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Summer happenings at SoCal theme parks: Disneyland, Knott’s and more

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Guests will be asked to pick a side at Six Flags Magic Mountain's "DC Heroes and Villains" fest.

Guests will be asked to pick a side at Six Flags Magic Mountain’s “DC Heroes and Villains” fest.

(Six Flags Magic Mountain)

The Valencia coaster park this summer is leaning into superhero properties. The likes of Batman, Superman, Catwoman, the Joker and more are taking part in an evening show that marries dance parties, stunt shows and audience participation. Its “DC Heroes and Villains Fest” runs weekends throughout the summer beginning June 20, with festivities starting at 5 p.m.

There’s a plot each night, and it centers on villains trying to spoil a statue dedication to Batman. Audiences are said to be able to align with heroes or villains to see who has control of Gotham City each evening. Expect a stunt show finish and plenty of silliness, such as a dad joke or strength contests. Dance events will center on Catwoman, the Joker and Harley Quinn, nonheroes who will be trying to woo guests with family-friendly entertainment.

While “DC Heroes and Villains Fest” had yet to begin at the time of writing, Magic Mountain is hoping for a theater-heavy experience.

“A lot of my team comes from New York, the Broadway side,” Mike Ostrom, manager of entertainment and events for the park, told immersive podcast No Proscenium. “So we’re trying to bring a lot of theatrical elements and story arc and all those things that involve the crowd, the participants, to really get involved in what they’re seeing.”

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Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel

A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it’s out of Wes Anderson’s world.

Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel.

Illustration of a restaurant interior.

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Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summerCredit: www.efteling.com
Hotel room with green accents.

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It will follow the fairytale-theme of the parkCredit: www.efteling.com
Hotel Efteling in the Netherlands.

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In total, it will have 140 rooms and suites complete with themed decorCredit: www.efteling.com

The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker – The Travel Mum – dubbing it “better and cheaper than Disneyland”.

The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1.

The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story.

There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival.

A bellhop and Efteling’s two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel’s signature fragrance.

The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds.

The biggest room will be able to host six people.

The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane.

All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public.

Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book.

Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food

The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool – availabel only to hotel guests – with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room.

There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate.

The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor.

While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes – which include seven ‘magical’ ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle – Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience.

Illustration of a coffee shop interior with a central wooden display.

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There will also be two restaurants at the site and one cafeCredit: www.efteling.com
Hotel under construction reflected in a pond.

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There will also be a swimming pool at the hotel, and spa facilitiesCredit: www.efteling.com

Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests.

Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit.

Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack.

Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.

Hotel Efteling with golden-domed towers.

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The hotel is expected to open on August 1Credit: www.efteling.com

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Disney theme park rule you should never break according to former cast member

A former cast member at a Disney theme park has said there’s one thing she wishes guests would stop doing while visiting, and it can ruin someone’s day if you break the unwritten rule

Disney World Florida
You should follow these rules when visiting a Disney park (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)

When you go to a Disney theme park like Disney World or Disneyland, there are some golden rules you should follow. For example, most people know that adults are banned from dressing up as Disney characters because they might confuse children into thinking they’re the real cast members, and there’s also a ban on bringing folding chairs and drones into the parks because of the disruption they might cause.

But did you know there are also rules about how to interact with cast members? Many of these are unspoken, but there are some things you should never do when you meet the actors and actresses who are dressed up as your favourite Disney characters.

Kayla Nicole, a former Disney cast member, shared a video on TikTok in which she highlighted the number one thing she wished people would stop doing when they line up to meet Disney princesses.

During her eight years as a cast member, the woman played a number of roles at the park, including Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Merida from Brave, and Cinderella. She said that if you’re ever meeting two characters at once, you should never ignore one in favour of the other.

She explained: “If you’re in a meet-and-greet location like the hall, where you have one princess on this carpet and a different princess on the other carpet, do not skip one to go to the other.

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“Operationally, that tiny little area between princesses is getting clogged up. But beyond the operational aspect, there’s a humanity aspect. How would you feel getting consistently skipped over? With side eyes and smirks and backs turned, not even acknowledging you.

