Latest news with #UniversalMonsters
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: 9 theme park rides fans could get in 2031
What rides could you be riding when Universal Studios Bedford finally opens? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Plans have been submitted for the new Universal Entertainment Resort Complex in Bedford. With an opening scheduled for 2031, the developers are keeping tight-lipped about what rides could be present when it opens. But we've taken a guess at nine rides, based on the popularity of the franchises in the US or the rides themselves, that could be there come opening day. It's speculation aplenty as Universal Studios Bedford continues to take shape, with its anticipated opening date scheduled for 2031. While several documents have been filed – including a planning statement and design standard for the multi-billion-pound investment across (at least) 268 hectares of land encompassing the Proposed Development – the developers themselves have yet to indicate what specific attractions will be part of the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex, to give its full title. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But far be it from us to rest on our laurels and wait for the information to be provided, and certainly not when there is such a wait taking place. So instead, why not take a look at what is on offer from the range of studios and resorts in the United States? We've earmarked nine rides that could make their way to Bedford when the resort finally opens, based on some of the more popular rides in the US and some of the hotly anticipated ones to come from franchises ranging from The Simpsons to Universal Monsters. So what do we think will be available to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? Or, in the interests of transparency, what do we want to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? 9 rides at Universal Studios that could make their way to Bedford The popularity and sheer size of Skull Island: Reign of Kong makes it an ideal ride to transition from the United States to Bedford come 2031. | Universal Studios Resorts/Canva 1. Skull Island: Reign of Kong The massive, multi-sensory 3D dark ride, which opened in 2016, takes adventurers deep into a mysterious island populated by colossal predators and, ultimately, Kong himself. Riders board a large, expedition vehicle and journey through ancient ruins and treacherous jungles, encountering terrifying creatures and experiencing intense close calls before a climactic confrontation with King Kong. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ride is renowned for its scale, immersive environments, and impressive animatronics and 3D effects and has consistently drawn crowds since opening at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, due to both the enduring appeal of King Kong and the sheer scale of the ride itself. 2. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem This motion simulator, which opened in July 2012, transforms guests into mischievous Minions for an unpredictable and hilarious adventure alongside Gru, his daughters, and the Minions. The experience combines 3D projection, simulator technology, and a pre-show that sets up the storyline, ending with a Minion dance party. It's designed to be fun for the whole family. Another consistently popular attraction, especially with families and younger audiences, owing to the global appeal of the Despicable Me and Minions films, it often has significant wait times in Orlando. The immense and sustained popularity of the Minions in the UK would make this a surefire hit. 3. Trolls Trollercoaster One of the more recent rides, opening in June 2024, this family-friendly coaster takes riders on a musical journey through the vibrant world of DreamWorks' Trolls. It's a colourful, whimsical attraction designed to be accessible for younger guests, featuring gentle twists and turns inspired by the films' lively characters and soundtracks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Being a very new attraction as part of a highly-anticipated new land, it's currently experiencing high popularity, particularly among families with young children and fans of the Trolls franchise. The success of the films in the UK makes this a strong contender for a family-focused area. 4. Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl This classic spinner ride opened in November 2013 and allows guests to pilot their own flying saucers, controlled by the alien duo Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons. As the ride spins, guests can make their vehicle go up and down while listening to humorous banter from the aliens as they "hurl" their human passengers. It's a whimsical and interactive flat ride. A moderately popular ride, often enjoyed by fans of The Simpsons looking for a lighter, more humorous attraction. It typically has shorter wait times compared to the major thrill rides, but the enduring popularity of The Simpsons in the UK could give it a strong appeal. 5. Donkey Kong's Minecart Madness This innovative roller coaster, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026 as part of the Epic Universe, simulates the frantic, physics-defying minecart sequences from the Donkey Kong video games. Riders are launched through jungle environments, jumping over gaps and dodging obstacles, with the ride vehicles appearing to "jump" from track to track, offering a unique and highly immersive sensation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is extremely high anticipation for the ride; as a flagship attraction for the new Epic Universe park and a key part of the Super Nintendo World area, it is expected to be one of the most popular and in-demand rides once it opens. The global and UK appeal of Donkey Kong and Nintendo makes this a very strong candidate. 