Common Locations & Experiences has formally introduced plans to construct and function the corporate’s first-ever theme park & resort in the UK, situated in Bedford. The challenge, informally unknown as Common Studios Nice Britain amongst followers, has been revealed through new idea artwork and particulars from through the UK authorities.
For its half, Common Locations & Experiences has introduced its intent to proceed with the Bedford theme park challenge following greater than a 12 months of feasibility, due diligence, and shut engagement with native and nationwide stakeholders, in addition to members of the native surrounding communities. Common Studios Nice Britain was first rumored again in December 2023, when web sleuthing confirmed that Common had bought a big parcel within the UK and was exploring plans for a theme park.
Common stories that in its interval of public engagement whereas exploring the brand new park idea, the corporate shared its proposal with native communities. Throughout that public engagement, the corporate met with nearly 1,500 individuals and engaged with practically 100 native organisations to listen to concepts and suggestions. Common obtained over 6,000 responses to our engagement survey, with 92% of individuals surveyed expressing their help for Common Studios Nice Britain.
Quick-forward over a 12 months, and Common has now introduced that the “exploration” is full and the park is shifting ahead! The proposed plans for Common Studios Nice Britain embrace an leisure resort advanced with a world-class theme park with a number of themed lands that includes Common’s distinct model of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, revolutionary points of interest and thrilling leisure.
Along with the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park, preliminary plans for the resort advanced additionally function a 500-room resort and a retail, eating and leisure advanced. Will probably be the primary Common-branded theme park within the UK and Europe. At the moment, a planning proposal has been submitted to the UK authorities with a projected building begin date in 2026, topic to the related planning approvals. Common Studios Nice Britain is projected to open in 2031.
This improvement could have a transformative influence on Bedford and the UK financial system. Common Studios Nice Britain shall be a serious contributor to the inventive arts and tourism industries, producing practically £50 billion of financial profit for the UK and creating hundreds of latest, high-quality jobs.
Common Studios Nice Britain shall be one of many largest employers within the area as soon as it opens, with roughly 80% of staff anticipated to return from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Many extra communities will likewise profit from apprenticeships, coaching and academic alternatives.
Right here’s the conceptual artists’ rendering and placement of land space and proposed park:
In its announcement, Common acknowledges the large pleasure its theme parks carry. Nonetheless, it’s too early within the course of to announce any of the points of interest or experiences. Extra particulars about Common Studios Nice Britain shall be revealed over time, and are topic to the mandatory planning consent approvals.
That is to be anticipated with any new theme park. Again when Epic Universe was first introduced in 2019, it was through an identical piece of high-level aerial idea artwork. The precise lands weren’t introduced till a number of years later, with the curtain pulled again on particular person points of interest and experiences even later than that. Granted, there was the entire “COVID” factor that probably threw a monkey wrench into issues and launched uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the web did its factor and inside hours of the primary Epic Universe idea artwork being launched, there have been credible stories of the lands and even particular points of interest. These have been just about on the cash with what was constructed and is about to open over 5 years later.
It’s an identical story with Common Youngsters Resort in Texas, though the accuracy price seems to be a bit decrease on that one. Level being: we might have a fairly good thought of what’s deliberate for Common Studios Nice Britain through the rumor mill a lot, a lot prior to Common’s subsequent reveal and the federal government planning course of permits.
With that in thoughts, right here’s increased decision idea artwork of Common Studios Nice Britain to help in your investigations:
Talking of the federal government, the UK Prime Minister’s workplace additionally issued its personal announcement, stating that the transfer “represents a serious vote of confidence within the UK financial system and the way forward for partnerships between the UK and the US.” It referred to as the theme park one of many largest and most superior in Europe, and praised Common for its help of the federal government’s “Plan for Change” to create financial progress and alternatives.
This press launch additionally highlighted the financial influence, indicating that Common Studios Nice Britain will carry practically 20,000 jobs through the building interval, with an extra 8,000 new jobs throughout the hospitality and artistic industries when it opens in 2031. This may help the federal government to ship its progress mission – creating increased dwelling requirements and placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
In addition to producing important alternatives, the brand new theme park and resort will carry important native advantages, and help a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge hall by progress, infrastructure revitalisation and additional job alternatives.
Common expects the positioning to generate practically £50 billion for the financial system by 2055, with 8.5 million guests anticipated in its first 12 months. In so doing, Common Studios Nice Britain will grow to be the most important customer attraction within the UK–and will ultimately rival Disneyland Paris because the #1 vacationer vacation spot in all of Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned:
In the present day we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound funding that can see Bedford house to one of many largest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage.
That is our Plan for Change in motion, combining native and nationwide progress with creating round 28,000 new jobs throughout sectors reminiscent of building, AI, and tourism.
It isn’t nearly numbers; it’s about securing actual alternatives for individuals in our nation. Collectively, we’re constructing a brighter future for the UK, getting individuals into work and guaranteeing our financial system stays sturdy and aggressive.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves mentioned:
At a time of world change, this funding is a vote of confidence in Britain as a spot to do enterprise. Common’s funding will carry billions to the financial system and create hundreds of jobs to the UK, placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Company, mentioned:
We couldn’t be extra excited to take this crucial step in our plan to create and ship an unimaginable Common theme park and resort within the coronary heart of the UK, which enhances our rising US-based parks enterprise by increasing our international footprint to Europe.
We recognize the management and help of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Funding Poppy Gustafsson, Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy and their groups, as we work collectively to create and ship a incredible new landmark vacation spot.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Common Locations & Experiences, mentioned:
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the UK is an amazing alternative and is a part of our technique to introduce the Common model and experiences to new audiences across the globe. We recognize the unimaginable help for our proposed challenge and look ahead to bringing it to life within the years forward.
As a part of the Plan for Change, the UK authorities will decide to a serious funding in infrastructure across the website to help the supply of the challenge and guarantee it’s nicely related and simply accessible. It comes simply days after the federal government signed-off the enlargement of Luton Airport, showcasing how the federal government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life advantages for working individuals.
The deal helps the UK’s world main inventive industries, a growth-driving sector recognized within the authorities’s fashionable Industrial Technique, which shall be revealed this spring. The Technique will drive funding into excessive progress sectors, unlocking jobs and progress proper throughout the nation.
Common Locations & Experiences has a confirmed monitor file of constructing and working main theme parks and resorts throughout the globe. A Common improvement within the UK will be part of the corporate’s current portfolio of locations throughout the USA and Asia-Pacific.