“Per our rules, we’re supposed to average around 70 seconds for each interaction to make it fair for every family. So if you’re skipping a princess, you are saving one minute of your time and potentially causing a world of hurt to that performer.”

Kayla said that despite the cast members doing everything in their power to embody the character they’re playing, they are still real people underneath the costume, and they have real feelings. She also said this can be even more difficult for people of colour playing princesses like Tiana from The Princess and the Frog or Elena from Elena of Avalor.

She added: “Imagine you’re a person of colour playing Elena or Tiana, the two characters that meet in the hall. In real life, you feel looked over, given fewer opportunities, etc, and then you come to your job and people are still looking over you.

“We’ve had to stop loading the rooms so many times throughout my Disney career because my Elena was crying at how she was being treated. I promise you, you’re still going to make that Space Mountain fast pass.

“If you’re a guest, just walk up, smile, and say hey. The performer should, in theory, take the reins and guide the entire interaction from there on. Just ‘yes and’ everything they say and it’ll be over before you know it.”

Several commenters on the video shared their own experiences with seeing Disney princesses skipped over, especially when it comes to lesser-known characters.

One person said: “Elena was my daughter’s favourite princess when we went. People kept skipping her over, and she spent extra time with my little, and we never knew of that princess before.”

Another added: “I never watched Elena’s show, but we had such a great interaction when I met her! I’m glad she took the reins because honestly, I was so nervous about what to say to her. Total sweetheart!”

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‘I visited Orlando’s newest £7bn theme park and one new thing blew everyone away’

Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe in Florida has opened its doors – with five new worlds to explore within – so naturally I went along to sample the magical delights

Epic Universe
Enjoy the thrills and spills in Orlando’s newest theme park with adventure around every corner(Image: PR HANDOUT)

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has changed the face of the landscape and what it means to enjoy a holiday full of thrills and spills.

The £7 billion theme park is an immersive, multisensory experience with storytelling at its core. The resort’s fourth theme park and the first to open in 25 years, it invites guests to “explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations” – and it really is magical.

With 50 awe-inspiring attractions,entertainment, dining and shopping experiences in its new park, the Universal parks make up a 700-acre resort space.

READ MORE: Foodie visits biggest McDonald’s in the world and delivers honest 9-word verdict

But it’s not just the stunning scenery, experiences and rides that blew me away – my entire group were wowed by the culinary experiences inside the park. Forget burgers, hotdogs and popcorn – although readily available if you fancy – I dined on exquisite seafood from scallops to King Oysters at Atlantic and freshly made Dim Sum and Ramen noodles at The Blue Dragon, both in Celestial Park.

I also found the best purple pizza called Pizza Lunare in Pizza Moon, complete with an Ube crust – the chunks of roasted garlic were to die for – and melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket at The Oak & Star Tavern.

Let’s explore the worlds a little closer for when you plan your first visit…

Epic Universe
You’ll find five worlds ahead of you to explore once you step through the stunning Chronos(Image: PR HANDOUT)

Celestial Park

Step through the Chronos – the impressive first portal tower and entrance to the park that when ‘powered’ will align to open up five magical portals for visitors to explore.

I first enjoyed Celestial Park – the cosmic heart of Epic Universe and so much more than just a starting point. Local ‘Celestians’ who inhabit here tend to the lush, tree-lined walkways and I found myself whisked into a whimsical world of greenery, tropical flowers, fountains and ponds.

Everything here is connected heavily to astrology, from the first sight of Luna, goddess of the moon, who oversees the night’s luminescence by her Neptune Pools, to the far side of the park where Apollo, god of the sun, rests. Even the rides are well themed – I enjoyed a gentle sway on the Constellation Carousel and zipped at 62mph on Stardust Racers, a dual racing rollercoaster across 5,000ft of track, which is the park’s top thrill ride for speed and height.

Celestial Park interweaves the other worlds and acts as a calming decompression from the extremities of themes and music in each world. Grab a cocktail at Bar Zenith, watch the fountain show and marvel in the sheer beauty.

MUST DO Visit North Star Wintry Wonders, an all-year Christmas store where it really snows outside – even under the hot Florida sun.