6. Hiccup's Wing Gliders An artist's depiction of what fans of How to Train Your Dragon can expect when Hiccup's Wing Gliders opens in the United States. | Universal Studios Resorts This family-friendly launcher roller coaster sends guests soaring through the skies of the Isle of Berk, inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films. Riders experience a feeling of flight, swooping and diving over landscapes, replicating the sensation of riding a dragon. With the success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon films, and with the ride expected to open in late 2025 and early 2026, there is once again high anticipation in the United States when it opens as part of the new Epic Universe. The widespread affection for this franchise in the UK could translate to significant popularity here. 7. Jurassic Park River Adventure How could you not have a log flume-style ride at a theme park in the United Kingdom? For shame… Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This classic water ride, which first opened in 1999, takes guests on a serene raft journey through a prehistoric jungle inhabited by docile dinosaurs, before things go awry and they encounter more dangerous inhabitants. The adventure culminates in a thrilling 85-foot plunge down a waterfall, narrowly escaping a hungry T-Rex. A long-standing fan-favourite. Despite its age, its thrilling drop and iconic Jurassic Park theme ensure it remains highly popular, especially on hot days. The original film's monumental impact and continued relevance in the UK make this a solid, classic choice. 8. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Another ride set to open in the near future, this high-speed, outdoor roller coaster is themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise, taking riders on a thrilling chase through Hollywood, featuring custom-designed ride vehicles that simulate drifting manoeuvres. The ride combines high-energy twists, turns, and speed. With the promise the ride will be part of a 'new generation' of rollercoasters that are being constructed, and the popularity of the franchise, this new ride is expected to be a significant draw when it opens in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While it might not be part of the Orlando resort (it's part of Universal Studios Hollywood), the global and strong UK popularity of the Fast & Furious films makes this a strong candidate for a future international park like Bedford. 9. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Universal Monsters, the classic series of horror films from the studio, is the theme with this ride, which is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. This dark ride experience plunges guests into the monstrous world of Universal's classic horror films, reimagining a storyline where Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and other iconic creatures break free from control. The ride features immersive environments, cutting-edge animatronics, and intense encounters, blurring the lines between classic horror and modern thrills. The enduring legacy of Universal's classic monsters, particularly in horror-loving UK culture, could make this a unique and compelling draw. Have you been to one of the Universal Studio Resorts in the United States and think you know what rides might come to Bedford when it opens? Are there any attractions you hope do come to the Universal Studios Entertainment Complex? Share your ideas by leaving a comment down below.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: 9 theme park rides fans could get in 2031
What rides could you be riding when Universal Studios Bedford finally opens? Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Plans have been submitted for the new Universal Entertainment Resort Complex in Bedford. With an opening scheduled for 2031, the developers are keeping tight-lipped about what rides could be present when it opens. But we've taken a guess at nine rides, based on the popularity of the franchises in the US or the rides themselves, that could be there come opening day. It's speculation aplenty as Universal Studios Bedford continues to take shape, with its anticipated opening date scheduled for 2031. While several documents have been filed – including a planning statement and design standard for the multi-billion-pound investment across (at least) 268 hectares of land encompassing the Proposed Development – the developers themselves have yet to indicate what specific attractions will be part of the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex, to give its full title. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But far be it from us to rest on our laurels and wait for the information to be provided, and certainly not when there is such a wait taking place. So instead, why not take a look at what is on offer from the range of studios and resorts in the United States? We've earmarked nine rides that could make their way to Bedford when the resort finally opens, based on some of the more popular rides in the US and some of the hotly anticipated ones to come from franchises ranging from The Simpsons to Universal Monsters. So what do we think will be available to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? Or, in the interests of transparency, what do we want to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? 