Baking exhibits, sarcasm, passive aggression, pubs — there are some issues the British individuals do very well. However are we any good at having enjoyable? It is a query I’ve requested myself over time as I’ve traveled world wide visiting many vibrant and thrilling locations. And actually, whereas we all know the way to throw a jolly good picnic on a gentle summer season’s day, I am unsure we actually perceive the underlying mechanics of getting a high-octane good time.
Maybe that was why, when Disney determined within the early ’90s to arrange a theme park in Europe, it selected France fairly than the UK as the higher location. It was a blow to my nation, which boasts solely a handful of theme parks, few of that are value mentioning, and none of which I would advocate making a particular journey from overseas to go to. Simply look, for instance, at this account of a pre-opening day go to to the brand new Epic Universe theme park in Florida by my colleagues Scott Stein and Bridget Carey. No Brit would ever dare to dream up something so extravagant and thrilling.Â
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However all that’s set to alter with Wednesday’s announcement that Common has chosen the UK as the placement for a deliberate theme park. The park, on account of open in 2031, can be based mostly in Bedford, England — part of the nation with little else to advocate it aside from its proximity to London — on a 476-acre complicated, which Common is already trying to broaden. It is going to be the primary time Common has opened a theme park outdoors of the US or Asia, and can probably entice vital tourism and jobs to the world.
Maybe most essential, it is going to give individuals like me, who grew up envying associates who vacationed in Orlando, an actual style of what we have been lacking by way of thrills and the type of intensely detailed theming that solely Disney and Common parks are capable of provide. Keep in mind that the present finest curler coaster on this moist and windy island, Nemesis at Alton Towers, is now greater than 30 years previous — we’re greater than overdue a recent alternative to be hurled round at pace.
The Common Park is such an enormous deal to the UK that even our Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, put out an announcement about it. “Right this moment we closed the deal on a multibillion-pound funding that can see Bedford residence to one of many largest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage,” he mentioned.
His announcement centered on the financial advantages of the park, however Common’s determination has sparked an actual buzz throughout the nation from people who find themselves primarily very excited in regards to the chance to journey genuinely good coasters.
Common has but to say what sights the park will function, however it appears inevitable that like Common Studios in Orlando, there can be some model of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, on condition that your entire story is ready within the UK. For the sake of my husband, who’s the world’s largest fan of Males in Black and can by no means go to Florida, I hope Common additionally decides to move the Alien Assault journey throughout the ocean.Â
It might be enjoyable, too, if there was one thing distinctive on the park — simply as Disneyland Paris, for a number of years not less than, was the one Disney park to boast the superb Ratatouille journey. Some may admire particular nods to British tradition past Harry Potter, however I say hold it American.Â
Our personal makes an attempt to construct “British” theme parks have been based mostly on less-than-thrilling ideas akin to Camelot (RIP) and Gulliver’s Travels. No, carry us the Simpsons and the Minions and some other yellow-hued cartoon characters you’ve over there. There’s not a lot we will do in regards to the climate however we have to be taught to have enjoyable the American manner, with snacks greater than our meals and boundless alternatives to purchase merch that we do not want just because we have been swayed by the nice vibes of our huge day trip. I am unable to wait.
