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As Universal Destinations & Experiences continues to change the theme park industry worldwide, the company has revealed the billion-dollar consequences of one of its upcoming projects.
The development of theme parks around the world undoubtedly involves multi-million-dollar investments from their respective companies, whether that be The Walt Disney Company, Six Flags, currently developing a $200M theme park in Qiddiya, or United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.), which opened a theme park in Abu Dhabi.
Regardless, Universal is going above and beyond, making groundbreaking advancements in the industry worldwide, prioritizing its employees and the experience for all guests.
Credit: Dreamworks
Universal Destinations & Experiences, changing the theme park industry one project at a time
Universal Epic Universe
The development of Universal Epic Universe in Universal Orlando Resort continues to shock audiences worldwide, with the latest announcement sending chills down the spines of millions of horror fans anxiously waiting for Universal’s third theme park — or its fourth if you count Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park — to open in Florida.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
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From Celestial Park to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and the immersive land inspired by J.K. Rowling’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — with details yet to be announced — fans can’t wait for the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe.
However, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ plans won’t stop in Florida, or the United States for that matter. The company continues to push forward on breathtaking projects worldwide, the most anticipated being a potential theme park and resort in the United Kingdom.
Credit: NBCUniversal
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Universal’s potential project in the United Kingdom
In 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences shocked the world after announcing that the company was examining the possibility of developing a potential theme park and resort project in the United Kingdom, set to be Universal’s first theme park in Europe if the project moved forward.
Unfortunately, as the company continues to evaluate the project, it has faced a significant setback.
Theme park and resort shelved indefinitely
The latest update from the United Kingdom government pointed out that Universal’s project in the U.K. would be shelved indefinitely as the parliament failed to resolve before its summer recess.
A May report by the Bedford Independent revealed that the U.K. government would not commit to Universal’s theme park proposal response before summer, indefinitely delaying the potential park’s progress.
The report stated: “Culture, media and sport secretary, Lucy Frazer KC [Kings Council] MP [member of the Parliament] has dodged a question from North Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller (Conservative) asking if the government will respond to the Universal Studios U.K. proposal before the summer recess.”
Credit: Universal
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Suppose a response had been given before summer. In that case, council officers, government officials, and representatives from Universal Destinations & Experiences could’ve continued to work on multiple aspects of the project without delays created by members of the Parliament (MPs) in recess.
A speedy decision would’ve been beneficial if the U.K. Government were to take over planning decisions for the possible theme park and resort project, as suggested.
Unfortunately, MP Frazer reportedly refused to indicate when a response to the proposals would be given. This, unfortunately, halts all plans for the possible resort’s development indefinitely.
Credit: Universal
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Inside the Magic contacted Edelman UK, the award-winning global public relations consultancy firm working with Universal, to inquire about any changes to the project’s current state.
Sadly, as stated on the project’s official website and confirmed by Edelman, Universal still hasn’t made any final decisions on whether or not to proceed with the project, and no changes have been reported on its government approval status.
However, this has not stopped Universal Destinations & Experiences, as the company recently revealed the billion-dollar impact the development of its potential U.K. resort could have on the economy.
Universal reveals whopping economic consequences of Bedford project
A recent article by Sky News, owned by Universal’s parent company Comcast, revealed that the first Universal theme park in Europe could generate “£50B of economic benefits for U.K.,” over $60B!
The company’s economic impact analysis, produced in accordance with the HM Treasury guidelines on economic appraisal and published today, revealed the whopping economic consequences of the potential Universal project.
Credit: Universal
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The analysis stated that the net economic contribution of the potential project was forecast to be £35.1B over the construction period and first 20 years of operation, generating 20,000 jobs during its construction, seeing 5,000 workers on the site at its peak and supporting jobs in the supply chain and neighboring parts of the economy.
Once operational, the resort is expected to create an initial 8,000 new jobs, which are planned to increase over time. Universal Destinations & Experiences is committed to paying the living wage of all employees, a topic that has repeatedly troubled its competitor, The Walt Disney Company.
Additionally, the project is expected to generate up to £14.1B in extra taxes over the same period.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
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“The best location we’ve ever seen”
As Universal continues to push forward to realize this potential project, the company knows how to increase the excitement around the billion-dollar prospect. Executives say it has the potential to become a world-class theme park with unique, unforgettable experiences.
