Universal Great Britain - Speculation & Rumors

[ParadoxPortals]

As a British person, yes, I can attest that BTTF is very popular here. When I've been talking to people today (not theme park fans, particularly) about the park and the potential areas that could be in it, BTTF is by far the idea they were most excited by.

British guy who typically really hates IPs in theme parks *and* high-thrill coasters here, BTTF is nonetheless my #1 most hyped concept as part of this new park, followed by Jurassic World (excluding anything Camp Cretaceous). I just hope it'll have more rides than the 1 hyper / giga coaster in the end

 

[ParadoxPortals]

I think BTTF has always had a dated sense of "Timelessness" that works really freaking well for Universal. The UK market in this case, feels prime for that potential in a way that genuinely makes a lot of sense (*also I find it funny that the one thing from the 90's attempt of Europe finally panned out*).

Wicked being absent in the artwork (yes, I think Jurassic is that big) makes me wonder if it's a result of the artwork being outdated and that we'll see the Shrek area not exist in future artwork. I genuinely think they'd want to have Wicked be a core tenant as part of the UK parks; like that of Minions, Jurassic, BTTF, and Paddington.

I agree with you that the final park layout will likely drastically change, and Wicked could very well be a part of it, I just hope it isn't too dominant. IDK how big the IP really is over here, from my POV it seems more popular in America. As well as that, currently it's literally just a 1-film series (excluding the stage show which is not part of the movie timeline), and even though we'll be getting a sequel, and maybe even more films based on the Wicked novels, I don't feel like this IP has strong staying power, nor should be built beside global enduring hits like Jurassic Park / World.

 

[Disneyhead]

That building on the right that everyone is saying is LotR is definitely The Poison Apple from Shrek.

The question is, is it a ride or a restaurant?

Someone else mentioned this earlier in the thread. I am just agreeing and reiterating.

 

[EllieB]

British guy who typically really hates IPs in theme parks *and* high-thrill coasters here, BTTF is nonetheless my #1 most hyped concept as part of this new park, followed by Jurassic World (excluding anything Camp Cretaceous). I just hope it'll have more rides than the 1 hyper / giga coaster in the end

Same, because I'm a bit of a wimp with big coasters haha

I'm assuming it'll have a shop, a sit down restaurant (I'm thinking diner with waitresses on roller skates if we're in the 1950s), a quick service location, the concert location on the lake... Some sort of time travel simulator ride would be amazing, but I don't know if that's too similar to what used to exist in Florida to be possible. A trackless dark ride where you travel through time tracking down parts Doc Brown needs for his latest invention, maybe?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

One thing I have heard a bit ago was that all the attractions here would not be coming from Orlando. So no Minion Mayhem, and if there is Potter it'll be new.

I think BTTF has always had a dated sense of "Timelessness" that works really freaking well for Universal. The UK market in this case, feels prime for that potential in a way that genuinely makes a lot of sense (*also I find it funny that the one thing from the 90's attempt of Europe finally panned out*).

Wicked being absent in the artwork (yes, I think Jurassic is that big) makes me wonder if it's a result of the artwork being outdated and that we'll see the Shrek area not exist in future artwork. I genuinely think they'd want to have Wicked be a core tenant as part of the UK parks; like that of Minions, Jurassic, BTTF, and Paddington.

As a British person, yes, I can attest that BTTF is very popular here. When I've been talking to people today (not theme park fans, particularly) about the park and the potential areas that could be in it, BTTF is by far the idea they were most excited by.

This is endlessly fascinating as BTTF has a nerd foothold in the US but somehow it's huge in the UK. So weird. Is it a particular aspect that attracts the British audience?

Same, because I'm a bit of a wimp with big coasters haha

I'm assuming it'll have a shop, a sit down restaurant (I'm thinking diner with waitresses on roller skates if we're in the 1950s), a quick service location, the concert location on the lake... Some sort of time travel simulator ride would be amazing, but I don't know if that's too similar to what used to exist in Florida to be possible. A trackless dark ride where you travel through time tracking down parts Doc Brown needs for his latest invention, maybe?

