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The Tom Anstey Column
The move follows Universal Destinations and Experiences' 2023 acquisition of a 476-acre site in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, which sparked speculation about the potential development of a major resort and amusement park. While Universal has not yet disclosed the full details of the project, the trademark application also includes coverage for entertainment services such as live performances, appearances by costumed characters, and guided tours of motion picture and television production facilities, featuring exhibitions and demonstrations.
Though no official confirmation has been made, reports suggest that the final stages of government approval on financial matters pending. If the project receives final approval, construction could begin shortly, although the park is not expected to open before 2031.
History in the making
Universal is making significant moves across the globe right now. While the UK project remains in the early stages, a much more developed venture is the upcoming Universal Kids Resort, which has revealed the theme lands for the family-friendly park opening next year.
Tailored specifically for young children, the park will feature six themed lands inspired by beloved Universal IPs, including Jurassic World, Minions, Shrek, and Puss in Boots.
The resort will be anchored by a central hub offering interactive play areas, relaxation lawns, and a fully immersive retail experience. Visitors will enter Universal Kids Resort through this hub before exploring the various themed lands. One of the most anticipated areas is the SpongeBob-themed land, based on his home of Bikini Bottom, where guests will have the chance to earn their boating licenses and unwind on the will offer an immersive swamp-themed playground. Meanwhile, the Trolls-themed area promises a land will allow guests to learn about and encounter dinosaurs. The Minions will take over a tranquil
vacation retreat, and in the Puss in Boots land, This marks an exciting new direction for Universal, and it will be fascinating to see how it resonates with families once it opens. Of course, this is not the only major Universal project on the horizon, with the highly anticipated Epic Universe, the immersive Horror Unleashed attraction, and the previously mentioned UK resort all set to open in the not too distant future.
Inspiration in nature
In Japan, another major theme park is set to open soon, with the highly anticipated Junglia Okinawa preparing for its grand debut later this year. Slated to officially open on July 25th, this US$451 million development promises a unique blend of nature-inspired experiences, including a Dinosaur Safari, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a luxurious spa.
Representing a major tourist destination for
a former golf course, is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors. Guests will be immersed in a variety of rides and experiences set against the stunning backdrop of the Yambaru forest area.
Among its 22 attractions, Junglia will feature balloon rides, adventure experiences and a ride where visitors will be chased through the jungle by a dinosaur as they ride inside a vehicle. Junglia presents itself as an alternative theme park experience, with its theme of luxury and nature acting as the backdrop to what could well prove to be a stunning theme park experience. According to projections, over its first 15 years, the park will generate 880,000 jobs with an economic impact of US$45bn - around US$3bn a year. Is this an ambitious target? Only time will tell but the ambitious target hints at a history-making development - if it can live up to the hype.
Force ghosts
Opening in March 2022, the immersive hotel experience was designed to offer guests a cruise- style adventure aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser. However, with a steep price tag of around US$1,200 per guest per day, the experience proved too expensive for many, and a combination of soaring costs, budget cuts, and cancellations led to its closure just a year and a half later, in September 2023. While the venture has now come to an end, the once-promising Thea Award-winning hotel has found a new purpose - being repurposed as offices
These repurposed offices will serve as a hub for the former Starcruiser building will no longer be accessible to guests following the transformation.
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The new plans for the space also put to rest any lingering rumours that the hotel might be repurposed as a dinner theatre experience.
Kingdom, the Cars and Disney Villains expansions at Magic Kingdom, and a new Monsters, Inc. land
Whether it's drawing inspiration from history to create magical experiences, making history with groundbreaking themed developments, or turning a setback into a new opportunity, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for the just getting started.
TOM ANSTEY
Tom is a world-travelled journalist who has been actively working in the attractions and wider leisure industries for more than a decade. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at Planet Attractions, a platform he co-founded in 2020, Tom is known for his deep industry knowledge and his commitment to exploring the stories and the people behind some of the world's most ambitious attractions projects. His favourite attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako coaster.
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