Merlin Entertainment is developing Minecraft theme park lands for some of their attractions in the US and the UK. Yes, you read that right.
What would you do with $110 million? Would you work to solve world hunger or perhaps bring global peace? Heck no, you would use that money to bring all of your Minecraft creations to the real world and rub it in the faces of all of your enemies!
That’s right, your Minecraft dreams may be coming true in the very near future as the folks at Merlin Entertainments have unveiled that they’ve invested $110 million in developing a Minecraft-themed real-life experience.
Minecraft Themed Lane coming to US and UK parks!
This is coming from Merlin Entertainments who operates the Peppa Pig themed play area, Legoland parks, and Alton Towers pic.twitter.com/Q4GrDZBWbJ
— LMG Vids (@LMGVids) November 23, 2024
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So in other words, Minecraft theme park lands are officially in the works and it could be coming at a time when the world needs it most!
Launching in the US and UK between 2026 and 2027, Merlin Entertainments promises to bring Minecraft to life with real-world recreations based on the game and exciting experiences throughout the park. This includes a Minecraft ride that hasn’t had its name officially announced yet.
However, in the promotional video uploaded to Merlin Enterainments’ YouTube account, we can see a live-action glimpse of a Minecraft-themed roller coaster and it doesn’t look like a simple “kiddie coaster.”
A screenshot of a Minecraft roller coaster – YouTube, Theme Park Worldwide
That leaves much speculation on what kind of audience Merlin Entertainments could be chasing. The company is also promising what they call “digitally enabled real-life experiences” as well as what they are dubbing “touchpoints” that will let players unlock content in the video game that comes exclusively from their park.
“This is a significant milestone for Merlin, which reinforces our commitment to reaching new audiences through bold and captivating concepts, and directly supports our ambitions for growth. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, and this world-first will see fans experience its thrill and creativity in real life, at theme parks and city-centre attractions in leading tourist destinations. This initial investment is just the beginning, replicating Merlin’s tried-and-tested approach to globally launching new concepts and platforms, as we have with LEGO, Peppa Pig, Sony Pictures, CBeebies and others. This is an exciting opportunity for our Merlin Magic Making team, working collaboratively with Mojang Studios to bring cross-reality experiences, themed accommodation and other elements to life for the largest gaming community in the world.”
-Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments
A Minecraft theme park land and ride have loads of potential to integrate themes and concepts from the now over 15-year-old game and its expansive history.
Perhaps a “Creeper Coaster” with explosions much like the exploding monster enemy itself or even an experience based on the final area of the game that includes a battle with the game’s final opponent, the Ender Dragon. We’ve recently seen the theme park giant Universal Studios testing a “dragon drone” in the skies prior to the launch of their new, Epic Universe, theme park. Could this be Merlin Entertainment’s answer, to challenge with a dragon of their own, per-se?
Concept art for Super Nintendo World at Universal’s Epic Universe
One area also of note in the game is a realm known as The Nether, where the player and others can explore a fiery world full of Zombified Piglins and other monsters wanting to sink you into the fiery sea. It’s basically “Minecraft in Hell” and the world is incredibly memorable and iconic.
However, the folks at Merlin Entertainments might have to make sure they are careful in how they advertise that one to cautious grandmas planning a family trip.
It’s official! Minecraft is coming to Merlin Entertainments, with the first two attractions launching in the US and the UK between 2026 and 2027. This includes Minecraft themed rides and accommodation! pic.twitter.com/Rq8ZPOg1GZ
— Theme Park Worldwide (@ThemeParkWW) November 19, 2024
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There’s also potential for more wholesome concepts.
We’ve already had a look at a Minecraft Village concept from the press release with the game’s main characters Steve and Alex enjoying themselves among many colorful blocky animals and even the Creeper monster. It’s only a matter of time until we also learn what could be inside these blocky buildings across the land. There appears to be slides and swings present across the area, as well as a sign advertising the game’s diamond sword weapon on one of the buildings.
That’s sure to be one of the big merchandise drivers for the park.
Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter made a huge impact on theme parks everywhere with its Interactive Wand system that lets park guests cast spells that interact with areas of the park with real-world implications. These wands use infrared technology to achieve the magic, and Minecraft too has many different tools and weapons that could capitalize on this tech.
Concept art for the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic at Universal’s Epic Universe -YouTube, Universal Orlando Resort
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Guests could use Pickaxes, Swords, Bows, and Splash Potions to achieve wonders in the real world.
What many are wondering is just how expansive this land will really be.
Merlin Entertainments’ main claim to fame has been their work on LEGOLANDs across the globe, but they’re also well known for Alton Towers and various other attractions like the Peppa Pig Theme Park and Madame Tussauds wax museum located in London.
Merlin Entertainments has shown a lot of potential over the years, even when compared to major competitors like Disney and Universal. However, the company has never achieved the cultural impact that its iconic rivals have.
Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World via 4K WDW YouTube
That’s perhaps due to a lack of park brands aimed at teenagers and adults. While LEGO as an intellectual property attracts all ages due to the brand’s star power, LEGOLAND has historically been aimed at kids. The Peppa Pig franchise, while respected and profitable, doesn’t have a large enough adult following to bring in people of all ages.
Minecraft could change everything for Merlin Entertainments’ reputation in the theme park sphere. The brand has a very nostalgic feel for many who grew up within its blocky land when the game first released as Cave Game back in May 2009.
Are you excited for Minecraft theme park experiences? Sound off and let us know your thoughts!
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