Page Thompson, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ president in charge of new ventures, stated that the company has “spent the last decade looking all over Europe and the United Kingdom for locations” and added that the nearly 500 acres acquired south of Bedford is “the best location [they’ve] ever seen.”
“I can tell you it’s going to be a world-class park with all experiences that people will love based upon the most popular films, video games and stories that people have enjoyed for decades,” Thompson added.
Credit: Universal
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In 2023, Universal revealed that the company had acquired almost 500 acres in preparation for a new theme park resort just south of Bedford between Kempston, Wootton, Stewartby, and Wixams, with the possibility of buying up to 60 additional acres should the project require them.
The possible theme park and resort, which would take approximately six years to construct, would be built on land formerly occupied by Kempston Hardwick brickworks. Once the world’s largest brickworks in terms of output, Kempston Hardwick closed in 2008 and was demolished in September 2021.
Thompson revealed that the company’s “phase one plans consist of a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a dining area that people can come to even if they don’t have a theme park ticket.” He added that the number of hotels is expected to grow over time.
Credit: Universal
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In a bold statement considering the United Kingdom’s infamous weather, Thompson mentioned that the company intends for the park to operate year-round, “just like all of our other major theme parks.”
He added, “We have a whole series of special events, like our Halloween Horror Nights and carnival parties… and it just allows us to attract people throughout this time.”
While operating in U.K. weather could be challenging, Universal Destinations & Experiences is no stranger to planning ahead of inclement weather. Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Japan are clear examples of the company’s exceptional performance in less-than-ideal weather.
Despite the company’s experience and ambition, the new U.K. project will have plenty of competition.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
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The worldwide race in the theme park industry
Universal Destinations & Experiences currently has five theme parks around the world: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort in the United States, Universal Beijing Resort in China, Universal Studios Japan in Japan, and Universal Studios Singapore in Singapore.
However, four of the 20 most visited theme parks in Europe are in the United Kingdom: LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, and Thorpe Park. All are owned by Merlin Entertainments. Regardless, their combined yearly attendance is around half of what Universal targets.
Credit: Chessington World of Adventures
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Additionally, the proposed Bedfordshire site is not far from the Harry Potter Experience at the Warner Bros studio tour near Watford, which has been deemed a “waste of money.”
Of course, one of the most prominent competitors is Disneyland Paris, owned by The Walt Disney Company. It is currently Europe’s biggest theme park, attracting around 15 million visitors annually.
Regardless, Universal Destinations & Experiences is confident in its project in the United Kingdom and will surely become a theme park giant in Europe if it continues.
Credit: Disneyland Paris
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What about America?
While the possibility of a theme park and resort in the United Kingdom is thrilling, Universal is currently developing massive projects in America, gearing up to debut a series of unique experiences aimed at fans of all ages across the United States.
Universal Horror Unleashed
Horror fans rejoice! With Universal expanding its presence in the United States, the company is developing “Universal Horror Unleashed,” the first-ever year-round horror experience coming to Las Vegas, Nevada. Did someone say they wanted Halloween Horror Nights all year?
This is the official description of Universal Horror Unleashed, according to Universal’s website:
The new concept – to be located at AREA15 in Las Vegas — pairs the company’s impressive expertise in the horror genre with next-level immersive experiences in an all-new format. A variety of unique, immersive, and horror-centric experiences will surround eerie eateries and bone-chilling bar areas. It will deliver on the thrills Universal’s horror fans have come to love and excite anyone looking for a new level of experiential entertainment. In addition, guests can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
Credit: Universal Parks & Resorts
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Universal Kids Resort
In addition to its Las Vegas project, the company is developing a family theme park in Frisco, Texas, to be named Universal Kids Resort.
The new website for the upcoming Frisco theme park details:
The new Universal Kids Resort coming to Frisco, Texas will offer a unique theme park experience for the younger crowd. Universal Destinations & Experiences is designing this smaller-scale theme park to inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through play, discovery and imagination, with a different look and feel from existing destinations.
With family-friendly attractions and immersive themed lands, playful interactive shows and character meet and greets, Universal Kids Resort will celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun. It will cater to young kids and their families and bring to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. An on-site 300-room hotel will give families a place to stay and play.
Credit: Universal
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The world eagerly awaits the confirmation of Universal’s possible project in the United Kingdom, looking forward to the endless possibilities the theme park and resort complex could bring to life. Don’t forget to let us what you want to see in this potential project in the comments below!
