Have you heard the latest Universal Studios Great Britain news?
Universal Studios Great Britian is happening!
There’s been rumors for a long time, with plenty of us wondering ‘is Universal Great Britain confirmed?’.
And FINALLY, it is OFFICIAL!
This is great for a lot of people – especially if you live in the UK, or neighboring countries.
But you know who Universal Great Britain isn’t going to be great for? Disney. In particular, Disneyland Paris.
Whilst Disneyland Paris has essentially had a monopoly in the European premium theme park market since 1992, Universal Studios is coming. And potentially offering a similar or improved experience.
We know Disney and Universal have been battling for decades with their theme parks in the United States and Asia.
But this is the first time these theme park giants will be competing in the European market.
So, how will Universal Studios UK impact Disneyland Paris – and us as theme park visitors?
Let’s discuss!
This post is all about how Universal Studios Great Britain will impact Disneyland Paris.
Universal Studios Great Britain (& Disneyland Paris)
Is there a Universal Studios in the UK?
At the time of writing this post, no.
However, Universal has confirmed that they will be building the first Universal Studios park in Europe.
RELATED POST: Universal Studios Great Britain Update: Timeline, Location & NO Harry Potter Attractions?!
Where will the Universal Studios Great Britain location be?
Wondering where Universal Studios Europe will be located? Surprisingly, it’s not London.
Instead, Universal’s UK theme park resort will be located in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, UK.
How long will it take to build Universal UK?
Looking for the Universal Studios Great Britain opening date?
Sadly, we have a fairly long wait ahead of us.
Universal projects that Universal Studios Britain will be open in 2031, so we can expect it to take several years, with construction expected to start in 2026.
What information do we have on Universal Studios Great Britain lands and Universal Studios Great Britain attractions?
Not that much. At the moment, we’re relying on Universal Studios Great Britain concept art and “reliable sources” for most information.
Some IPs expected to be used for Universal Studios Great Britain rides and attractions include:
- Paddington
- James Bond
- Back to the Future
- Lord of the Rings
- Jurassic Park
1) Competing for the Same Visitors = Lower Attendance at Disneyland Paris?
From 2031, both Disneyland Paris and Universal Studios will be competing for primarily the same crowd: European visitors.
But Universal has one great advantage: it’s new.
We all know many visitors and families are looking for new vacation destinations, instead of visiting Disneyland Paris which has been an option for decades.
If Universal opens up with all the bells and whistles (similarly to Epic Universe at Universal Studios Orlando), it can easily divert crowds from Disneyland Paris.
Especially when you consider the inconsistent quality of Disneyland Paris attractions (especially at Walt Disney Studios Park / Disney Adventure World).
RELATED POST: Why Disneyland Paris New Rides & Attractions Are Hurting the Park Experience
Also, most of us don’t have an endless stash of cash or vacation days. People pick between trips, especially with theme park prices already crazy expensive and flight options.
Historically, prices at Universal parks are a little cheaper than Disney – though this is not guaranteed to be the case in Europe.
However, if Universal positions itself as a slightly less expensive but still premium theme park experience, Disneyland Paris may suffer from decreased crowds.
2) Disneyland Paris May Need to Up Their Game (like Disney World as a Result of Universal Epic Universe)
If Universal Studios Great Britain pulls off even half the hype people are expecting, Disneyland Paris is going to have to step up its game—especially when it comes to new attractions.
Disney World saw what Epic Universe was building in Florida and scrambled to respond, finally promising something fresh after years of practically coasting.
And now we’ve had frantic announcements and plans for the future of Disney World, we don’t know if it will prevent a substantial number of guests from visiting Universal.
But in order to dissuade visitors from opting for Universal over Disneyland Paris, some impressive additions could help.
That said, Disneyland Paris can’t afford another “meh” addition like Avengers Campus, which, let’s be real, left a lot of us underwhelmed.
They need more than shiny paint and recycled tech.
We want something remotely close to the innovation of Tokyo Disneyland.
After all, if Universal Studios Great Britain is of similar quality to Epic Universe, some new spinning rides at Disneyland Paris aren’t going to cut it. (Yes, Disney has actually announced two new spinning rides for Disney Adventure World).
3) Lower cost to visit Disneyland Paris – more discounts like Disney World with Epic Universe?
Another way Disneyland Paris can compete is on price.
Perhaps, we’ll see better deals on packages, hotel rates and maybe even multi-day tickets.
We’ve seen more discounts at Disney World as a result of Epic Universe (especially for Annual Passholders).
So, if you’re a Disneyland Paris Annual Passholder, you may get even better treatment (i.e. better discounts and special perks).
RELATED POST: Why a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass is a Waste of Money in 2025
Especially if Universal Studios Great Britain offers an attractive Annual Passholder program (like Universal Orlando and Hollywood).
4) More adults and older kids may opt for Universal over Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris does a pretty good job of catering to all ages.
Whilst they’re best known for their kid and young family friendly attractions, they have their fair share of roller coasters (including 3 with inversions across the two parks).
But everyone knows Universal caters more for older kids/teenagers and adults – with more intense attractions and coasters.
And importantly, Halloween Horror Nights. If Universal brings this Halloween party to the UK (which they almost definitely will), chances are many guests who are old and brave enough will choose Universal over Disney in the autumn!
Of course, this will also depend on the types of rides that are chosen for Universal Studios Great Britain (to be confirmed).
However, based on Universal’s track record at their other parks, we can be pretty sure there will be some thrilling rides at Universal’s European park.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Studios Great Britain (& the impact on Disneyland Paris)
Is Universal Great Britain confirmed?
Yes, Universal Studios Great Britain is official! And it’s expected to open in 2031.
How long will it take to build Universal UK?
Construction is due to start in 2026, with an opening year of 2031, so approximately 5 years if all goes to plan.
Where are the 5 Universal Studios?
Wondering which counties have Universal Studios?
- Universal Studios Orlando
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Universal Studios Japan
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Universal Beijing Resort
When Universal Studios Great Britain opens, there will be 6 Universal theme park resorts around the world.
Are there any Universal Studios in Europe?
There are no Universal Studios theme parks already open in Europe.
Universal Studios Great Britain will be the first European theme park.
Ta Ta For Now
When Universal Studios Great Britain opens, would you rather visit Disneyland Paris or the new Universal resort?
Please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂
This post was all about how Universal Studios Great Britain will impact Disneyland Paris.
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