The proposals for Common Studios Nice Britain stay topic to a planning resolution from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Native Authorities. Right here’s some extra financial influence stuff from Common:
Turning to commentary, the timing of that is as soon as once more fascinating. This challenge is turning into official within the lead-up to Epic Universe’s opening and as recent rumors swirl in regards to the firm’s aggressive enlargement plans in Orlando. In the meantime, the information of the week on the Disney facet of the ledger is that this: Bob Iger Warns of Tariffs’ Influence on Disney’s $60 Billion Enlargement Plans. (Spoiler: he’s not “warning” that Disney is doubling down on investments!)
Though I hate to contribute to theme park tribalism, it’s feeling like perhaps we’re due for a sequel to: Is Common “Beating” Disney?That article is now over a 12 months previous, and is particularly about Common Orlando and Walt Disney World, however conceivably might be prolonged to embody the broader Common Locations & Experiences and Disney Parks & Resorts divisions.
It nonetheless looks like Comcast has their foot on the gasoline, pushing the pedal to the steel. In the meantime, it looks like Disney has set the cruise management for a leisurely Sunday drive at greatest, and beginning to pump the brakes at worst.
Though Disney has fortunately moved past speaking and blue sky daydreaming about nebulous future plans and eventually has shovels within the soil, it nonetheless looks as if Comcast is shifting a lot sooner. They’re hungrier, and certain appear to be full steam forward on their theme parks enterprise. In the meantime, DINOSAUR remains to be open till 2026 (for causes unknown), the primary of Walt Disney World’s enlargement gained’t come on-line till after 2027, and people $60 billion plans certain appear topic to alter.
It’s not simply Epic Universe in Orlando or this potential Common Nice Britain advanced, both. There’s additionally the Common Youngsters Resort theme park and resort beneath building Frisco, Texas. Then there’s the Common Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada. These are two smaller-scale initiatives, however they’re indicative of revolutionary ways in which Common is making an attempt to enter the points of interest market with out tentpole vacationer locations.
Maybe I’m being unfair, or am “nearer” to the Disney facet of issues, making me extra apt to note the faults and really feel the gradual tempo of those initiatives. I’m unsure. However from the place I sit, it certain looks as if Disney and Comcast are shifting at totally different speeds. Whereas there’s an actual sense of urgency to double-down on Common’s theme parks, Disney feels methodical to a fault. Just like the distinction between a lean startup and a bloated forms.
With regard to commentary about Common Studios Nice Britain, the park & resort challenge is actually intriguing. One earlier matter of dialog amongst readers on this Florida-centric website was whether or not it’s a possible risk to Walt Disney World or Common Orlando. My assumption can be that it’s to a point, however not a serious sufficient one to warrant fear by both operator.
Any theme park within the yard of Brits goes to siphon off some company from the UK. That’s simply the sensible actuality of the sort of improvement, and no quantity of intelligent menu planning for the experience roster will change that. A sure proportion of company see “Common” or “Disney” and consider all the parks as interchangeable, and can go to the one most handy to them.
However that already would’ve been taking place to some extent–Disneyland Paris has existed in France for over 30 years. It’s in all probability truthful to say that Walt Disney World hasn’t been struggling on account of DLP. There are nonetheless loads of Europeans who view Central Florida because the definitive vacation spot for theme parks, and that’ll be true for Common, too, because it quickly has 3 gates in Orlando to Nice Britain’s one. (This park might additionally function a ‘style’ of Common that will get extra high-spending European ‘whales’ to e-book journeys to Florida!)
To that time, I’d suppose that Common Studios Nice Britain can be extra of a direct competitor to Disneyland Paris, Alton Towers, Europa Park, Efteling, and different theme parks in Europe. This may nearly actually be extra of a fear for Disneyland Paris than it will likely be for Walt Disney World or Common Orlando.
One other factor that’ll be fascinating is what classes Common learns from Disneyland Paris in designing for the climate of Europe. Clearly, there shall be extra indoor points of interest and one thing like World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland or the Arcades at Disneyland Paris to offer a lined purchasing space. One thing like this additionally exists in Common Studios Japan over the principle entrance space. However the idea artwork additionally exhibits a couple of uncovered curler coasters, so there’s that.
Personally, I believe considerations about climate are overstated. Florida is downright depressing for a number of months of the 12 months, and Walt Disney World and Common Orlando put up unimaginable attendance numbers regardless of that. Positive, it’s a unique type of disagreeable–however I’ll take a couple of weeks of chilly and snow over months of warmth and humidity any day. You possibly can at all times placed on extra layers–solely so many you may take away earlier than park safety will get concerned.
Joking apart, I believe theme park operators with the finances and experience of Common or Disney can work round inclimate climate in designing their parks to maintain company comfy. Equally as vital, they’ve sufficient drawing energy to draw company year-round. Even when it’s snowy or wet, if phrase will get out that crowds are low, individuals will bear with the climate.
Finally, it needs to be enjoyable to look at Common Studios Nice Britain take form. Whereas I gained’t fake to be an professional on Nice Britain, the proposed website in Bedford Borough appears savvy. It presents a handy and accessible location, favorable visitor demographics, and it certain looks as if locals are on board with the challenge–and that’s half the battle. If Common’s statements in regards to the optimistic reception are correct–and never simply spin–this park ought to have a smoother general path to its 2031 opening, and better probability of native embrace.
On the very least, we wouldn’t anticipate Brits to dub Common Nice Britain as a “cultural chernobyl,” which is what occurred with Euro Disneyland We hope all of those bulletins from Common create a better sense of urgency throughout the Walt Disney Firm to energy ahead with its personal plans with a better sense of urgency, fast-tracking initiatives versus hitting pause resulting from tariffs, financial uncertainty, or numerous different considerations (most of which shall be a distant reminiscence by 2028–two years after the midterm elections–when these things begins opening).
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation? Make sure that to learn Disney Parks Trip Planning Guides, the place yow will discover complete guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and past! For updates, low cost data, a free obtain of our Cash-Saving Ideas for Walt Disney World eBook, and rather more, join our free month-to-month publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park advanced? Excited for this addition? Will you be there for opening day in 2031? Assume it’ll be a competitor to Walt Disney World and Common Orlando, or largely Disneyland Paris and different main theme parks in Europe? What potential lands and/or points of interest would you prefer to see Common construct in the UK? Assume this shall be a worthy addition to Common’s theme parks portfolio? Count on Disney to “reply” with a giant announcement of its personal? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share some other ideas or questions you’ve got within the feedback under!