I hope they bring over the Punchdrunk-like BTTF stuff they're doing at Fan Fest in Hollywood! It would rock to have a daily immersive theater of BTTF taking place in the land.

 

[EllieB]

This is endlessly fascinating as BTTF has a nerd foothold in the US but somehow it's huge in the UK. So weird. Is it a particular aspect that attracts the British audience?

Obviously I can only speak to my own experience, but it's sort of the quintessential 80s movie. Could be a combination of the score and the Huey Lewis tracks, could be a fascination with 1950s and 1980s American culture both covered in the same film. Could be that it somehow feels very American and yet very timeless and relatable at the same time. Maybe we just really like Marty's optimism in the face of dreary awfulness around him, that's a rather British outlook haha

I'm not sure I can think of anyone I know who doesn't like BTTF, even if it's just a bit.

 

[Viator]

One thing I have heard a bit ago was that all the attractions here would not be coming from Orlando. So no Minion Mayhem, and if there is Potter it'll be new.

That was like one of the first things I had seen rumored for UK--and sofar that seems to be tracking.

That would mean Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash is on the table for UK--which if they upgrade it to ditch the interactivity that'd be a win.

 

[Evan]

So now that this is confirmed, does this move into its own official forum / section, so we can have more threads about speculation, construction, etc?

 

[AustinT]

That building on the right that everyone is saying is LotR is definitely The Poison Apple from Shrek.

The question is, is it a ride or a restaurant?

This area feels the most like a clear placeholder IMO. Seems way less fleshed out and detailed for a Universal-owned IP. I think it's got the be where LOTR will eventually go. But if they do end up having issues with that. I think a proper Shrek land would be great. Maybe the majority of it can be indoors like the KFP land in USB. Same slow boat ride system would work great for a Shrek swamp attraction.

 

[EllieB]

It's not my first choice for a land, but I think there's so much potential for a Shrek land.

You could have Duloc castle with a tongue-in-cheek Shrekified Small World style boat ride inside. Live jousting shows, faux-medieval food, a swamp play area, a dronkey-themed flat spinner ride, a runaway carriage coaster... There's endless possibilities really.

 

[ParadoxPortals]

Same, because I'm a bit of a wimp with big coasters haha

I'm assuming it'll have a shop, a sit down restaurant (I'm thinking diner with waitresses on roller skates if we're in the 1950s), a quick service location, the concert location on the lake... Some sort of time travel simulator ride would be amazing, but I don't know if that's too similar to what used to exist in Florida to be possible. A trackless dark ride where you travel through time tracking down parts Doc Brown needs for his latest invention, maybe?

Even though the concept art isn't supposed to be super detailed or accurate, I'm not seeing adequate space for a second attraction in this art. Unless the land is expanded in the final pitch I worry it'll just be the coaster - which TBH would be enough on its own to draw people to the land

Not that anyone asked, but here's my predictions for Universal Studios Great Britain, mixing strong rumours and speculation for lands with my own guesswork for what'll actually be in each of them. I tried to study the concept art as best as I could so I wasn't just making wild guesses into the void, and I kept these sets of predictions grounded in reality, not my own fantasy.

If anyone cares, once I made this I also made a dream park version of this concept art breakdown, that featured the things I thought would actually be the most interesting and cool for the park, instead of what I genuinely expect will be greenlit. I'll post it if there's interest.

If anyone else wants to make their 'Bingo cards' for what we'll see, please go ahead, it'll be fun to see who guesses the closest to the eventually announced attraction line-up!View attachment 25902

I've updated my predictions list to be more in-tune with current rumours and discoveries, including the (almost) confirmation that North of Dreamworks' Minions, is a Shrek area (based on the presence of the Poison Apple restaurant), the swapping of Pokemon for Paddington, and the removal of the Wicked land for more Jurassic World space).

