Bedfordshire will be the home of Universal Studios’ first UK theme park, joining six other sites around the world including the world-famous Orlando, Florida resort – which gives a glimpse at what we can look forward to.
Bedfordshire is set to become the UK’s hottest tourist destination as the home of Universal Studios’ first European theme park. The entertainment giant – behind blockbusters including Wicked, Harry Potter, Shrek and Minions – has struck a deal with the UK government to open the multi-billion pound resort in England.
The development will be the seventh Universal Studios resort worldwide and is being hailed ‘one of the largest and most advanced’ theme parks in Europe. Set to open in 2031, it promises to deliver a ‘world class’ experience with several themed lands featuring ‘thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment’. It will also feature a 500-room hotel and a shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
While exact details of the rides and experiences have yet to be revealed, if it’s anything like the world-famous Universal Studios resort in Florida then a lifetime of memories awaits its UK visitors. Stuart James recently reviewed the Orlando theme park for our sister site the Express, describing it as ‘no nine-to five theme park’.
“With its wild selection of restaurants and entertainment, there is so much to do on site to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, he wrote. “And it is well worth staying late to watch the new Cinesational: Symphonic Spectacular, or Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Castle Projection show.”
The former has been four years in the making and is a ‘sight to behold’, he wrote. “Combining fireworks, drones, spectacular lighting, music, film and fountains that create a screen for projection, you are taken on a trip down Universal’s memory lane, via classics such as Jaws, ET, Back To The Future, Jurassic Park, Shrek and many, many more.”
Of course, for thrill-seekers it’s all about the roller coasters and Universal Studios’ are some of the most white-knuckle experiences going.
“The Jurassic World-themed VelociCoaster hits speeds of 70mph and takes in four inversions and one terrifying “top hat” – a 90-degree ascent followed by a 90-degree drop,” wrote Stuart. He also described the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, over in the Harry Potter-themed Hogsmead land, as ‘a real scream’.
“This ‘story coaster’ may hit speeds of only 50mph but, sat on either Hagrid’s motorcycle, or the sidecar, you are taken on a thrilling journey through the Forbidden Forest, and each bike has speakers that add that little bit extra,” he wrote.
Stuart also visited the brand new DreamWorks land. Aimed at a younger audience, it includes a kids’ roller coaster, interactive play areas and a live show featuring characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.
“Universal is so much more than cinematic magic, though – look no further than water park, Volcano Bay, where we spent a day,” he added. “The water slides cater for all ages, too, from death-defying Kala & Tai Nui body slides, where the ground gives way and you plummet 200ft down the volcano, to the more serene lazy river.
“You’ll have a day of fun, thrills or relaxation either in, on or beside the water. My favourite was the TeAwa Fearless River, where the current is so strong and you are pulled along at such a pace that life jackets are mandatory.”
Stuart described the Krakatau Aqua coaster as ‘a ride of engineering brilliance, combining water and magnetic forces that pull you up and along the track’.
The Orlando resort has a number of hotels catering for different budgets. Stuart stayed at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, a mid-range, four-star option surrounded by stunning landscapes and waterfalls. The site features a huge lagoon-style pool with a water slide, two sandy beach areas and a Caribbean-themed restaurant with an extensive rum and cocktail menu.
The hotel offers a water taxi service taking guests to the park and there is also a free shuttle bus to Volcano Bay – although that is only half a mile from the resort and within walking distance.
“Orlando remains one of the top travel destinations for families – it ranked second on British Airways Holidays’ list for the most searched package holidays in 2024,” Stuart wrote. “And it is easy to see why when there is so much to do, so much to explore and so much variety. And for a holiday that guarantees endless magical memories, you really can’t go wrong.”
Could Bedfordshire soon be snapping at its heels? The UK might not have the guaranteed sunshine of Orlando, but an estimated 8.5m visitors are expected to flock there in its first year. And they can all look forward to a sprinkling of Universal magic.
“When you step inside the doors of Universal Studios, that magic comes alive,” Stuart wrote.
“Whether it’s Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona or the cast of Trolls strolling around the new DreamWorks Land greeting children; the white-knuckle roller coasters enjoyed by adults and older kids, or the jaw-dropping live shows that mesmerise everyone, all the family will come home with a lifetime of memories.”