Common Locations & Experiences has formally introduced plans to construct and function the corporate’s first-ever theme park & resort in the UK, situated in Bedford. The challenge, informally unknown as Common Studios Nice Britain amongst followers, has been revealed through new idea artwork and particulars from through the UK authorities.
For its half, Common Locations & Experiences has introduced its intent to proceed with the Bedford theme park challenge following greater than a 12 months of feasibility, due diligence, and shut engagement with native and nationwide stakeholders, in addition to members of the native surrounding communities. Common Studios Nice Britain was first rumored again in December 2023, when web sleuthing confirmed that Common had bought a big parcel within the UK and was exploring plans for a theme park.
Common stories that in its interval of public engagement whereas exploring the brand new park idea, the corporate shared its proposal with native communities. Throughout that public engagement, the corporate met with nearly 1,500 individuals and engaged with practically 100 native organisations to listen to concepts and suggestions. Common obtained over 6,000 responses to our engagement survey, with 92% of individuals surveyed expressing their help for Common Studios Nice Britain.
Quick-forward over a 12 months, and Common has now introduced that the “exploration” is full and the park is shifting ahead! The proposed plans for Common Studios Nice Britain embrace an leisure resort advanced with a world-class theme park with a number of themed lands that includes Common’s distinct model of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, revolutionary points of interest and thrilling leisure.
Along with the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park, preliminary plans for the resort advanced additionally function a 500-room resort and a retail, eating and leisure advanced. Will probably be the primary Common-branded theme park within the UK and Europe. At the moment, a planning proposal has been submitted to the UK authorities with a projected building begin date in 2026, topic to the related planning approvals. Common Studios Nice Britain is projected to open in 2031.
This improvement could have a transformative influence on Bedford and the UK financial system. Common Studios Nice Britain shall be a serious contributor to the inventive arts and tourism industries, producing practically £50 billion of financial profit for the UK and creating hundreds of latest, high-quality jobs.
Common Studios Nice Britain shall be one of many largest employers within the area as soon as it opens, with roughly 80% of staff anticipated to return from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Many extra communities will likewise profit from apprenticeships, coaching and academic alternatives.
Right here’s the conceptual artists’ rendering and placement of land space and proposed park:
In its announcement, Common acknowledges the large pleasure its theme parks carry. Nonetheless, it’s too early within the course of to announce any of the points of interest or experiences. Extra particulars about Common Studios Nice Britain shall be revealed over time, and are topic to the mandatory planning consent approvals.
That is to be anticipated with any new theme park. Again when Epic Universe was first introduced in 2019, it was through an identical piece of high-level aerial idea artwork. The precise lands weren’t introduced till a number of years later, with the curtain pulled again on particular person points of interest and experiences even later than that. Granted, there was the entire “COVID” factor that probably threw a monkey wrench into issues and launched uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the web did its factor and inside hours of the primary Epic Universe idea artwork being launched, there have been credible stories of the lands and even particular points of interest. These have been just about on the cash with what was constructed and is about to open over 5 years later.
It’s an identical story with Common Youngsters Resort in Texas, though the accuracy price seems to be a bit decrease on that one. Level being: we might have a fairly good thought of what’s deliberate for Common Studios Nice Britain through the rumor mill a lot, a lot prior to Common’s subsequent reveal and the federal government planning course of permits.
With that in thoughts, right here’s increased decision idea artwork of Common Studios Nice Britain to help in your investigations:
Talking of the federal government, the UK Prime Minister’s workplace additionally issued its personal announcement, stating that the transfer “represents a serious vote of confidence within the UK financial system and the way forward for partnerships between the UK and the US.” It referred to as the theme park one of many largest and most superior in Europe, and praised Common for its help of the federal government’s “Plan for Change” to create financial progress and alternatives.
This press launch additionally highlighted the financial influence, indicating that Common Studios Nice Britain will carry practically 20,000 jobs through the building interval, with an extra 8,000 new jobs throughout the hospitality and artistic industries when it opens in 2031. This may help the federal government to ship its progress mission – creating increased dwelling requirements and placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
In addition to producing important alternatives, the brand new theme park and resort will carry important native advantages, and help a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge hall by progress, infrastructure revitalisation and additional job alternatives.
Common expects the positioning to generate practically £50 billion for the financial system by 2055, with 8.5 million guests anticipated in its first 12 months. In so doing, Common Studios Nice Britain will grow to be the most important customer attraction within the UK–and will ultimately rival Disneyland Paris because the #1 vacationer vacation spot in all of Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned:
In the present day we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound funding that can see Bedford house to one of many largest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage.
That is our Plan for Change in motion, combining native and nationwide progress with creating round 28,000 new jobs throughout sectors reminiscent of building, AI, and tourism.
It isn’t nearly numbers; it’s about securing actual alternatives for individuals in our nation. Collectively, we’re constructing a brighter future for the UK, getting individuals into work and guaranteeing our financial system stays sturdy and aggressive.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves mentioned:
At a time of world change, this funding is a vote of confidence in Britain as a spot to do enterprise. Common’s funding will carry billions to the financial system and create hundreds of jobs to the UK, placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Company, mentioned:
We couldn’t be extra excited to take this crucial step in our plan to create and ship an unimaginable Common theme park and resort within the coronary heart of the UK, which enhances our rising US-based parks enterprise by increasing our international footprint to Europe.
We recognize the management and help of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Funding Poppy Gustafsson, Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy and their groups, as we work collectively to create and ship a incredible new landmark vacation spot.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Common Locations & Experiences, mentioned:
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the UK is an amazing alternative and is a part of our technique to introduce the Common model and experiences to new audiences across the globe. We recognize the unimaginable help for our proposed challenge and look ahead to bringing it to life within the years forward.
As a part of the Plan for Change, the UK authorities will decide to a serious funding in infrastructure across the website to help the supply of the challenge and guarantee it’s nicely related and simply accessible. It comes simply days after the federal government signed-off the enlargement of Luton Airport, showcasing how the federal government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life advantages for working individuals.
The deal helps the UK’s world main inventive industries, a growth-driving sector recognized within the authorities’s fashionable Industrial Technique, which shall be revealed this spring. The Technique will drive funding into excessive progress sectors, unlocking jobs and progress proper throughout the nation.
Common Locations & Experiences has a confirmed monitor file of constructing and working main theme parks and resorts throughout the globe. A Common improvement within the UK will be part of the corporate’s current portfolio of locations throughout the USA and Asia-Pacific.
