Universal Great Britain - Speculation & Rumors

[yepthatguy]

There hasn’t been any “riots” in Bedford as far as I am aware.

It doesn’t surprise me as Bedford is very multicultural and has been for quite a long time.

I think Comcast will be fully aware that due to social medias influence, less guided people are easily prone to using un-reputable news sources as fact, and then do stupid things. Just my opinion.

Aside from that, I’m really hoping things are moving forward quickly with the government talks, as now would be a great time for Universal to say they are moving ahead after the weekends Disney announcements of new lands, rides, and attractions…

Come on Universal!!

 

[havaska]

With the ongoing activities in the UK causing Comcast to send their employees (Sky specifically) home earlier and have them not come in over the past week, do you think if this continues it will impact their decision to move forward with this park?

I doubt it. The riots were short lived and these sorts of things happen everywhere; very often in places like Paris in fact.

They were also quite localised, and didn’t really involve large numbers of people.

It’s something that was driven by lies and disinformation on social media, primarily X.

It’s also worth noting that not a single serious injury or death resulted from the disturbances.

 

[Jake S]

Two things can be true: Years upon years of stoking anti-migrant rhetoric laid the ground for frightening, violent activity. And it's unlikely that, at least based on what has happened so far, it will change the facts on the ground for Comcast when deciding to build a theme park in Bedford.

 

[yepthatguy]

Two things can be true: Years upon years of stoking anti-migrant rhetoric laid the ground for frightening, violent activity. And it's unlikely that, at least based on what has happened so far, it will change the facts on the ground for Comcast when deciding to build a theme park in Bedford.

Do you think the Disney announcements might push Universal to say or do something regarding this project from a PR perspective in terms of competition, or do you think they’ll not be interested and just be focused on their own ongoing work behind the scenes?

 

[Jake S]

Do you think the Disney announcements might push Universal to say or do something regarding this project from a PR perspective in terms of competition, or do you think they’ll not be interested and just be focused on their own ongoing work behind the scenes?

I do not think so, no. Based on everything I've read and heard, Universal is running its own race here. This park won't be open until 2030, so there's no reason to respond to a slate of attractions that will (probably) be open before we get the chance to walk through the gates of the Bedford theme park.

 

[Alicia]

Do you think the Disney announcements might push Universal to say or do something regarding this project from a PR perspective in terms of competition, or do you think they’ll not be interested and just be focused on their own ongoing work behind the scenes?

Maybe not publicly, but…

 

[BBPH]

From the June Stewartby Parish Council Council Meeting

‘The Chair that Universal Studios had contacted him a few weeks ago to say that
everything was still very positive however there would be a 6 – 8 weeks delay
because in moving forward because of the General Election.’

Minutes – Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council

Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council

stewartbykhparishcouncil.gov.uk

 

[Alicia]

From the June Stewartby Parish Council Council Meeting

‘The Chair that Universal Studios had contacted him a few weeks ago to say that
everything was still very positive however there would be a 6 – 8 weeks delay
because in moving forward because of the General Election.’

Minutes – Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council

Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council

stewartbykhparishcouncil.gov.uk

would that put it back on track by end of this month-ish?

 

[BBPH]

would that put it back on track by end of this month-ish?

If you go by the meeting date then technically it’s today… so happy Uni GB day everyone!

On a serious note, I’m just taking interest in positivity than the timeframe.

Good timing with the TEA/AECOM report showing continued attendance growth in the UK and DLP.

 

[Lost Meerkat]

Just watched Theme Park Worldwide on You Tube, visiting Chessington World of Adventures. They have also recently visited Alton Towers. Not very positive, both parks are looking very much in need of some attention, Rides closed or bits not working, scruffy public areas. Chessington was looking very poor. The presenter is usually Mr Positive but he is being pretty critical of Merlin and how they are currently looking after their parks. Perhaps they are already giving up before Universal even arrives
Chessington blaming heat for some of the disruption, it is amazing that theme parks manage to operate in Orlando.....

 

[TheUniC6]

Just watched Theme Park Worldwide on You Tube, visiting Chessington World of Adventures. They have also recently visited Alton Towers. Not very positive, both parks are looking very much in need of some attention, Rides closed or bits not working, scruffy public areas. Chessington was looking very poor. The presenter is usually Mr Positive but he is being pretty critical of Merlin and how they are currently looking after their parks. Perhaps they are already giving up before Universal even arrives
Chessington blaming heat for some of the disruption, it is amazing that theme parks manage to operate in Orlando.....

Universal will do a undoubtedly better job than Merlin for park upkeep at UGB though.

 

[Alicia]

I imagine some competition could help these existing parks in the region take extra care too.

 

[Freak]

I imagine some competition could help these existing parks in the region take extra care too.

Another great thing about Universal hopping across the pond is that it will end Merlin's long overstayed monopoly on the theme park scene.

Yeah, I know Blackpool and a handful of other smaller parks aren't Merlin, but they own most of the major parks in the UK. This will be nothing but beneficial for British theme park fans.

 

[LukiLu]

There has been a lot of talk about "premiumisation" and "elevating guest experience" in Merlin's most recent annual report rather than prioritising aggressive expansion into new markets.

I suppose this and their recently ramped-up capex (When's the last time all four British Merlin parks got a new coaster within two years?) implicates the parks might be starting to head in a good direction.

 

[Lost Meerkat]

There has been a lot of talk about "premiumisation" and "elevating guest experience" in Merlin's most recent annual report rather than prioritising aggressive expansion into new markets.

I suppose this and their recently ramped-up capex (When's the last time all four British Merlin parks got a new coaster within two years?) implicates the parks might be starting to head in a good direction.

You may be right, and here is hoping, although customer feedback would suggest they prefer to go to a park that looks good and in which existing rides are open and functioning properly. Lots of negative feedback from families finding they have forked out for tickets, only to find a significant proportion of the attractions not working, or only partially working. No point having a sparkly new ride if the rest of the park is dysfunctional. They seem to focus well on Legoland, but the others all seem in need of some TLC
Hopefully Merlin will see what is coming and get their act together, they have a presence in Florida so they should know what to expect from Universal.

 

[Ludus]

There has been a lot of talk about "premiumisation" and "elevating guest experience" in Merlin's most recent annual report rather than prioritising aggressive expansion into new markets.

I suppose this and their recently ramped-up capex (When's the last time all four British Merlin parks got a new coaster within two years?) implicates the parks might be starting to head in a good direction.

They haven't done a very good job so far, Hyperia looks like they've gone down the budget option on every aspect. Paulton's Park are producing better theming and experiences these days.

 

[yepthatguy]

I haven’t visited Alton Towers or Thorpe Park for many years.

My main two reasons - it’s overpriced in-park, once the entrance ticket is purchased, and the theming is low quality and not immersive.

The reason for my opinion, is simply down to visiting Orlando and seeing the level of detail and theming they achieve.

After that, to be honest, it made UK theme parks look to me like popup fairgrounds, Alton towers included.

Maybe a visit soon would convince me otherwise after such a long hiatus, especially the potato smileys!!

 

[Jake S]

Reminder that this is the Universal Great Britain thread. Let’s do our best to keep it on topic.

 

[Luke Hutchinson]

No new news really, seems talks are still ongoing to decide on a support package. Subscribe to read

 

[bedfordmassive]

No new news really, seems talks are still ongoing to decide on a support package. Subscribe to read

Good to see an update in major media.

Suspect this is based on an update given to FT by Comcast to up the pressure in negotiations?