Ever since Universal was given the green light to open a new theme park in the UK, thrill-seekers have been avidly awaiting for updates on what exactly the huge resort will entail.
The attractions giant already gave us a teaser when it released concept imagery of the lands and Bedfordshire site, but this week it celebrated a major milestone, bringing us one step closer to the opening date.
Government officials including Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves attended a key moment for the resort; the groundbreaking to pave the way for construction to begin. To coincide with the event, Universal also gave fans a few more details, including the resort's name; Universal United Kingdom Resort.
When it opens its doors, the resort will boast restaurants, shops, a huge theme park, shows and plenty more. Judging by the concept artwork, it's going to be a hit with thrill-seekers as there looks to be at least six themed lands and three epic rollercoasters, although Universal has yet to reveal which franchises will inspire the attractions.
It's expected to bring in millions of visitors every year, including boosting the number of tourists from overseas.
Here's everything we know so far, from the rides to the opening date...
Universal's US-based theme parks already boast rides and lands inspired by franchises such as Jurassic World, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, the Minions and more, so although Universal hasn't confirmed what the UK park will bring, expectations are high.
The team behind the resort have promised that it will be "unlike anything that exists in the UK", offering "immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and hospitality".
In concept art for the resort, it seems that the entrance will lead you into a large plaza area similar to the 'CityWalk' area of Universal Orlando. The plaza and venues will be open to the general public even if they haven't bought a ticket to the park itself.
For those who do pay for a ticket, once they're through a large archway, they'll walk through a long promenade-style street - no doubt also offering a variety of shops and restaurants - before heading into the themed lands with "adrenaline-pumping coaster", "mind-blowing spectaculars" and "incredible creatures, heroes and villains". A closer look at the artwork suggests one of the rollercoasters may offer views across the lake - for those who are brave enough to keep their eyes open, that is!
Construction is expected to begin soon on the resort, and there are plans for a 2031 opening. Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest over £5bn in the entertainment resort complex during the expected five years of construction, as well as an additional £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years when the park is in operation. According to the UK government, this represents "one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector".
There hasn't been information on any ticket prices or packages yet.
Universal United Kingdom Resort will be located in Bedfordshire. The Department for Transport has said it will go ahead with plans to upgrade the surrounding road and rail network, on the A421 and at Wixams station, to make travel to the resort easier.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: "This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.
"Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit — improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world. We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain."
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