Could you imagine if your country was gearing up to build a Disneyland-inspired theme park, only to have a spider stand in the way of its inception? Well, that is exactly what happened in the U.K. A theme park that would have been worth over $4.5 billion USD almost ended up getting squashed by a one-centimeter spider.
Credit: The London Resort
In 2012 it was announced that the United Kingdom would build its own version of Disneyland. Although the theme park would use Disneyland as a comparison, it would not be related to Disney at all. Once built the “U.K. Disneyland” would be the largest theme park in Europe, decimating Disneyland Paris. At the moment, Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the U.K.
Reportedly, the theme park is said to be “136 times bigger than the Wembley Stadium, occupying a 535-acre land space,” and around 70 per cent of the attractions will be undercover to cope with the unpredictable English weather. The theme park would not follow the “classic” castle look like Disneyland to a tee, but would do so with a twist. The Park’s theming is meant to reflect British television and films. The park has been called the “Paramount” Resort by many due to the ties with the production company, located in Kent.
Credit: The London Resort
HITC noted, however, that while building the Park, the team met an unexpected Guest that could derail everything.
A rare spider got found in the building process of the theme park. Concerns rose as environmentalists feared that the theme park would cause even more damage to the natural habitat. The 1cm spider has had British TV channels such as BBC and ITV, who were initially partners for the theme park have recently cut ties with the Paramount theme park.
Originally, the two broadcasters allowed the theme park to feature rides inspired by popular British shows such as Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Thunderbirds. As both BBC and ITV have cut ties with the theme park, this means that UK’s Disneyland will not be allowed to create such rides and will have to find other alternatives.
Credit: The London Resort
A BBC spokesperson said that they would only consider returning the London Park project if there was a guarantee of a “net-positive environmental impact”.
The Park was set to open in 2024 but has now had to be pushed back to 2025. At the moment, there is not much more information regarding the theming of the Park, but it was confirmed that dinosaurs would occupy a section of the land, much like we see at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Hollywood with the Jurassic World and Jurassic Park sections. We have also seen concept art of a very fantastical feel with dragons surrounding the area and a large medieval castle — very much like a Game of Thrones setting. On top of that there will also be resorts built by the Park, as well as shopping and dining locations available.
The London Resort will be principally based on the Swanscombe Peninsula in North Kent, set over approximately 465 hectares including a new dedicated access road to the A2 and easy access from Ebbsfleet International station.
Transport facilities will be provided on the north side of the river, set over approximately 29.5 hectares of land, on land immediately to the east of the port of Tilbury, with a transport access corridor around the A1089. Whilst we are not proposing to develop the whole site within those borders, we have submitted a DCO application partly situated within that area.
What do you think of this U.K. Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below.Â
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Credit: Inside the Magic
