Universal. Orlando comes to Bedford.
Disney wanted a European park in the UK in the 1980s and chose Paris. Forty years later Universal has the green light for Bedford, and 8.5 million visitors are projected in year one.
THE GIST ON UNIVERSAL: "Universal's Big UK Play"
What is Universal building?
A full-scale, Orlando-style mega resort in Bedford, something the UK has been waiting 40 years for. It would be one of Europe's biggest theme parks, with multiple themed lands, hotels, and 8.5 million visitors projected in the first year.
Why did it take so long?
Disney originally wanted to build its European park in the UK in the 1980s. Negotiations dragged, plans stalled, and Disney picked Paris, shifting billions of British tourism spend outside the UK for decades.
Now it's Universal, not Disney, that has the green light. Because the economics have changed. Brits are some of the biggest theme park goers in the world, and Disneyland Paris relies heavily on UK visitors. The demand exists. We never had a big enough park to catch it.
Why now?
US theme park holidays have become brutally expensive. Disney World tickets are over $200, flights cost more, and the pound doesn't go as far. Universal has spotted the gap: if Brits aren't going to Orlando, bring Orlando to them.
It's a repatriation strategy for billions of pounds leaving the UK. If it works, it resets the UK attraction industry and puts pressure on Disney, with a flagship rival at the home of its biggest international customer base.
Bedford or Orlando for your next theme park trip?
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Quick answers
What is Universal planning in Bedford?
A mega resort with multiple themed lands and hotels, projecting 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
Why did Disney choose Paris?
Negotiations in the UK dragged and plans stalled in the 1980s, so Disney picked Paris.
Why does Universal think it will work?
Brits are big theme park goers and US holidays have become brutally expensive.
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