The US and UK will see the construction of Minecraft theme parks

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft and Merlin Entertainments will collaborate to create many Minecraft theme parks across the globe.
• Merlin is investing $110 million in the first two proposed venues as part of the agreement.
• Early renders indicate that the attractions in the Minecraft park will adhere closely to the visual aesthetic of the game.

Under the direction of the same corporation that made Legoland, Madam Tussauds, and Alton Towers famous, Minecraft’s supremacy in the worldwide gaming market is poised to spread into other theme parks.

Even though some players may be wary of the early teasers for A Minecraft Movie, it seems like Mojang’s foray into new Minecraft experiences won’t end at the theater.

Merlin Entertainments, a British entertainment firm with extensive experience in the theme park industry, will bring the Minecraft parks to life. Its portfolio includes the well-known traditional theme park Alton Towers as well as the rapidly growing Legoland.

The Minecraft parks will open in existing Merlin locations in 2026 and 2027, with long-term plans for additional worldwide expansion. The idea includes dining, retail, lodging, and rides with a Minecraft theme.

Given the ongoing popularity of the game, several Minecraft attractions could be profitable now that Europe’s largest theme park operator (second only to Disney in the global market) has committed to a $110 million initial investment.

According to Kayleen Walters, Microsoft’s Vice President of Franchise Development for Gaming, Merlin is the “ideal partner” for bringing Minecraft to the real world because of its experience.

Early renderings show that the Minecraft parks will closely resemble the game’s distinctive design, complete with a blocky entry gateway, stalls with well-known player characters, and other features.

It’s unclear if the parks will fully embrace costumed workers or if life-sized creepers would be too much, given that Minecraft’s occasionally hideous characters evoke as much dread as joy in the youngest segment of its audience.