 

[TheUniC6]

I've updated my predictions list to be more in-tune with current rumours and discoveries, including the (almost) confirmation that North of Dreamworks' Minions, is a Shrek area (based on the presence of the Poison Apple restaurant), the swapping of Pokemon for Paddington, and the removal of the Wicked land for more Jurassic World space).View attachment 25904

A Shrek land and dark ride that finally does the IP justice is so needed at this point.

 

[JaySalahi]

Not sure why the coaster would be Defying Gravity... Its far too thrilling a ride and doesn't match the demo, or tone. Velocicoaster, Stardust, Hulk sized coaster to Broadway music?

If it was a Hiccup sized coaster, then sure.

 

[rob@rar]

Universal Creative has just published a new job listing for an Assistant Director, Engineering and Safety (Expat - Non-Asia). Ex-pat non-Asia, I wonder where that might be...

Unlike the other ex-pat (no country specified) jobs that UC listed in recent months, this one appears to be available for immediate recruitment. Wonder if they'll start recruiting for the other senior posts for what might well be work focused on the Bedford Park.

 

[JT01]

I can't see them having both a Shrek-themed land and a massive Minions area, along with another smaller kids' area. That would only leave room for two more adult/family-focused IPs: Jurassic World and a small Back to the Future land. To me, that feels too kid-centric for a Universal park.

 

[ParadoxPortals]

I can't see them having both a Shrek-themed land and a massive Minions area, along with another smaller kids' area. That would only leave room for two more adult/family-focused IPs: Jurassic World and a small Back to the Future land. To me, that feels too kid-centric for a Universal park.

You gotta consider how all of its would be wrapped under the title of one Dreamworks Land, which based on the concept art will likely match Jurassic World in size, if you're (safely) assuming the coaster and additional buildings are part of that land. Shrek is gonna be small (possibly just a dark ride and quick service), Minions is gonna be 2 flat rides in a small structure, and then there will be some buildings around for more dining and shopping, possibly the Hollywood Secret Life of Pets omnimover if we're lucky? It's a pretty average medium sized land all things considered.

Jurassic World, BTTF, and Jaws will all balance Dreamworks out.

 

[WJWS13]

I guess an outdoor JAWS would be out of the question in the UK - those animatronics suffered enough in warmer waters, not sure how they'd withstand British winters.. but this is huge if it does turn out to be true.. who'd have thought it! And BTTF? I'm all in.

 

[EllieB]

Universal Creative has just published a new job listing for an Assistant Director, Engineering and Safety (Expat - Non-Asia). Ex-pat non-Asia, I wonder where that might be...

Unlike the other ex-pat (no country specified) jobs that UC listed in recent months, this one appears to be available for immediate recruitment. Wonder if they'll start recruiting for the other senior posts for what might well be work focused on the Bedford Park.

Interesting! I will be very interested to see what else they start advertising (particularly when they start actually listing GB as the location).

 

[Chessy]

I’m surprised they’ve announced it before Epic Universe official opening. But I guess it’s all good publicity and keeps the ball rolling for them, we’ve just created a fantastic new park and we aren’t finished yet!

As some others have said, taking the concept art with a pinch of salt. As I’m sure some things will change. I would be surprised if they can’t come to a deal with WB to include some form of HP.

Something I can’t see is a CityWalk? I’m sure they said they will have an area like that. Which makes me think this concept isn’t final.

 

[JT01]

You gotta consider how all of its would be wrapped under the title of one Dreamworks Land, which based on the concept art will likely match Jurassic World in size, if you're (safely) assuming the coaster and additional buildings are part of that land. Shrek is gonna be small (possibly just a dark ride and quick service), Minions is gonna be 2 flat rides in a small structure, and then there will be some buildings around for more dining and shopping, possibly the Hollywood Secret Life of Pets omnimover if we're lucky? It's a pretty average medium sized land all things considered.

Jurassic World, BTTF, and Jaws will all balance Dreamworks out.

that whole area were the maybe shrek land is includes two massive show buildings Minion land is also large, BTTF and jaws are tiny lands if you don't factor in the coaster. Jurassic is a massive land but idk the balance seems off if this was the route they are going down.