New details for UK Universal revealed
IN LESS than five years the UK is set to get a new theme park that’s the only one of its kind in Europe.
Universal United Kingdom Resort, as it is officially known, will be located in Bedfordshire and is set to open in 2031.
Universal has always been at the forefront of new theme park upgrades, from letting guests use wands to cast spells in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to interactive dragon robots at How To Train Your Dragon – Isle Of Berk.
Now the company has applied for FOUR new patents, giving fans a sneak peek at what to expect at their theme parks in the future.
These include a hybrid ride vehicle that can transition between being suspended from a track – as if it is floating through the air – to floating on the water.
Images show that the boat-style car would connect to an overhead arm and then when it enters the water it would detach from the arm and float like a normal boat.
Another patent reveals an AI guide – an audio tour that would be able to see your surroundings and then talk to you.
It isn’t clear yet what the AI guide would be used for by Universal, but it sounds like it could be along the lines of a Google Lens or Pokemon Go experience.
It is also unclear whether these patents are specifically for the UK park or all parks.
What we do know though, is that this week the Universal United Kingdom Resort announced the 23 contractors, engineers and architects that will be used for the project.
Contractors include the team behind the 2012 London Olympic Stadium as well as The Eden Project in Cornwall, the O2 Arena, a number of airport expansions and Battersea Power Station.
Previously announced details about the first Universal destination in Europe include that it will be located on a site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire – about 45 miles from London.
The park will spread across 476 acres and feature the theme park as well as hotels, restaurants, shops and even room for possible future expansion.
The theme park will be split into four “zones” – the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.
Accommodation and business hotels will be in the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex and a convention centre.
West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.
This is also likely to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as parking and a 500-room hotel.
When it comes to what will actually be inside the theme park itself, there are plenty of rumours flying around.
What we do know is that there will be indoor and outdoor rides, as well as areas for shows and entertainment.
The plans state: “[Guests will] experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars.
“They’ll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains.
“They’ll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they’ve only ever dreamed of.”
There will also be a maximum height of anything in the theme park of 115metres – which if this were to be a rollercoaster, it would take over from Red Force at Ferrari Land (part of PortAventura World) in Salou, Spain, as the tallest in Europe.
Despite Universal not confirming the park map or rides that will feature, industry speculation expects the attraction to focus on its British roots with much-loved franchise Harry Potter featuring.
Other famous films set to play a part in the theme park include Paddington Bear and James Bond.
There are also rumours that Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me/Minions and Shrek could also feature.
Rail lines near the theme park will also get upgraded with a new station on the East West Rail and Midland Main (Thameslink) Line.
It is expected to cost £5billion to bring to life.