Joelpagett
Mega Poster
What incredible news - looking forward to years of mud updates.
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Universal UK theme park in Bedford
- Thread starter Matt N
- Start date
A deeply American question: do these brands and IP choices resonate with you Brits? For instance, Harry Potter is an "American staple" to any Universal experience it feels - is HP too trite to include? Is Dreamworks IP super popular? etc.
Just curious to explore some of the editorial decisions on British vs. American.
Super jealous of 007 too - would be such a cool addition to any of our Universal parks here in the states... especially as we hold onto Waterworld stunt show in Hollywood.
Just curious to explore some of the editorial decisions on British vs. American.
Super jealous of 007 too - would be such a cool addition to any of our Universal parks here in the states... especially as we hold onto Waterworld stunt show in Hollywood.
spicy
Giga Poster
Yeah HP is still huge in the UK, If anything there is already so much Potter all over the country which could be a reason for them to not include it..
Kings Cross (Trolley Photo location an huge shop)
York Shambles (Potter shops everywhere)
Edinburgh (Potter trail and HP shops)
The Warner Bros studio tour
The west end stage show Harry Potter and the cursed child
And probably way more.
Kings Cross (Trolley Photo location an huge shop)
York Shambles (Potter shops everywhere)
Edinburgh (Potter trail and HP shops)
The Warner Bros studio tour
The west end stage show Harry Potter and the cursed child
And probably way more.
YoshiPoseidon
Roller Poster
I would like to believe that too but when you compare Epic Universes early concept art, it matches what actually got built
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
Mrs was saying this earlier... You can already visit so many places for real in the UK, the real thing, not theme park recreations... The Station and countless other London landmarks, Bodleian / Hogwarts Library, London Zoo, Glenfinnan Viaduct, The Shambles / Diagon Alley (although the link has always been denied.)
A theory that crossed our minds was that maybe they're waiting to see what happens with the series. They haven't been shy about renewing old IPs to their modern variants in the past, Jurassic Park / World for example. Maybe one of the expansion areas either side is already earmarked for a harry potter area, but whether it will be based on the movies or the upcoming series will be decided by the popularity of that series. That would be a very shrewd move imo.
Railfan uk
Roller Poster
I’m so exited I’m gonna be there on the opening! At first I truly didn’t believe it was going to happen so exiting!
A deeply American question: do these brands and IP choices resonate with you Brits? For instance, Harry Potter is an "American staple" to any Universal experience it feels - is HP too trite to include? Is Dreamworks IP super popular? etc.
Just curious to explore some of the editorial decisions on British vs. American.
Super jealous of 007 too - would be such a cool addition to any of our Universal parks here in the states... especially as we hold onto Waterworld stunt show in Hollywood.
I'd say all the major Universal IP's are of an equivalent popularity in the UK. Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Nintendo, Minions, F&F, the various Dreamworks plus the classics like Jaws, BTTF etc. They can't really go wrong in that regard.
Harry Potter arguably more so than the rest because it's the only existing franchise i can think of that actually is British. Imagine Nintendo World not being in Japan! So in that sense to not include it seems ridiculous but i understand the conflict of interest (and potentially WB issues).
Paddington and/or James Bond seem the obvious go to franchises if they want to incorporate something with British heritage though personally i don't think people are clamouring for them over the likes of Harry Potter.
And of course the elephant in the room is Lord of the Rings. That would be the greatest coup of all imo but if it hasn't happened by now it seems unlikely it ever will.
Graeme
Mega Poster
Yeah, definitely.
Paddington - the first two are brilliant films.
Back to the Future - one of the best films ever.
Jurassic World - the films vary, but the theme is timeless.
Shrek - very popular in the UK, what with Mike Myers' Scottish accent. And I'd be amazed if his human form wasn't based on Gordon Brown!
Minions - yeah, they're everywhere. Prizes in every arcade.
I'm surprised they haven't gone for Harry Potter, but I guess it's a case of them not having any good HP rides that wouldn't be copying Florida. I'm glad they don't seem to be bringing over The Mummy or Transformers, personally. Yeah, I think the likely themes are very on-point for the UK.
Only thing is, the plans seem to lack a big family or family-thrill coaster at the moment. I'd definitely like to see them replace the "Waterworld" show with something like Hagrid's or Hiccup's Wing Gliders.
CineramaMax
Mega Poster
Pretty convinced about Paddington too, with the marlamade and street that looks an awful lot like Windsor Gardens.
I don't care much for Minions but it's easy to see why they've opted for it. Massive cash cow.
The sizeable showbulding for Jurassic has me convinced we're getting the Beijing clone. All for it if that's the case!
And as for the (very obvious) Back To The Future cred..... never in a million years thought we'd get this in the UK, or even see it return to the Universal parks full stop. Personally, I feel that sacking off the original simulators was a park sin. As for it being a coaster, this feels like an Intamin. Spikes and switch tracks are definitely their thing now. Very tall for a Universal coaster too. I'd feel a bit sorry for Thorpe if it takes the height record from Hyperia, but we definitely do need more large scale coasters in the UK.
I don't care much for Minions but it's easy to see why they've opted for it. Massive cash cow.
The sizeable showbulding for Jurassic has me convinced we're getting the Beijing clone. All for it if that's the case!
And as for the (very obvious) Back To The Future cred..... never in a million years thought we'd get this in the UK, or even see it return to the Universal parks full stop. Personally, I feel that sacking off the original simulators was a park sin. As for it being a coaster, this feels like an Intamin. Spikes and switch tracks are definitely their thing now. Very tall for a Universal coaster too. I'd feel a bit sorry for Thorpe if it takes the height record from Hyperia, but we definitely do need more large scale coasters in the UK.