The proposals for Common Studios Nice Britain stay topic to a planning resolution from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Native Authorities. Right here’s some extra financial influence stuff from Common:
Turning to commentary, the timing of that is as soon as once more fascinating. This challenge is turning into official within the lead-up to Epic Universe’s opening and as recent rumors swirl in regards to the firm’s aggressive enlargement plans in Orlando. In the meantime, the information of the week on the Disney facet of the ledger is that this: Bob Iger Warns of Tariffs’ Influence on Disney’s $60 Billion Enlargement Plans. (Spoiler: he’s not “warning” that Disney is doubling down on investments!)
Though I hate to contribute to theme park tribalism, it’s feeling like perhaps we’re due for a sequel to: Is Common “Beating” Disney?That article is now over a 12 months previous, and is particularly about Common Orlando and Walt Disney World, however conceivably might be prolonged to embody the broader Common Locations & Experiences and Disney Parks & Resorts divisions.
It nonetheless looks like Comcast has their foot on the gasoline, pushing the pedal to the steel. In the meantime, it looks like Disney has set the cruise management for a leisurely Sunday drive at greatest, and beginning to pump the brakes at worst.
Though Disney has fortunately moved past speaking and blue sky daydreaming about nebulous future plans and eventually has shovels within the soil, it nonetheless looks as if Comcast is shifting a lot sooner. They’re hungrier, and certain appear to be full steam forward on their theme parks enterprise. In the meantime, DINOSAUR remains to be open till 2026 (for causes unknown), the primary of Walt Disney World’s enlargement gained’t come on-line till after 2027, and people $60 billion plans certain appear topic to alter.
It’s not simply Epic Universe in Orlando or this potential Common Nice Britain advanced, both. There’s additionally the Common Youngsters Resort theme park and resort beneath building Frisco, Texas. Then there’s the Common Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada. These are two smaller-scale initiatives, however they’re indicative of revolutionary ways in which Common is making an attempt to enter the points of interest market with out tentpole vacationer locations.
Maybe I’m being unfair, or am “nearer” to the Disney facet of issues, making me extra apt to note the faults and really feel the gradual tempo of those initiatives. I’m unsure. However from the place I sit, it certain looks as if Disney and Comcast are shifting at totally different speeds. Whereas there’s an actual sense of urgency to double-down on Common’s theme parks, Disney feels methodical to a fault. Just like the distinction between a lean startup and a bloated forms.
With regard to commentary about Common Studios Nice Britain, the park & resort challenge is actually intriguing. One earlier matter of dialog amongst readers on this Florida-centric website was whether or not it’s a possible risk to Walt Disney World or Common Orlando. My assumption can be that it’s to a point, however not a serious sufficient one to warrant fear by both operator.
Any theme park within the yard of Brits goes to siphon off some company from the UK. That’s simply the sensible actuality of the sort of improvement, and no quantity of intelligent menu planning for the experience roster will change that. A sure proportion of company see “Common” or “Disney” and consider all the parks as interchangeable, and can go to the one most handy to them.
However that already would’ve been taking place to some extent–Disneyland Paris has existed in France for over 30 years. It’s in all probability truthful to say that Walt Disney World hasn’t been struggling on account of DLP. There are nonetheless loads of Europeans who view Central Florida because the definitive vacation spot for theme parks, and that’ll be true for Common, too, because it quickly has 3 gates in Orlando to Nice Britain’s one. (This park might additionally function a ‘style’ of Common that will get extra high-spending European ‘whales’ to e-book journeys to Florida!)
To that time, I’d suppose that Common Studios Nice Britain can be extra of a direct competitor to Disneyland Paris, Alton Towers, Europa Park, Efteling, and different theme parks in Europe. This may nearly actually be extra of a fear for Disneyland Paris than it will likely be for Walt Disney World or Common Orlando.
One other factor that’ll be fascinating is what classes Common learns from Disneyland Paris in designing for the climate of Europe. Clearly, there shall be extra indoor points of interest and one thing like World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland or the Arcades at Disneyland Paris to offer a lined purchasing space. One thing like this additionally exists in Common Studios Japan over the principle entrance space. However the idea artwork additionally exhibits a couple of uncovered curler coasters, so there’s that.
Personally, I believe considerations about climate are overstated. Florida is downright depressing for a number of months of the 12 months, and Walt Disney World and Common Orlando put up unimaginable attendance numbers regardless of that. Positive, it’s a unique type of disagreeable–however I’ll take a couple of weeks of chilly and snow over months of warmth and humidity any day. You possibly can at all times placed on extra layers–solely so many you may take away earlier than park safety will get concerned.
Joking apart, I believe theme park operators with the finances and experience of Common or Disney can work round inclimate climate in designing their parks to maintain company comfy. Equally as vital, they’ve sufficient drawing energy to draw company year-round. Even when it’s snowy or wet, if phrase will get out that crowds are low, individuals will bear with the climate.
Finally, it needs to be enjoyable to look at Common Studios Nice Britain take form. Whereas I gained’t fake to be an professional on Nice Britain, the proposed website in Bedford Borough appears savvy. It presents a handy and accessible location, favorable visitor demographics, and it certain looks as if locals are on board with the challenge–and that’s half the battle. If Common’s statements in regards to the optimistic reception are correct–and never simply spin–this park ought to have a smoother general path to its 2031 opening, and better probability of native embrace.
On the very least, we wouldn’t anticipate Brits to dub Common Nice Britain as a “cultural chernobyl,” which is what occurred with Euro Disneyland We hope all of those bulletins from Common create a better sense of urgency throughout the Walt Disney Firm to energy ahead with its personal plans with a better sense of urgency, fast-tracking initiatives versus hitting pause resulting from tariffs, financial uncertainty, or numerous different considerations (most of which shall be a distant reminiscence by 2028–two years after the midterm elections–when these things begins opening).
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation? Make sure that to learn Disney Parks Trip Planning Guides, the place yow will discover complete guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and past! For updates, low cost data, a free obtain of our Cash-Saving Ideas for Walt Disney World eBook, and rather more, join our free month-to-month publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park advanced? Excited for this addition? Will you be there for opening day in 2031? Assume it’ll be a competitor to Walt Disney World and Common Orlando, or largely Disneyland Paris and different main theme parks in Europe? What potential lands and/or points of interest would you prefer to see Common construct in the UK? Assume this shall be a worthy addition to Common’s theme parks portfolio? Count on Disney to “reply” with a giant announcement of its personal? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share some other ideas or questions you’ve got within the feedback under!
