Bedfordshire is poised to become the UK’s answer to Orlando after being confirmed as the home of Universal Studios’ first European theme park. The entertainment behemoth, responsible for blockbuster hits such as Wicked, Harry Potter, Shrek and Minions, has secured a deal with the UK government to launch the multi-billion pound resort on English soil.
It will join six other Universal Studios resorts worldwide and is being touted as ‘one of the largest and most advanced’ theme parks in Europe. The park promises to offer a ‘world class’ experience with multiple themed lands boasting ‘thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment’ when it opens in 2031.
A 500-room hotel and complex dedicated to shopping, dining and entertainment will also open at the site, which is to be built at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks.
While specific details about the rides and experiences remain under wraps, UK visitors are in for an unforgettable experience if Universal’s world-famous Florida attraction is anything to go by. Stuart James, who recently reviewed the Orlando theme park for the Express, described it as ‘no nine-to five theme park’.
He wrote: “With its wild selection of restaurants and entertainment, there is so much to do on site to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. 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 a four-year project and is truly a ‘sight to behold’, he penned. “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.”
Naturally, many visitors flock there for rollercoaster thrills and spills – and Universal Studios’ rides are some of the world’s most impressive. The Jurassic World-themed VelociCoaster, for instance, reaches speeds of 70mph and includes four inversions and one terrifying “top hat” – a 90-degree ascent followed by a 90-degree drop.
Stuart also enjoyed the slower pace of the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, located in the Harry Potter-themed Hogsmead land, describing it as ‘a real scream’.
“This ‘story coaster’ may only reach speeds of 50mph but, seated on either Hagrid’s motorcycle, or the sidecar, you are taken on an exhilarating journey through the Forbidden Forest, and each bike has speakers that add that little bit extra,” he noted.
Stuart also explored the brand new DreamWorks land. Catering to a younger crowd, it features a child-friendly roller coaster, interactive play areas and a live show starring characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.
He also took a trip to the Volcano Bay water park, proving Universal is so much more than cinematic magic.
“The water slides cater for all ages, too, from death-defying Kala and Tai Nui body slides, where the ground gives way and you plummet 200ft down the volcano, to the more serene lazy river,” he wrote. “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. Its amenities include 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.
Orlando remains one of the world’s top travel destinations for families, ranking as the second most-searched British Airways package holiday last year.
“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,” wrote Stuart.
Could Bedfordshire become a visitor destination to rival Florida? It may offer the same sunshine, but with an anticipated 8.5 million visitors in its debut year, it’s set to cast its own spell of Universal enchantment.
As Stuart enthused: “When you step inside the doors of Universal Studios, that magic comes alive. 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.”