World's First Minecraft Theme Park Coming to Chessington Near London
Merlin Entertainments, the renowned company behind iconic attractions like Alton Towers and the London Eye, has announced a groundbreaking development in the world of family entertainment. The world's first Minecraft theme park is set to open at Chessington World of Adventures, located just 30 minutes from London by train from Waterloo. This ambitious project represents a £50 million investment, marking the largest of its kind at Chessington.
A Monumental Investment in Interactive Entertainment
The new theme park land, officially named Minecraft World, is scheduled to open next year following its announcement at the annual Minecraft Live online presentation. The park promises to deliver an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional theme park adaptations. Visitors can expect interactive adventures, epic block-built playscapes, a brand-new rollercoaster, themed dining options, and extensive merchandise offerings.
Angela Jobson, Senior Vice President of Global Brand at Merlin Entertainments, expressed immense excitement about the collaboration. "We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing Minecraft's creativity, bold adventures, and ridiculous fun to life at a theme park for the first time at Chessington World of Adventures," she stated. "Minecraft World will allow friends and families to play, explore and craft together on a truly epic scale. Working closely together with Mojang Studios we are meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in and experience the game in a whole new way."
Authentic Representation of the Minecraft Universe
The development team has worked diligently to ensure the theme park authentically represents the beloved game. Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Minecraft's Senior Creative Director of Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this project. "Minecraft World represents a meaningful milestone in our ongoing journey to expand the Minecraft universe," he explained. "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."
Early renders of the park suggest a choose-your-own-adventure approach that mirrors the game's core philosophy of player agency. Kayleen Walters, Head of Mojang Studios and Franchise Development at Microsoft Gaming, highlighted this connection. "When a player joins Minecraft and plays, it's their own completely new experience. They have the agency; they choose how to play. So every time you hit play, it's a different experience for you, and that's how we think about broadening beyond the game, too."
Strategic Location and Global Appeal
The choice of Chessington World of Adventures as the location provides excellent accessibility for both London residents and international visitors. The park's proximity to London, with a train journey of approximately 30 minutes from Waterloo, makes it an attractive destination for day trips and extended visits alike.
This development comes at a time when Minecraft continues to demonstrate remarkable global popularity. The game has sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game in history. The recent release of A Minecraft Movie and the consistent engagement with Minecraft Live events demonstrate the franchise's enduring appeal across multiple entertainment platforms.
The £50 million investment represents a significant commitment to enhancing Chessington's offerings and reflects Merlin Entertainments' confidence in the Minecraft brand's ability to attract visitors of all ages. This theme park represents not just another attraction, but a carefully crafted extension of a gaming phenomenon that has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