Common Locations & Experiences has formally introduced plans to construct and function the corporate’s first-ever theme park & resort in the UK, situated in Bedford. The challenge, informally unknown as Common Studios Nice Britain amongst followers, has been revealed through new idea artwork and particulars from through the UK authorities.
For its half, Common Locations & Experiences has introduced its intent to proceed with the Bedford theme park challenge following greater than a 12 months of feasibility, due diligence, and shut engagement with native and nationwide stakeholders, in addition to members of the native surrounding communities. Common Studios Nice Britain was first rumored again in December 2023, when web sleuthing confirmed that Common had bought a big parcel within the UK and was exploring plans for a theme park.
Common stories that in its interval of public engagement whereas exploring the brand new park idea, the corporate shared its proposal with native communities. Throughout that public engagement, the corporate met with nearly 1,500 individuals and engaged with practically 100 native organisations to listen to concepts and suggestions. Common obtained over 6,000 responses to our engagement survey, with 92% of individuals surveyed expressing their help for Common Studios Nice Britain.
Quick-forward over a 12 months, and Common has now introduced that the “exploration” is full and the park is shifting ahead! The proposed plans for Common Studios Nice Britain embrace an leisure resort advanced with a world-class theme park with a number of themed lands that includes Common’s distinct model of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, revolutionary points of interest and thrilling leisure.
Along with the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park, preliminary plans for the resort advanced additionally function a 500-room resort and a retail, eating and leisure advanced. Will probably be the primary Common-branded theme park within the UK and Europe. At the moment, a planning proposal has been submitted to the UK authorities with a projected building begin date in 2026, topic to the related planning approvals. Common Studios Nice Britain is projected to open in 2031.
This improvement could have a transformative influence on Bedford and the UK financial system. Common Studios Nice Britain shall be a serious contributor to the inventive arts and tourism industries, producing practically £50 billion of financial profit for the UK and creating hundreds of latest, high-quality jobs.
Common Studios Nice Britain shall be one of many largest employers within the area as soon as it opens, with roughly 80% of staff anticipated to return from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Many extra communities will likewise profit from apprenticeships, coaching and academic alternatives.
Right here’s the conceptual artists’ rendering and placement of land space and proposed park:
In its announcement, Common acknowledges the large pleasure its theme parks carry. Nonetheless, it’s too early within the course of to announce any of the points of interest or experiences. Extra particulars about Common Studios Nice Britain shall be revealed over time, and are topic to the mandatory planning consent approvals.
That is to be anticipated with any new theme park. Again when Epic Universe was first introduced in 2019, it was through an identical piece of high-level aerial idea artwork. The precise lands weren’t introduced till a number of years later, with the curtain pulled again on particular person points of interest and experiences even later than that. Granted, there was the entire “COVID” factor that probably threw a monkey wrench into issues and launched uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the web did its factor and inside hours of the primary Epic Universe idea artwork being launched, there have been credible stories of the lands and even particular points of interest. These have been just about on the cash with what was constructed and is about to open over 5 years later.
It’s an identical story with Common Youngsters Resort in Texas, though the accuracy price seems to be a bit decrease on that one. Level being: we might have a fairly good thought of what’s deliberate for Common Studios Nice Britain through the rumor mill a lot, a lot prior to Common’s subsequent reveal and the federal government planning course of permits.
With that in thoughts, right here’s increased decision idea artwork of Common Studios Nice Britain to help in your investigations:
Talking of the federal government, the UK Prime Minister’s workplace additionally issued its personal announcement, stating that the transfer “represents a serious vote of confidence within the UK financial system and the way forward for partnerships between the UK and the US.” It referred to as the theme park one of many largest and most superior in Europe, and praised Common for its help of the federal government’s “Plan for Change” to create financial progress and alternatives.
This press launch additionally highlighted the financial influence, indicating that Common Studios Nice Britain will carry practically 20,000 jobs through the building interval, with an extra 8,000 new jobs throughout the hospitality and artistic industries when it opens in 2031. This may help the federal government to ship its progress mission – creating increased dwelling requirements and placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
In addition to producing important alternatives, the brand new theme park and resort will carry important native advantages, and help a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge hall by progress, infrastructure revitalisation and additional job alternatives.
Common expects the positioning to generate practically £50 billion for the financial system by 2055, with 8.5 million guests anticipated in its first 12 months. In so doing, Common Studios Nice Britain will grow to be the most important customer attraction within the UK–and will ultimately rival Disneyland Paris because the #1 vacationer vacation spot in all of Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned:
In the present day we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound funding that can see Bedford house to one of many largest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage.
That is our Plan for Change in motion, combining native and nationwide progress with creating round 28,000 new jobs throughout sectors reminiscent of building, AI, and tourism.
It isn’t nearly numbers; it’s about securing actual alternatives for individuals in our nation. Collectively, we’re constructing a brighter future for the UK, getting individuals into work and guaranteeing our financial system stays sturdy and aggressive.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves mentioned:
At a time of world change, this funding is a vote of confidence in Britain as a spot to do enterprise. Common’s funding will carry billions to the financial system and create hundreds of jobs to the UK, placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Company, mentioned:
We couldn’t be extra excited to take this crucial step in our plan to create and ship an unimaginable Common theme park and resort within the coronary heart of the UK, which enhances our rising US-based parks enterprise by increasing our international footprint to Europe.
We recognize the management and help of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Funding Poppy Gustafsson, Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy and their groups, as we work collectively to create and ship a incredible new landmark vacation spot.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Common Locations & Experiences, mentioned:
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the UK is an amazing alternative and is a part of our technique to introduce the Common model and experiences to new audiences across the globe. We recognize the unimaginable help for our proposed challenge and look ahead to bringing it to life within the years forward.
As a part of the Plan for Change, the UK authorities will decide to a serious funding in infrastructure across the website to help the supply of the challenge and guarantee it’s nicely related and simply accessible. It comes simply days after the federal government signed-off the enlargement of Luton Airport, showcasing how the federal government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life advantages for working individuals.
The deal helps the UK’s world main inventive industries, a growth-driving sector recognized within the authorities’s fashionable Industrial Technique, which shall be revealed this spring. The Technique will drive funding into excessive progress sectors, unlocking jobs and progress proper throughout the nation.
Common Locations & Experiences has a confirmed monitor file of constructing and working main theme parks and resorts throughout the globe. A Common improvement within the UK will be part of the corporate’s current portfolio of locations throughout the USA and Asia-Pacific.