Dark Universe

The storytelling continues as you move through this spooky portal and into monstrous Darkmoor Village. It makes sense – Universal is the pioneer of horror, after all.

Dr Victoria Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s great great-granddaughter, is the proud owner of this world’s central focus – Frankenstein Manor – and she has captured all the monsters but she’s having some trouble with Dracula. Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as you navigate the catacombs of the manor to “help” Victoria (you won’t help – but you will scream).

Epic Universe
Can you escape the terrifying catacombs at Dr Victoria Frankenstein’s Manor? I did…. just!(Image: PR HANDOUT)

The ride’s technology is phenomenal and the animatronics are creative masterpieces. Fear not, it’s suitable for all ages.

Take time to explore the details. Look out for a little girl statue of Maria (a character from the 1931 Frankenstein film, who accidentally drowns), listen to sounds from beneath the vampire well and head to the Blazing Blade Tavern for a fiery sight to behold.

MUST DO Grab a bite to eat at Das Stakehouse. The theming is almost better than the food – and the food is delicious.

Super Nintendo World

Everything moves, spins, jumps and wobbles in Super Nintendo World. It’s a gaming world for everyone – even the big kids who are young at heart.

Providing one of the coolest portals (the walkway into each world), I entered via a Super Mario Warp Pipe and arrived inside Princess Peach’s Castle before exiting into a world of jaw-dropping colour and musical joy. Glistening golden coins, stomping Koombas, sliding 1-Up mushrooms and snapping Piranha Plants were everywhere as I looked across to Bowser’s Castle.

This is where I gave Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge a go and my dismal points were made up for by the fun and laughter I had hurtling turtle shells and banana peels at my friends (virtually, of course – the race car game, where we’re up against all the usual Super Mario bad guys, is played via a headset).

The character meet and greets here are sweet for youngsters – Toad is a rotund delight for toddlers, Mario and Luigi are cool for pre-teens and even the too-cool-for-school teenagers won’t be able to resist Donkey Kong.

Don’t miss the fabulous rollercoaster Minecart Madness – it’s a bumpy ride but the jumps over “missing” sections of the track are thrilling.

Epic Universe
Prepare for a sensory sensation in Super Nintendo World – all ages will love it here

MUST DO Buy a $45 Power-Up wristband. It’s vital for playing the in-world mini games, collecting coins and banking some exclusive park stamps and badges, which connects to an app on your mobile phone and creates family friendly competition.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

This world makes the Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando Resort a trio – also made up of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands Of Adventure.

Step inside the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where the likes of Newt Scamander hangs out. Known as Place Cachée, this world is a fan delight, merging the magic of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Paris, with the wonders of Harry Potter.

I hopped on the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry Of Magic for Dolores Umbridge’s trial for her crimes against magic on the mesmerising dark ride, Battle At The Ministry. Expect magical creatures and spells galore – and make time for the show, Le Cirque Arcanus. The puppetry will leave you speechless.

MUST DO Try a Gigglewater in Le Gobelet Noir – a bar owned by Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher’s Stone.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

The largest of all the worlds at Epic Universe,the Viking village of Berk is breathtaking. On entry, I was faced with two 40ft carved wooden statues, guarding the village. This world is set after the second film, where there’s peace and harmony between man and dragon.

Look out for The Untrainable Dragon live show, which has the most beautiful score, with singers and actors akin to the talent of a West End show. And be sure to try the mac and cheese cone at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – it’s the novelty dish I never knew I needed.

MUST DO Look to the skies. Here you’ll find actual flying dragons – drones to us adults (don’t tell the kids), but they are very realistic.

HOW TO BOOK

Universal Orlando Resort

All Parks tickets are available through British Airways Holidays from £439 per person.

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829 per person, travelling on selected dates in January 2026. Book by 9 June. For reservations visit britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/orlando/holidays-inorlando

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UK seaside town abandoned by theme park and row over £65m holiday park boost

Bold plans to transform a derelict theme park into an impressive £65 million holiday park – with more than 270 lodges and two hotels – remain in the air, despite being submitted to the council in 2022

proposed redevelopment of pleasure island cleethorpes
Will Pleasure Island finally get a makeover?(Image: BBC)

The future of a rotting theme park once revered by Brits remains in the air – despite multi-million upgrade plans being submitted to the council three years ago.

