Universal has been making great progress on their new Epic Universe theme park which is expected to open in Orlando in 2025. Lots of rides have been testing and we have gotten LOTS of details about what to expect in each of the themed lands.

Epic Universe ©Universal

If building one new theme park isn’t enough, Universal has also been toying with the idea of building a brand-new theme park in the United Kingdom. This plan has been brewing for a bit, but we just got an update on the status!

At the end of 2023, Universal announced that they had purchased land in Bedford Borough, UK that they were considering building a new park on. They bought almost 500 acres of land, with the option to buy an additional 60 acres.

Universal Orlando

In June 2024, they released more details about their plans for this new park including that they were planning on building a 500-room hotel and dining area. It was estimated that the new park would generate nearly $50 billion pounds (about $63 billion U.S. dollars) in economic benefits for the entire country, bring in 20,000 jobs during construction, and create 8,000 jobs once it is complete. Universal was projecting that the project would take around six years to complete. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

Now, there is another update regarding the potential for a Universal Park in the United Kingdom. According to the Financial Times, Universal is currently discussing tax and infrastructure incentives with British politicians. Universal’s decision on whether they will continue to move forward with building a multibillion-pound resort in Bedford will likely be determined by these discussions on incentives with government officials. 

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure

It is currently expected that Universal will make a final decision on building a United Kingdom theme park by the end of the year. If the negotiations between Universal and government authorities are not successful, Universal may consider other European locations to build the new theme park.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more about this potential new Universal theme park. Meanwhile, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your theme parks news!

Check out EVERYTHING Universal has announced about their new Epic Universe theme park!

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What do you think of Universal’s plan to build a theme park in the UK? Let us know in the comments!