UNIVERSAL IN THE UK: WHAT WE'RE EXPECTING FROM THE NEW PARK

Universal is finally coming to the UK, and we're so excited. Plans for a brand-new Universal Studios theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, England have been officially approved by the UK government, marking the first Universal theme park in Europe and the first on British soil. With a projected opening around 2031, this park isn’t just another attraction, it’s set to be a massive entertainment destination, complete with themed lands, hotels, dining, entertainment and more.

But what exactly could we see there? Let’s dive into the rumours, possibilities and the areas we’re secretly crossing our fingers for.

What We Know So Far

Universal has secured planning permission for the UK park near Bedford. This is a huge move for theme parks in Europe, and the development is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and attract millions of visitors annually.

The plans describe a resort made up of multiple zones and themed lands, although specific attraction details are still under wraps. Concept art and early planning docs show a "Core Zone" (the main theme park), a Lake Zone, and gateway zones for visitor arrival and infrastructure.

Right now the project is in early development, so details will likely evolve over the next few years. But we love to speculate anyway, what's more fun then blue sky imagineering right?!

Rumoured Lands and Attractions

First up, what are the rumours, the stories that we picked up but cannot verify in any way.

Jurassic World-Style Experiences

One of the biggest rumoured areas is a Jurassic World themed land  something immersive that throws guests into prehistoric adventure with dinosaurs and cutting-edge storytelling. Whether this turns into a massive outdoor coaster or a fully themed indoor attraction, Jurassic vibes feel like a natural fit for Universal and they’d be epic in the UK setting.

Back to the Future Land and Time-Travel Coaster

Talk of a Back to the Future themed land has been floating around, complete with a time-travel coaster or interactive experiences that bring the classic films to life. It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, and it’s very Universal, plus it could be something genuinely unique in Europe.

Wicked or Lord of the Rings (Lovingly Middle-Earth)?

Rumours also include themed zones inspired by Wicked (perhaps with a big steel coaster) or even a Lord of the Rings Shire experience  think Hobbit-style villages and rolling hills you can explore.

We’re not saying this has been confirmed… but imagine if Universal leaned into European storybook vibes rather than purely Hollywood blockbusters..

Nintendo? Maybe (But With a Twist)

Nintendo lands are incredibly popular and Universal holds licensing rights for Nintendo attractions but there’s speculation that if a Nintendo section arrives, it might be more limited compared with the huge lands at Universal parks in the US and Japan.

We’re not complaining, Nintendo areas are joyful and fun but we also hope Universal surprises us with something more unique to Europe’s first Universal park.

What About Harry Potter?

Here’s the clarity on that one: a full Harry Potter land isn’t expected at the Universal UK park  because Warner Bros owns and operates Harry Potter experiences nearby (think: Warner Bros Studio Tour London). So while we love Hogwarts as much as anyone, don’t expect Universal to build its own Potter world just around the corner from an established franchise.

What We’re Hoping For

If Universal truly wants to make its UK park feel special, this is the moment to lean into originality, atmosphere and European storytelling. Not just another greatest hits compilation, but a park with its own identity. These are the areas we’re secretly (and not so secretly) hoping for.

A Darkmore-style original land 
One of the most exciting things coming to Epic Universe is Darkmoor, and we absolutely love the direction Universal is taking there. Dark, atmospheric, gothic and story-driven. For the UK park, we would love to see a variant of this idea. Think less Frankenstein, more Dracula. Old castles, foggy courtyards, candlelight, mystery and folklore. A land that feels rooted in European myths rather than Hollywood monsters. Something moody, immersive and timeless. We would be first in line for a Darkmoor-inspired area closer to home, especially if it tells a story we can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

Jurassic World done big, bold and maybe even upgraded
Jurassic is Universal at its best. The meet-and-greet with Blue, the classic river adventure, and of course VelociCoaster, these experiences are pure joy. The idea of having a full Jurassic World area in Europe is incredibly exciting. And if we’re allowed to dream a little bigger, how amazing would it be to see something new layered on top of what we already know? A ride inspired by the iconic glass gyrospheres would be a perfect fit. Jurassic World feels universal in the best sense of the word, and it deserves a strong presence in the UK park.

Vikings, dragons and the perfect fit for the UK
Vikings feel like a natural match for the UK. The mythology, the landscapes, the rugged atmosphere — it all works. Seeing how well How to Train Your Dragon works in the Orlando parks, it would be incredible to experience a version of that land in Europe. Flying rides, cozy village spaces, playful dragons and just the right mix of thrills and charm. We know Minions are always a safe bet for a family area, and realistically that might be what we get. But if we’re allowed to hope, this is the kids and family area we’d choose without hesitation.

Nintendo is pure fun, even if it’s familiar
We absolutely love Super Nintendo World. The colors, the energy, the sensory overload, it’s chaotic in the best possible way. That said, we already have three Nintendo lands across the US and one in Japan. If Nintendo comes to the UK, we hope Universal finds a way to make it feel different. A new layout, a new attraction, but  even if it turns out to be a near copy, we’ll still go because Nintendo is just that much fun.

Back to the Future for something truly unique
This is the one we’re quietly rooting for. Back to the Future is classic Universal, bringing it to the park would instantly give Europe something unique. A time-travel themed ride, playful retro futurism, iconic music  it’s all there. Not everything needs to be a brand new IP. Sometimes, the right classic can feel fresh again in the right context.

What we’re really hoping for is this:
A Universal UK park that doesn’t just replicate what already exists, but adds something new to the global theme park landscape. A park that feels European, atmospheric, and just a little bit unexpected.

What Are You Hoping For?

Now we’re curious, what are you hoping Universal builds in the UK? A dark gothic land, dinosaurs, dragons, Nintendo chaos, or something completely different? Let me know, because this is one theme park dream we love talking about.