Back in its glory days, Cleethorpe’s Pleasure Island epitomised the very best of the UK coast – attracting thousands of holidaymakers nationwide. Boasting almost 30 adrenaline-pumping rides, including the Hyperblaster, Obliterator, Pendulus, and Terror Rack – the attraction put Cleethorpes, a tiny seaside town on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire, on the map. But, as cheap holiday packages to sunny destinations like Spain started gaining popularity – Pleasure Island’s visitor numbers drastically slumped.

In 2016, the theme park closed its doors for good. But, instead of being re-purposed or attempting to re-open, the attraction was simply left to decay. Now, creepy images show how much of the park has been neglected for so long much of it has been reclaimed by nature. Pictures released last year also reveal piles of rubbish that remains inside some of the park’s buildings.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘worst’ seaside town abandoned by Butlin’s with no sign it ever existed

Welcome sign at Pleasure Island
The theme park has been left to rot for years(Image: Pleasure Island Archive/Facebook)

The arched entrance to Pleasure Island still reads ‘WELCOME’ – but ugly metal fencing has blocked tourists from the site for almost a decade. It sparks one big question shrouded in mystery: what is happening to this place?

Back in 2022, a consortium of developers including Lidl submitted ambitious plans to transform the abandoned park into a huge holiday resort consisting of more than 270 lodges, two hotels, a drive-through coffee-shop and cycle-hire building. Expected to cost around £65 million, the proposal also includes restaurants, cafes, a leisure unit, two retail units, and the use of the existing lake for fishing activities.

Inside Pleasure Island
Plans to transform the attraction are still in the air(Image: Pleasure Island Archive/Facebook)

According to reports at the time, all existing Pleasure Island buildings and structures would be knocked down, marking a fresh start for the space. An impact assessment estimates the regeneration could create around £17 million per year of additional visitor expenditure once it’s operational.

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proposed redevelopment of pleasure island cleethorpes
The plans have been hit with several objections(Image: BBC)

However, the bold plans have been in a back-and-forth following a series of concerns. The Environment Agency first objected to plans based on worries about the risk of flooding. However, after agreeing to close the lodges between November and March – when flooding risk is at its highest – the EA was ‘satisfied’ with the amendments.

It later objecting to amendments to the plans, which include building a new bridge over the Buck Beck. “We will require continuous access along both banks of the watercourse and as a minimum, the bridge should not reduce the cross-sectional area of the channel,” the body said. “Further details are required to determine whether these requirements have been met.”

proposed redevelopment of pleasure island cleethorpes
The council says the planning application is still pending consideration(Image: BBC)

Other concerns were raised in 2023, when Natural England asked for more information about the development due to ‘potential significant effects’ on the Humber Estuary. However, since September last year – there have been no new news reports on the Pleasure Island’s future. On its website, North East Lincolnshire Council states the proposal is ‘pending consideration’ – but it has been like this since September 2024.

The latest update to the council’s planning documents is a Consultee Comment from Natural England, dated March 18. This is in response to concerns around recreational disturbance – which shows the future of Pleasure Island remains unknown.

Should the holiday park get the green light? Have your say in the comments section below

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It’s Universal vs. Disney in an epic ‘prize fight’ for theme park dominance in Florida

The theme park rivalry in Orlando, Fla. is heating up.

This week, Universal will open its latest park, Epic Universe, a reportedly $7 billion bet for the Comcast-owned company and the newest salvo in its ongoing push to expand its tourism and entertainment empire.

That puts pressure on Walt Disney Co., whose Walt Disney World Resort has long dominated the Orlando vacation landscape, but is now seeing increased competition, particularly from Universal.

Sprawled across 750 acres, Epic Universe represents the biggest Universal theme park expansion since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 15 years ago.

It touts five different themed areas, four of which are tied to well-known franchises: “Harry Potter,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal’s Dark Universe of classic movie monsters and Nintendo video game properties, in addition to a cosmic central Celestial Park hub.

