There’s always something exciting in the pipeline at the UK’s theme parks, and in this section we share what we know so far!
Hyperia – 2024
Almost 10 years on from the opening of The Swarm at Thorpe Park, the Resort now have plans to add what is set to be the UK’s tallest rollercoaster. Opening for the 2024 season, the flagship new ride, originally known as Project Exodus, will be located in the area that has historically been Old Town, principally replacing Logger’s Leap following its closure in 2015.
Intamin Family Lift & Launch Coaster – 2024
Drayton Manor Resort is working with Intamin on a new family-friendly thrill coaster. A new lift and launch coaster will open in 2024 as part of a multimillion-pound investment plan, continuing the park’s expansion under the ownership of the Looping Group.
Minifigure Speedway – 2024
In August 2022, the Resort submitted an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the installation of a new Zierer duelling family shuttle coaster, located to the west of Duplo Valley and to the east of the Mansion House, on the site of the former Raft Racers attraction. The plans showed two separate shuttle coaster tracks, with layouts broadly mirroring one another, along with additional elements including a loading platform, operators cabin, queue line and perimeter fencing.
LEGOLAND Windsor Long Term Plan
In June 2017, the Resort submitted a major planning application seeking permission for eight projects, including four new rides, a holiday village, a refresh to ‘The Beginning’, and a reconfiguration of the car parking. A long period of deliberation followed, with further delays caused by several levels of appeals. However, with all avenues to appeal the approval of the application exhausted in late 2021, the Resort are now expected to move forward with implementing the proposed developments.
Waterpark Adventure – 2025 (TBC)
In November 2022, the Resort shared an initial look at its plans to add a new Waterpark Adventure attraction as an extension to the existing Safari Hotel. The waterpark will feature a variety of water-based activities, including themed pools and slides, a spa area, a wave pool and a lazy river which transports guests outside. With the full planning application expected to be submitted in early 2023 and an estimated two year build period, it is thought that the attraction will likely open in 2025.
Safari Lodges – TBC
After an ambitious initial planning application in April 2017, revised plans were submitted in November 2018, stripping the proposals back to a single cluster of 34 lodges, located to the north of Wanyama Reserve. The submission of discharge of conditions applications in October 2021, indicated that the Resort hoped to commence construction in December 2021, although this did not materialise. Instead the lodges are due to open alongside the proposed Waterpark Adventure attraction.
The London Resort
Throughout the consultation and construction period, Attraction Source will be bringing you the latest news and information on what is set to be one of the largest developments the UK leisure industry has ever seen. We have summarised what we know so far into this helpful guide, and will be keeping it up to date with all the latest news and developments surrounding the project.