The proposals for Common Studios Nice Britain stay topic to a planning resolution from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Native Authorities. Right here’s some extra financial influence stuff from Common:
Turning to commentary, the timing of that is as soon as once more fascinating. This challenge is turning into official within the lead-up to Epic Universe’s opening and as recent rumors swirl in regards to the firm’s aggressive enlargement plans in Orlando. In the meantime, the information of the week on the Disney facet of the ledger is that this: Bob Iger Warns of Tariffs’ Influence on Disney’s $60 Billion Enlargement Plans. (Spoiler: he’s not “warning” that Disney is doubling down on investments!)
Though I hate to contribute to theme park tribalism, it’s feeling like perhaps we’re due for a sequel to: Is Common “Beating” Disney?That article is now over a 12 months previous, and is particularly about Common Orlando and Walt Disney World, however conceivably might be prolonged to embody the broader Common Locations & Experiences and Disney Parks & Resorts divisions.
It nonetheless looks like Comcast has their foot on the gasoline, pushing the pedal to the steel. In the meantime, it looks like Disney has set the cruise management for a leisurely Sunday drive at greatest, and beginning to pump the brakes at worst.
Though Disney has fortunately moved past speaking and blue sky daydreaming about nebulous future plans and eventually has shovels within the soil, it nonetheless looks as if Comcast is shifting a lot sooner. They’re hungrier, and certain appear to be full steam forward on their theme parks enterprise. In the meantime, DINOSAUR remains to be open till 2026 (for causes unknown), the primary of Walt Disney World’s enlargement gained’t come on-line till after 2027, and people $60 billion plans certain appear topic to alter.
It’s not simply Epic Universe in Orlando or this potential Common Nice Britain advanced, both. There’s additionally the Common Youngsters Resort theme park and resort beneath building Frisco, Texas. Then there’s the Common Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada. These are two smaller-scale initiatives, however they’re indicative of revolutionary ways in which Common is making an attempt to enter the points of interest market with out tentpole vacationer locations.
Maybe I’m being unfair, or am “nearer” to the Disney facet of issues, making me extra apt to note the faults and really feel the gradual tempo of those initiatives. I’m unsure. However from the place I sit, it certain looks as if Disney and Comcast are shifting at totally different speeds. Whereas there’s an actual sense of urgency to double-down on Common’s theme parks, Disney feels methodical to a fault. Just like the distinction between a lean startup and a bloated forms.
With regard to commentary about Common Studios Nice Britain, the park & resort challenge is actually intriguing. One earlier matter of dialog amongst readers on this Florida-centric website was whether or not it’s a possible risk to Walt Disney World or Common Orlando. My assumption can be that it’s to a point, however not a serious sufficient one to warrant fear by both operator.
Any theme park within the yard of Brits goes to siphon off some company from the UK. That’s simply the sensible actuality of the sort of improvement, and no quantity of intelligent menu planning for the experience roster will change that. A sure proportion of company see “Common” or “Disney” and consider all the parks as interchangeable, and can go to the one most handy to them.
However that already would’ve been taking place to some extent–Disneyland Paris has existed in France for over 30 years. It’s in all probability truthful to say that Walt Disney World hasn’t been struggling on account of DLP. There are nonetheless loads of Europeans who view Central Florida because the definitive vacation spot for theme parks, and that’ll be true for Common, too, because it quickly has 3 gates in Orlando to Nice Britain’s one. (This park might additionally function a ‘style’ of Common that will get extra high-spending European ‘whales’ to e-book journeys to Florida!)
To that time, I’d suppose that Common Studios Nice Britain can be extra of a direct competitor to Disneyland Paris, Alton Towers, Europa Park, Efteling, and different theme parks in Europe. This may nearly actually be extra of a fear for Disneyland Paris than it will likely be for Walt Disney World or Common Orlando.
One other factor that’ll be fascinating is what classes Common learns from Disneyland Paris in designing for the climate of Europe. Clearly, there shall be extra indoor points of interest and one thing like World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland or the Arcades at Disneyland Paris to offer a lined purchasing space. One thing like this additionally exists in Common Studios Japan over the principle entrance space. However the idea artwork additionally exhibits a couple of uncovered curler coasters, so there’s that.
Personally, I believe considerations about climate are overstated. Florida is downright depressing for a number of months of the 12 months, and Walt Disney World and Common Orlando put up unimaginable attendance numbers regardless of that. Positive, it’s a unique type of disagreeable–however I’ll take a couple of weeks of chilly and snow over months of warmth and humidity any day. You possibly can at all times placed on extra layers–solely so many you may take away earlier than park safety will get concerned.
Joking apart, I believe theme park operators with the finances and experience of Common or Disney can work round inclimate climate in designing their parks to maintain company comfy. Equally as vital, they’ve sufficient drawing energy to draw company year-round. Even when it’s snowy or wet, if phrase will get out that crowds are low, individuals will bear with the climate.
Finally, it needs to be enjoyable to look at Common Studios Nice Britain take form. Whereas I gained’t fake to be an professional on Nice Britain, the proposed website in Bedford Borough appears savvy. It presents a handy and accessible location, favorable visitor demographics, and it certain looks as if locals are on board with the challenge–and that’s half the battle. If Common’s statements in regards to the optimistic reception are correct–and never simply spin–this park ought to have a smoother general path to its 2031 opening, and better probability of native embrace.
On the very least, we wouldn’t anticipate Brits to dub Common Nice Britain as a “cultural chernobyl,” which is what occurred with Euro Disneyland We hope all of those bulletins from Common create a better sense of urgency throughout the Walt Disney Firm to energy ahead with its personal plans with a better sense of urgency, fast-tracking initiatives versus hitting pause resulting from tariffs, financial uncertainty, or numerous different considerations (most of which shall be a distant reminiscence by 2028–two years after the midterm elections–when these things begins opening).
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation? Make sure that to learn Disney Parks Trip Planning Guides, the place yow will discover complete guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and past! For updates, low cost data, a free obtain of our Cash-Saving Ideas for Walt Disney World eBook, and rather more, join our free month-to-month publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park advanced? Excited for this addition? Will you be there for opening day in 2031? Assume it’ll be a competitor to Walt Disney World and Common Orlando, or largely Disneyland Paris and different main theme parks in Europe? What potential lands and/or points of interest would you prefer to see Common construct in the UK? Assume this shall be a worthy addition to Common’s theme parks portfolio? Count on Disney to “reply” with a giant announcement of its personal? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share some other ideas or questions you’ve got within the feedback under!