The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal’s monsters. Reviews of the park have been largely positive, with critics highlighting the immersive nature of the attractions.

“Comcast has come on so strong with what they’ve developed and brought forth in the Orlando market,” said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of Cincinnati-based consulting firm International Theme Park Services Inc. “Over the last 15 years, they have brought that distance between Universal and Disney much closer, and it has really become a prize fight. It’s the most intense and competitive situation in the industry.”

Disney was the first of the two to the Orlando market back in 1971, when it opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It wasn’t until 1990 that Universal opened its own Orlando park, giving Disney a nearly two-decade head start.

By then, Disney had already opened the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks (which would later become known as Hollywood Studios). Also in the mix in the Sunshine State: SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in 1973, and what’s now known as Busch Gardens Tampa, which debuted in 1959.

Today, Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando will have three, including Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure (opened in 1999), and a water park, Volcano Bay (2017).

Though Universal was late to market, its 2010 opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando pushed the theme park competition to new heights. Building a land solely around a specific intellectual property — instead of a general theme — was novel at the time, and the concept would later show up in Disney parks, such as Cars Land in Anaheim and later, “Star Wars”-themed lands in California and Florida.

Demand at the time for the “Harry Potter”-themed land pushed Universal’s attendance up 36% compared with the previous year, Speigel said.

“They realized after ‘Harry Potter’ that it was a new world order,” he said. “They’ve just kept the pedal to the metal on everything they’ve done in terms of growth and internal experience.”

There’s good reason for that.

Both Universal and Disney have honed in on theme parks as a profit-generating part of their business that is less volatile than the ever-changing media, television and film markets. Disney’s experiences division, which includes its theme parks and cruise lines, has long brought in the lion’s share of the company’s profit, particularly as pay TV shrinks.

“Disney has been pretty steady and consistent, but Universal is very rapidly expanding,” said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “They’re highly encouraging their theme park sector right now.”

Both companies have recently announced new properties — Disney in Abu Dhabi and Universal with a smaller kids resort in Texas, a theme park in Britain and a year-round Halloween Horror Nights-esque experience in Las Vegas.

“The plan is to keep driving growth in a business that we think we’re one of two players in a market that is, within media, not at all exposed to the shift in time on screens from one venue to another,” Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said during the company’s fiscal first quarter call with analysts last month. “Live experiences, parks experiences have been thrilling to people, and we think we lean into that and continue to do so.”

So far, he said, advance ticket sales and hotel bookings are “strong” for Epic Universe and the other Universal parks in Orlando. A one-day ticket starts at $139.

That’s why analysts have consistently flagged the upcoming park during earnings calls for rival Disney, querying executives about the potential pressure on Disney World and how the company plans to compete.

But if Disney is worried, it has shown little sign of it. Last week, Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said hotel bookings for the fiscal third quarter are up 4% compared with last year, with about 80% of available nights reserved. For the fourth quarter, bookings are up about 7%, with about 50% to 60% of capacity filled, he said.

That’s despite broader worries that concerns about a potential recession — spurred by President Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods — will dampen travel and consumer spending.

“Experiences is obviously a critical business for Disney and also an important growth platform,” company Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a recent earnings call. “Despite questions around any macro-economic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I’m encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business.”

The company has previously announced it is investing $30 billion into its parks in Florida and California, which will fund such additions as a “Monsters Inc.”-inspired land and a villains land in Disney World. The parks have also added attractions throughout the last 10 years, including the revamped Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride (which replaced Splash Mountain).

Disney is betting that the influx of visitors coming to Florida for Epic Universe will still make a stop at its parks. Last year, Orlando tallied more than 75 million visitors, up 1.8% compared with 2023, according to the Visit Orlando trade association. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said at an investor conference last week that Disney gets more tourists any time something new opens up in central Florida — even if it’s not a Disney property.

