Universal Studios has shared plans to open a huge UK theme park and fans will be hoping to see some of their favourite rides.
Universal Destinations and Experiences made the shock announcement today (19 December) that it is 'exploring' the idea of building a theme park and resort on a former brickworks site in Bedfordshire.
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The company has purchased 480 acres of land at Stewartby and has called it an 'attractive place for a potential project'.
"The UK has a large population, creative industries, strong tourism, and transportation infrastructure with close proximity to other parts of Europe," a company statement read.
"We support Bedford's vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work and visit."
To say that people are excited by the announcement is an understatement.
"I would totally lose my mind if we got a heavily themed universal park in the UK!" one fan tweeted, as another added: "Rumours of a new Universal theme park in the UK means I’m very excited at the idea of Halloween Horror Nights being on the doorstep…"
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Currently, the beloved theme park has sites in the US, China, Singapore and Japan.
And Florida - which is home to one of the flagship studios - has some of the most famous rides in the world.
For sure, fans will hope to see some of these in the UK:
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
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Ride Type - Thrill, Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D Experience
Universal says the ride puts you 'beneath a massive fire-breathing dragon and journey deep underground on this multi-dimensional thrill ride'.
"As you navigate perilous subterranean vaults, you'll encounter Harry, Ron and Hermione. But you'll have to evade the wrath of villains Voldemort, Bellatrix, trolls and other creatures that stand between you and a safe return to Diagon Alley," reads the ride description.
The Simpsons Ride
Ride Type - Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience
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"Grab a seat on an indoor simulated rollercoaster ride, where you’ll careen and crash through the park with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in an over-the-top non-stop exhilarating adventure. Keep an eye out for cameos from some of Springfield’s fan-favourite characters as you adventure through the town," Universal's website says.
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Ride Type - Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience
"Board your N*E*S*T* vehicle and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in an ultra-immersive thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Fight to keep the AllSpark out of Megatron's hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons," reads Universal's description.
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MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Ride Type - Motion Simulation
The exciting mission statement for this one prepares you for an 'epidemic of aliens in New York'.
Thrill-seekers are told to 'use your laser gun to zap those little suckers and rack up points before they zap back at you, sending your car spinning out of control'.
"With the fate of the Earth in your hands, you'll become a fully fledged MEN IN BLACK agent," the ride's description adds.
It's worth noting the company said it was in the 'early stages of exploring its feasibility' and no rides have been confirmed as of yet. However, we can only hope that some of these attractions are included in the UK park.
Tom Wootton, the elected mayor of Bedford Borough Council, said: "The suggestion of a major business investment is of course positive, nevertheless these are early days and much detailed work is required before any decisions are made.
"We very much welcome and are excited by the interest from Universal and the immense potential for it to be transformative for the borough.
"We're committed to ensure that any plans align with the best interests of our residents."
Topics: Theme Park, UK News
Anish Vij