance venue along the lagoon across from the entrance to the land would be the perfect home for a Marty McFly guitar solo during the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a themed land with conical roofs, rocky rapids and a green roller coaster at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nJurassic Park<\/p>\n

The conical roofs, rocky rapids and bridges tying together the land at the top of USGB screams Jurassic Park.<\/p>\n

A large dark ride building dominates the land \u2014 suggesting a clone of the popular Jurassic World Adventure from Universal Studios Beijing could be coming to the U.K. park.<\/p>\n

\"VisitorsVisitors take cover as they hit the water on Jurassic Park The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Friday, June 30, 2017. (Photo by Ed Crisostomo, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

The twin drop tower ride looks like a version of Doctor Doom Fearfall at Florida\u2019s Islands of Adventure \u2014 possibly with a volcano theme.<\/p>\n

The nearby children\u2019s climbing play area could be a copy of IOA\u2019s Camp Jurassic.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of twin drop towers at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)<\/p>\n

The BBC report says the UK park will include a Jurassic Park coaster, suggesting the large green coaster at the right edge of the land could be a clone of Velocicoaster.<\/p>\n

Universal U.K. information packets shared with local residents include photos of the Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuests in our theme parks may find themselves chased by velociraptors, fending off an alien attack or escaping an indoor tomb,\u201d according to the Universal UK information packet.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s missing from the land is a Jurassic water ride, which makes sense for the rainy London-area climate. A majority of the attractions are expected to be indoors, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a stunt show arena at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nJames Bond<\/p>\n

A James Bond themed land would be the marquee draw of the U.K. park \u2014 which likely explains why we see so little of the 007 area in the Universal Studios Great Britain concept art.<\/p>\n

The U.K. park will feature a James Bond stunt show similar to \u201cThe Bourne Stuntacular\u201d at Universal Studios Florida, according to the BCC.<\/p>\n

\"DanielDaniel Craig stars in \u201cNo Time to Die,\u201d the 25th film in the James Bond series and Craig\u2019s fifth and final outing as the fictional British MI6 agent.(TNS)<\/p>\n

The Jason Bourne stunt show replaced the \u201cTerminator 2 3D: Battle Across Time\u201d show in an indoor theater in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida.<\/p>\n

The concept art of the Universal U.K. park clearly shows an outdoor arena similar to the Waterworld stunt shows in California, Japan and China.<\/p>\n

James Bond attractions are rare at theme parks around the world. The James Bond 007: A License To Thrill simulator ride debuted in 1998 at five parks \u2014 Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Canada\u2019s Wonderland, Carowinds and California\u2019s Great America.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a themed land with a turreted castle-like building at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nLord of the Rings<\/p>\n

A themed land based on the Lord of the Rings book series by English author JRR Tolkien has long been the Holy Grail of theme park fans.<\/p>\n

Universal Studios Great Britain will feature a Lord of the Rings castle, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

\"MorfyddMorfydd Clark as Galadriel in Prime Video\u2019s new streaming series \u201cThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.\u201d (Photo by Matt Grace\/Prime Video)<\/p>\n

Zooming in on the concept art shows a large attraction building with four turreted towers. A babbling brook running through rockwork next to a lush green area could be Universal\u2019s version of Middle Earth.<\/p>\n

A second attraction building that\u2019s even bigger than the turreted castle sits at the end of a path at the outer edge of the park.<\/p>\n

\"ConceptConcept art of a colorful themed land with a rooftop roller coaster at the Universal Studios Great Britain theme park opening in 2031 outside London. (Courtesy of Universal Studios)
\nMinions<\/p>\n

The colorful themed land on the far right side of the U.K. park clearly looks like a copy of the Minion Land and Super Silly Funland at Universal Studios Beijing, according to Screamscape.<\/p>\n

BBC reports the U.K. park will feature a Minions roller coaster along with other Despicable Me rides.<\/p>\n

The rooftop coaster at Universal Studios Beijing is a fake prop with a small kiddie coaster and Minions-themed flat rides inside the pavilion building below.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the artwork for the U.K. park, the roller coaster on the roof looks far more realistic,\u201d according to Screamscape. \u201cSo maybe they will be building a functioning coaster for the U.K. version.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DavidDavid Wood and Steven McGumnigel traveled from London England to participate in the Universal Studios Hollywood\u2019s first-ever 5k Minion Run in 2019. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n

Attraction show buildings are visible behind the streetscape of the Minions land, suggesting the U.K. park could import the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem motion simulator ride and Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash dark ride found at Universal Studios Hollywood.<\/p>\n

A Secret Life of Pets ride wouldn\u2019t thematically fit in a Minions land, but it would work if the theme is expanded to include all of Universal\u2019s Illumination Entertainment movie franchises.<\/p>\n

Universal could go even further and include Dreamworks films \u2014 opening the land up to Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls attractions.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE:<\/strong> Why Florida\u2019s Universal Epic Universe theme park matters<\/a><\/p>\n

Throughout the Resort<\/p>\n

Universal has announced the resort will include retail, dining and entertainment complex \u2014 similar to the CityWalk malls connected to other parks.<\/p>\n

The Universal U.K. information packet mentions Toothsome Chocolate Emporium as an example of theme restaurants found in CityWalk.<\/p>\n

The new park is expected to attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year, becoming the largest visitor attraction in the U.K.<\/p>\n

Originally Published: April 23, 2025 at 9:06 AM PDT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Detailed concept art and published reports about coming attractions for a new Universal Studios theme park in the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":44287,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5018,3,4],"tags":[24570,748,393,4884,1144,712,6417,16,15,5831,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-44286","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-britain","8":"category-uk","9":"category-united-kingdom","10":"tag-amusement-parks","11":"tag-britain","12":"tag-england","13":"tag-great-britain","14":"tag-northern-ireland","15":"tag-scotland","16":"tag-things-to-do","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-united-kingdom","19":"tag-universal-studios","20":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114388234120776288","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44286"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44286\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}