“If we just go back five or 10 years, and you think about what’s happened at Walt Disney World, we’ve always been on the offensive,” D’Amaro said. “If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe, and if it brings in additional tourists, I can almost guarantee you that new tourist coming into the market is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”

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Paultons Park announces £12m land with a first for UK theme parks

Paultons Park in Hampshire has unveiled its new £3.5m dark ride, Ghostly Manor, as it also looks ahead to the addition of a new £12m themed-world which opens to the public in 2026

Family riding the indoor-ride Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park
A new spooky and thrilling ride has been unveiled at Paultons Park in Hampshire(Image: Supplied)

Paultons Park in Hampshire has pulled the wraps off its spooky new £3.5 million dark ride, Ghostly Manor, which opened its doors to the public on May 17. But that’s not all – they’ve also spilled the beans on a whopping £12 million themed-world that’s in the pipeline.

Valgard – Realm of the Vikings is set to be Paultons Park’s biggest splurge yet and is squarely aimed at families with older kids and teens.

The Viking-themed extravaganza, due to open in spring 2026, will be home to Paultons Park’s first-ever inverting rollercoaster. ‘Drakon’ promises to be the park’s most adrenaline-pumping ride yet, boasting a vertical lift hill and two twists that’ll flip riders head over heels.

Valgard will also play host to a brand-new Vild Swing that’ll send thrill-seekers spinning 12 metres into the air. The Vild Swing will make Paultons Park the first UK theme park to install a thrilling swing by ART Engineering.

READ MORE: ‘Lads holidays make me uneasy – there was one moment I knew I’d outgrown them’READ MORE: Inside ‘one of the UK’s most beautiful’ beach huts in its most secret bay

Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park
Paultons Park has unveiled its spooky new £3.5 million dark ride, Ghostly Manor(Image: Supplied)

But it’s not just about the new rides. Valgard will also see the Cobra, a much-loved classic at Paultons Park, reimagined as a bobsled adventure. The ride will take on a new identity as Raven, adding to the immersive Viking village experience. Valgard will also feature a themed restaurant with plenty of seats and a new playground for the little ones to explore.

While keeping their cards close to their chest, Paultons Park did let slip that another major thrill ride is on the horizon for Valgard in 2027, hinting at a splashy water-based experience.

Paultons Park is set to take its visitors on an epic Viking adventure with the introduction of Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, adding to its trove of over 80 rides and attractions spanning six themed worlds. Valgard joins the ranks alongside the Midwestern America-themed Tornado Springs, renowned for its exhilarating ‘Cyclonator’ and the twisting ‘Storm Chaser’ coaster, as well as dinosaur-themed haven — Lost Kingdom.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date, and on the day that we welcomed guests into our brand-new Ghostly Manor. As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.”

Ghostly Manor vintage-looking building at Paultons Park
Ghostly Manor is Paultons Park’s latest indoor ride sensation(Image: Supplied)

Mancey also expressed his excitement over the new additions, adding: “Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly ups the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

Ghostly Manor, the latest indoor ride sensation, has upped the ante at Paultons Park with its five minutes of gameplay and an extra dose of pre-show excitement, adding to the park’s already stellar roster of over 70 rides and attractions.

Ghostly Manor’s interactive gameplay is suited for thrill-seekers aged five and up, with those aged eight and older allowed to ride unaccompanied.

As soon as guests step into the queue for Ghostly Manor, they’ll encounter all sorts of spectral sights and haunted objects while navigating the abode of the famed ghost hunter, Dr Kinley. Riders hop into four-seater carriages and are equipped with their very own Phantom Phaser. The nifty gadget lets them snag sneaky spectres and troublesome phantoms.

Ghostly Manor sign at Paultons Park
Guests will encounter all sorts of spectral sights and haunted objects as soon as they enter the Ghostly Manor abode(Image: Supplied)

The ride is a feast for the senses, featuring cutting-edge haptic interactive tech and LED lights on the handheld Phaser, enhancing the experience across eight digitally decked-out scenes. At the journey’s end, each ghost hunter’s score is tallied, crowning the most skilled spirit snatcher.

James added: “We have worked with the very best technical and theming experts in the attractions business to create Ghostly Manor. Our teams and partners have done a remarkable job at creating our very own haunted house, brimming with entertaining paranormal activity. Ghostly Manor really does look like it’s always been part of Paultons Park, and I’m sure it’s going to be an enormous hit with our guests.”

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