Minecraft is the greatest selling video game of all-time. It’s live-action movie also pulled in nearly one billion at the global office and is getting a highly-anticipated sequel next year. And you know what? It’s not enough. The franchise is building on its success by building a theme park in Greater London. And Minecraft World will open next year.
Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have announced they’re teaming up on the first-ever Minecraft theme park. Minecraft World is set to open at the UK theme park and zoo Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. The £50 million project (which sounds much better than its concept art looks) will feature new attractions, including a “world-first” Minecraft coaster. It will send visitors on minecart as they try to Escape the Nether. Here’s the coaster’s official description:
On this exciting new adventure, you’ll join Steve and Alex to battle your way through the Nether, coming face to face with hostile mobs before launching back to the Overworld. Will you escape? And yes, there’s lava. Lots of lava.
The immersive park will also have “interactive adventures” and “epic block-built playscapes.” And of course you’ll also find merchandise stores and dining options like an underwater-themed restaurant. Those who build their vacation around the park will also find “lush caves, mineshafts and plains of the Overworld.” And you’ll “meet mobs for real.” And the park’s official site also shows the experience will include a Minecraft-themed hotel.
The official announcement also says the park will feature “fan favourites and ridiculous fun from the Minecraft universe.” And the two companies partnered with Minecraft creators to enhance the authenticity of the park, which is 35-minute by train from London Waterloo.
“Minecraft World represents a meaningful milestone in our ongoing journey to expand the Minecraft universe,” said Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director of Entertainment at Minecraft in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Merlin Entertainments to realise a place where you can literally be in the Minecraft Overworld and have an adventure of your own with your family and friends. The team at Merlin Entertainments and Mojang have worked hard to craft an experience that feels immersive, authentic and welcoming, and we can’t wait for our community to experience it.”
Will fans flock to Minecraft World? Uh, yeah. Minecraft fans turn every endeavor by the franchise into a towering success. The only question is how long will it take them to build a second theme park.