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Niles
Giga Poster
Fantastic news, have not had a chance today to look into everything but ive caught up now.
(Just to say its concept art so things may change or wont happen but im going to assume its a good look at whats coming)
Im surprised we are getting not just one but two big extreme coasters that could be contenders for best in the UK, of course there is the one in the Minions area that like Beijing will probably just be a facade but this looks more detailed than Beijing's concept art.
So im hopeful its a real coaster this time as Minions are not my favourite and this is the only way ill allow it
In regards to the two big coasters its crazy to me that not only may we get a B&M hyper in the UK but also a different coaster that could break the UK height record, unbelievable.
For themes im interested in that we we have been told 4 because it looks like 5? + a show area.
Generally going clockwise its.
Paddington
BTTF
Jurassic world
Show area
Shrek
Minions
The show area may not count or mabey its park of Jurassic world and its the mosasaurus arena?
It looks waterworld in the concept art but that would be dull, was hoping for James bond.
Then you have "Shrek" or something.
As it seems to lead off of Minion land mabey Minion land is more of a multi film area, outherwise surely it would be a fifth land?
This little section is interesting.
That looks like a show building either entering along the main street or the.... dockyard area? Very interesting to see what this could be, ive seen some suggest jaws? I have no idea but cannot wait to find out.
In general im pretty chuffed, some i would change, no visible kid coasters so hopefully some indoor ones, looks like a nice amount of possible dark rides and i hope that we are getting the Beijing Jurassic world dark ride. No harry potter is nuts but i do understand why it has not appeared, Back to future would be amazing, it could be something else but i really really hope we get a BTTF land.
2031
oh seems so far but im sure it will be worth the wait. The UK needs it and i hope planning permission is easy.
(Just to say its concept art so things may change or wont happen but im going to assume its a good look at whats coming)
Im surprised we are getting not just one but two big extreme coasters that could be contenders for best in the UK, of course there is the one in the Minions area that like Beijing will probably just be a facade but this looks more detailed than Beijing's concept art.
So im hopeful its a real coaster this time as Minions are not my favourite and this is the only way ill allow it
In regards to the two big coasters its crazy to me that not only may we get a B&M hyper in the UK but also a different coaster that could break the UK height record, unbelievable.
For themes im interested in that we we have been told 4 because it looks like 5? + a show area.
Generally going clockwise its.
Paddington
BTTF
Jurassic world
Show area
Shrek
Minions
The show area may not count or mabey its park of Jurassic world and its the mosasaurus arena?
It looks waterworld in the concept art but that would be dull, was hoping for James bond.
Then you have "Shrek" or something.
As it seems to lead off of Minion land mabey Minion land is more of a multi film area, outherwise surely it would be a fifth land?
This little section is interesting.
That looks like a show building either entering along the main street or the.... dockyard area? Very interesting to see what this could be, ive seen some suggest jaws? I have no idea but cannot wait to find out.
In general im pretty chuffed, some i would change, no visible kid coasters so hopefully some indoor ones, looks like a nice amount of possible dark rides and i hope that we are getting the Beijing Jurassic world dark ride. No harry potter is nuts but i do understand why it has not appeared, Back to future would be amazing, it could be something else but i really really hope we get a BTTF land.
2031
oh seems so far but im sure it will be worth the wait. The UK needs it and i hope planning permission is easy.
InvertsAreMyJam
Mega Poster
No Lord of the Rings? I thought for sure they would include that land at a UK park. Maybe in an expansion?
But I am excited for what looks to be Back to the Future. I love those movies.
But I am excited for what looks to be Back to the Future. I love those movies.
TjChapperz
Mega Poster
Warner Brothers own full rights in the UK for Harry Potter and anything related so unless universal has a blank checkbook I imagine it'll be an instant no it they asked for it
Graeme
Mega Poster
I think you're right, actually. I think it's a double-bluff! It does look like a real coaster, especially as it seems to dip down to ground level (towards "Shrek"). It definitely goes to the side and doesn't stay up on the roof.
Yep, could be a combined Dreamworks/Illumination land. The building to the right of Shrek could then be a completely different property, like How to Train Your Dragon or Kung-Fu Panda.
...
On a slightly different subject, I'm not sure I've got the orientation right. If the railway in the background is the one with Kempston Hardwick on it, am I right in thinking the "B&M hyper" points north-east? Therefore the entrance and "hub" is off Manor Road? I'm getting ahead of myself, but that could bode well for a potential 2nd gate.
Intamin Forever
Mega Poster
I have been studying the large green coaster at the back of the park, coming to a conclusion on my basis that it will be a Vekoma Sit-down Thrill Coaster, mainly as the elements actually represent already used ones on existing Vekoma attractions!
Here is a side by side of what the layout shows:
Here is a side by side of what the layout shows:
davidm
Strata Poster
Unsure whether to post this here or in the "WTF BPB" thread, but....
Source ; https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/2025/04/09/a-statement-from-amanda-thompson-obe/
So that's nice then.
Source ; https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/2025/04/09/a-statement-from-amanda-thompson-obe/
So that's nice then.
Niles
Giga Poster
Nice idea a Vekoma would be sweet, i was thinking B&M hyper but a Vekoma sit down that could be a hyper would be fantastic.
Also with this being concept art mabey we could actually get a Vekoma tilt?? That spiral drop is odd and that second element is high. I think they would hide something like a tilt
would not want to give that away.A straight drop into the double inverting dive loop would make sense and be good spectacle, now my mind is racing imagine if the "BTTF" coaster was like Hollywood Drift and had spinnable Deloreans, would be helpful with indoor show scenes also, worlds tallest spinning coaster