Common Locations & Experiences has formally introduced plans to construct and function the corporate’s first-ever theme park & resort in the UK, situated in Bedford. The challenge, informally unknown as Common Studios Nice Britain amongst followers, has been revealed through new idea artwork and particulars from through the UK authorities.
For its half, Common Locations & Experiences has introduced its intent to proceed with the Bedford theme park challenge following greater than a 12 months of feasibility, due diligence, and shut engagement with native and nationwide stakeholders, in addition to members of the native surrounding communities. Common Studios Nice Britain was first rumored again in December 2023, when web sleuthing confirmed that Common had bought a big parcel within the UK and was exploring plans for a theme park.
Common stories that in its interval of public engagement whereas exploring the brand new park idea, the corporate shared its proposal with native communities. Throughout that public engagement, the corporate met with nearly 1,500 individuals and engaged with practically 100 native organisations to listen to concepts and suggestions. Common obtained over 6,000 responses to our engagement survey, with 92% of individuals surveyed expressing their help for Common Studios Nice Britain.
Quick-forward over a 12 months, and Common has now introduced that the “exploration” is full and the park is shifting ahead! The proposed plans for Common Studios Nice Britain embrace an leisure resort advanced with a world-class theme park with a number of themed lands that includes Common’s distinct model of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, revolutionary points of interest and thrilling leisure.
Along with the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park, preliminary plans for the resort advanced additionally function a 500-room resort and a retail, eating and leisure advanced. Will probably be the primary Common-branded theme park within the UK and Europe. At the moment, a planning proposal has been submitted to the UK authorities with a projected building begin date in 2026, topic to the related planning approvals. Common Studios Nice Britain is projected to open in 2031.
This improvement could have a transformative influence on Bedford and the UK financial system. Common Studios Nice Britain shall be a serious contributor to the inventive arts and tourism industries, producing practically £50 billion of financial profit for the UK and creating hundreds of latest, high-quality jobs.
Common Studios Nice Britain shall be one of many largest employers within the area as soon as it opens, with roughly 80% of staff anticipated to return from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Many extra communities will likewise profit from apprenticeships, coaching and academic alternatives.
Right here’s the conceptual artists’ rendering and placement of land space and proposed park:
In its announcement, Common acknowledges the large pleasure its theme parks carry. Nonetheless, it’s too early within the course of to announce any of the points of interest or experiences. Extra particulars about Common Studios Nice Britain shall be revealed over time, and are topic to the mandatory planning consent approvals.
That is to be anticipated with any new theme park. Again when Epic Universe was first introduced in 2019, it was through an identical piece of high-level aerial idea artwork. The precise lands weren’t introduced till a number of years later, with the curtain pulled again on particular person points of interest and experiences even later than that. Granted, there was the entire “COVID” factor that probably threw a monkey wrench into issues and launched uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the web did its factor and inside hours of the primary Epic Universe idea artwork being launched, there have been credible stories of the lands and even particular points of interest. These have been just about on the cash with what was constructed and is about to open over 5 years later.
It’s an identical story with Common Youngsters Resort in Texas, though the accuracy price seems to be a bit decrease on that one. Level being: we might have a fairly good thought of what’s deliberate for Common Studios Nice Britain through the rumor mill a lot, a lot prior to Common’s subsequent reveal and the federal government planning course of permits.
With that in thoughts, right here’s increased decision idea artwork of Common Studios Nice Britain to help in your investigations:
Talking of the federal government, the UK Prime Minister’s workplace additionally issued its personal announcement, stating that the transfer “represents a serious vote of confidence within the UK financial system and the way forward for partnerships between the UK and the US.” It referred to as the theme park one of many largest and most superior in Europe, and praised Common for its help of the federal government’s “Plan for Change” to create financial progress and alternatives.
This press launch additionally highlighted the financial influence, indicating that Common Studios Nice Britain will carry practically 20,000 jobs through the building interval, with an extra 8,000 new jobs throughout the hospitality and artistic industries when it opens in 2031. This may help the federal government to ship its progress mission – creating increased dwelling requirements and placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
In addition to producing important alternatives, the brand new theme park and resort will carry important native advantages, and help a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge hall by progress, infrastructure revitalisation and additional job alternatives.
Common expects the positioning to generate practically £50 billion for the financial system by 2055, with 8.5 million guests anticipated in its first 12 months. In so doing, Common Studios Nice Britain will grow to be the most important customer attraction within the UK–and will ultimately rival Disneyland Paris because the #1 vacationer vacation spot in all of Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned:
In the present day we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound funding that can see Bedford house to one of many largest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage.
That is our Plan for Change in motion, combining native and nationwide progress with creating round 28,000 new jobs throughout sectors reminiscent of building, AI, and tourism.
It isn’t nearly numbers; it’s about securing actual alternatives for individuals in our nation. Collectively, we’re constructing a brighter future for the UK, getting individuals into work and guaranteeing our financial system stays sturdy and aggressive.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves mentioned:
At a time of world change, this funding is a vote of confidence in Britain as a spot to do enterprise. Common’s funding will carry billions to the financial system and create hundreds of jobs to the UK, placing extra money in individuals’s pockets.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Company, mentioned:
We couldn’t be extra excited to take this crucial step in our plan to create and ship an unimaginable Common theme park and resort within the coronary heart of the UK, which enhances our rising US-based parks enterprise by increasing our international footprint to Europe.
We recognize the management and help of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Funding Poppy Gustafsson, Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy and their groups, as we work collectively to create and ship a incredible new landmark vacation spot.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Common Locations & Experiences, mentioned:
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the UK is an amazing alternative and is a part of our technique to introduce the Common model and experiences to new audiences across the globe. We recognize the unimaginable help for our proposed challenge and look ahead to bringing it to life within the years forward.
As a part of the Plan for Change, the UK authorities will decide to a serious funding in infrastructure across the website to help the supply of the challenge and guarantee it’s nicely related and simply accessible. It comes simply days after the federal government signed-off the enlargement of Luton Airport, showcasing how the federal government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life advantages for working individuals.
The deal helps the UK’s world main inventive industries, a growth-driving sector recognized within the authorities’s fashionable Industrial Technique, which shall be revealed this spring. The Technique will drive funding into excessive progress sectors, unlocking jobs and progress proper throughout the nation.
Common Locations & Experiences has a confirmed monitor file of constructing and working main theme parks and resorts throughout the globe. A Common improvement within the UK will be part of the corporate’s current portfolio of locations throughout the USA and Asia-Pacific.
The proposals for Common Studios Nice Britain stay topic to a planning resolution from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Native Authorities. Right here’s some extra financial influence stuff from Common:
Turning to commentary, the timing of that is as soon as once more fascinating. This challenge is turning into official within the lead-up to Epic Universe’s opening and as recent rumors swirl in regards to the firm’s aggressive enlargement plans in Orlando. In the meantime, the information of the week on the Disney facet of the ledger is that this: Bob Iger Warns of Tariffs’ Influence on Disney’s $60 Billion Enlargement Plans. (Spoiler: he’s not “warning” that Disney is doubling down on investments!)
Though I hate to contribute to theme park tribalism, it’s feeling like perhaps we’re due for a sequel to: Is Common “Beating” Disney?That article is now over a 12 months previous, and is particularly about Common Orlando and Walt Disney World, however conceivably might be prolonged to embody the broader Common Locations & Experiences and Disney Parks & Resorts divisions.
It nonetheless looks like Comcast has their foot on the gasoline, pushing the pedal to the steel. In the meantime, it looks like Disney has set the cruise management for a leisurely Sunday drive at greatest, and beginning to pump the brakes at worst.
Though Disney has fortunately moved past speaking and blue sky daydreaming about nebulous future plans and eventually has shovels within the soil, it nonetheless looks as if Comcast is shifting a lot sooner. They’re hungrier, and certain appear to be full steam forward on their theme parks enterprise. In the meantime, DINOSAUR remains to be open till 2026 (for causes unknown), the primary of Walt Disney World’s enlargement gained’t come on-line till after 2027, and people $60 billion plans certain appear topic to alter.
It’s not simply Epic Universe in Orlando or this potential Common Nice Britain advanced, both. There’s additionally the Common Youngsters Resort theme park and resort beneath building Frisco, Texas. Then there’s the Common Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada. These are two smaller-scale initiatives, however they’re indicative of revolutionary ways in which Common is making an attempt to enter the points of interest market with out tentpole vacationer locations.
Maybe I’m being unfair, or am “nearer” to the Disney facet of issues, making me extra apt to note the faults and really feel the gradual tempo of those initiatives. I’m unsure. However from the place I sit, it certain looks as if Disney and Comcast are shifting at totally different speeds. Whereas there’s an actual sense of urgency to double-down on Common’s theme parks, Disney feels methodical to a fault. Just like the distinction between a lean startup and a bloated forms.
With regard to commentary about Common Studios Nice Britain, the park & resort challenge is actually intriguing. One earlier matter of dialog amongst readers on this Florida-centric website was whether or not it’s a possible risk to Walt Disney World or Common Orlando. My assumption can be that it’s to a point, however not a serious sufficient one to warrant fear by both operator.
Any theme park within the yard of Brits goes to siphon off some company from the UK. That’s simply the sensible actuality of the sort of improvement, and no quantity of intelligent menu planning for the experience roster will change that. A sure proportion of company see “Common” or “Disney” and consider all the parks as interchangeable, and can go to the one most handy to them.
However that already would’ve been taking place to some extent–Disneyland Paris has existed in France for over 30 years. It’s in all probability truthful to say that Walt Disney World hasn’t been struggling on account of DLP. There are nonetheless loads of Europeans who view Central Florida because the definitive vacation spot for theme parks, and that’ll be true for Common, too, because it quickly has 3 gates in Orlando to Nice Britain’s one. (This park might additionally function a ‘style’ of Common that will get extra high-spending European ‘whales’ to e-book journeys to Florida!)
To that time, I’d suppose that Common Studios Nice Britain can be extra of a direct competitor to Disneyland Paris, Alton Towers, Europa Park, Efteling, and different theme parks in Europe. This may nearly actually be extra of a fear for Disneyland Paris than it will likely be for Walt Disney World or Common Orlando.
One other factor that’ll be fascinating is what classes Common learns from Disneyland Paris in designing for the climate of Europe. Clearly, there shall be extra indoor points of interest and one thing like World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland or the Arcades at Disneyland Paris to offer a lined purchasing space. One thing like this additionally exists in Common Studios Japan over the principle entrance space. However the idea artwork additionally exhibits a couple of uncovered curler coasters, so there’s that.
Personally, I believe considerations about climate are overstated. Florida is downright depressing for a number of months of the 12 months, and Walt Disney World and Common Orlando put up unimaginable attendance numbers regardless of that. Positive, it’s a unique type of disagreeable–however I’ll take a couple of weeks of chilly and snow over months of warmth and humidity any day. You possibly can at all times placed on extra layers–solely so many you may take away earlier than park safety will get concerned.
Joking apart, I believe theme park operators with the finances and experience of Common or Disney can work round inclimate climate in designing their parks to maintain company comfy. Equally as vital, they’ve sufficient drawing energy to draw company year-round. Even when it’s snowy or wet, if phrase will get out that crowds are low, individuals will bear with the climate.
Finally, it needs to be enjoyable to look at Common Studios Nice Britain take form. Whereas I gained’t fake to be an professional on Nice Britain, the proposed website in Bedford Borough appears savvy. It presents a handy and accessible location, favorable visitor demographics, and it certain looks as if locals are on board with the challenge–and that’s half the battle. If Common’s statements in regards to the optimistic reception are correct–and never simply spin–this park ought to have a smoother general path to its 2031 opening, and better probability of native embrace.
On the very least, we wouldn’t anticipate Brits to dub Common Nice Britain as a “cultural chernobyl,” which is what occurred with Euro Disneyland We hope all of those bulletins from Common create a better sense of urgency throughout the Walt Disney Firm to energy ahead with its personal plans with a better sense of urgency, fast-tracking initiatives versus hitting pause resulting from tariffs, financial uncertainty, or numerous different considerations (most of which shall be a distant reminiscence by 2028–two years after the midterm elections–when these things begins opening).
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation? Make sure that to learn Disney Parks Trip Planning Guides, the place yow will discover complete guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and past! For updates, low cost data, a free obtain of our Cash-Saving Ideas for Walt Disney World eBook, and rather more, join our free month-to-month publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the Common Studios Nice Britain theme park advanced? Excited for this addition? Will you be there for opening day in 2031? Assume it’ll be a competitor to Walt Disney World and Common Orlando, or largely Disneyland Paris and different main theme parks in Europe? What potential lands and/or points of interest would you prefer to see Common construct in the UK? Assume this shall be a worthy addition to Common’s theme parks portfolio? Count on Disney to “reply” with a giant announcement of its personal? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share some other ideas or questions you’ve got within the feedback under!