9 rides at Universal Studios that could make their way to Bedford The popularity and sheer size of Skull Island: Reign of Kong makes it an ideal ride to transition from the United States to Bedford come 2031. | Universal Studios Resorts/Canva 1. Skull Island: Reign of Kong The massive, multi-sensory 3D dark ride, which opened in 2016, takes adventurers deep into a mysterious island populated by colossal predators and, ultimately, Kong himself. Riders board a large, expedition vehicle and journey through ancient ruins and treacherous jungles, encountering terrifying creatures and experiencing intense close calls before a climactic confrontation with King Kong. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ride is renowned for its scale, immersive environments, and impressive animatronics and 3D effects and has consistently drawn crowds since opening at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, due to both the enduring appeal of King Kong and the sheer scale of the ride itself. 2. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem This motion simulator, which opened in July 2012, transforms guests into mischievous Minions for an unpredictable and hilarious adventure alongside Gru, his daughters, and the Minions. The experience combines 3D projection, simulator technology, and a pre-show that sets up the storyline, ending with a Minion dance party. It's designed to be fun for the whole family. Another consistently popular attraction, especially with families and younger audiences, owing to the global appeal of the Despicable Me and Minions films, it often has significant wait times in Orlando. The immense and sustained popularity of the Minions in the UK would make this a surefire hit. 3. Trolls Trollercoaster One of the more recent rides, opening in June 2024, this family-friendly coaster takes riders on a musical journey through the vibrant world of DreamWorks' Trolls. It's a colourful, whimsical attraction designed to be accessible for younger guests, featuring gentle twists and turns inspired by the films' lively characters and soundtracks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Being a very new attraction as part of a highly-anticipated new land, it's currently experiencing high popularity, particularly among families with young children and fans of the Trolls franchise. The success of the films in the UK makes this a strong contender for a family-focused area. 4. Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl This classic spinner ride opened in November 2013 and allows guests to pilot their own flying saucers, controlled by the alien duo Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons. As the ride spins, guests can make their vehicle go up and down while listening to humorous banter from the aliens as they "hurl" their human passengers. It's a whimsical and interactive flat ride. A moderately popular ride, often enjoyed by fans of The Simpsons looking for a lighter, more humorous attraction. It typically has shorter wait times compared to the major thrill rides, but the enduring popularity of The Simpsons in the UK could give it a strong appeal. 5. Donkey Kong's Minecart Madness This innovative roller coaster, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026 as part of the Epic Universe, simulates the frantic, physics-defying minecart sequences from the Donkey Kong video games. Riders are launched through jungle environments, jumping over gaps and dodging obstacles, with the ride vehicles appearing to "jump" from track to track, offering a unique and highly immersive sensation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is extremely high anticipation for the ride; as a flagship attraction for the new Epic Universe park and a key part of the Super Nintendo World area, it is expected to be one of the most popular and in-demand rides once it opens. The global and UK appeal of Donkey Kong and Nintendo makes this a very strong candidate. 6. Hiccup's Wing Gliders An artist's depiction of what fans of How to Train Your Dragon can expect when Hiccup's Wing Gliders opens in the United States. | Universal Studios Resorts This family-friendly launcher roller coaster sends guests soaring through the skies of the Isle of Berk, inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films. Riders experience a feeling of flight, swooping and diving over landscapes, replicating the sensation of riding a dragon. With the success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon films, and with the ride expected to open in late 2025 and early 2026, there is once again high anticipation in the United States when it opens as part of the new Epic Universe. The widespread affection for this franchise in the UK could translate to significant popularity here. 7. Jurassic Park River Adventure How could you not have a log flume-style ride at a theme park in the United Kingdom? For shame… Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This classic water ride, which first opened in 1999, takes guests on a serene raft journey through a prehistoric jungle inhabited by docile dinosaurs, before things go awry and they encounter more dangerous inhabitants. The adventure culminates in a thrilling 85-foot plunge down a waterfall, narrowly escaping a hungry T-Rex. A long-standing fan-favourite. Despite its age, its thrilling drop and iconic Jurassic Park theme ensure it remains highly popular, especially on hot days. The original film's monumental impact and continued relevance in the UK make this a solid, classic choice. 8. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Another ride set to open in the near future, this high-speed, outdoor roller coaster is themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise, taking riders on a thrilling chase through Hollywood, featuring custom-designed ride vehicles that simulate drifting manoeuvres. The ride combines high-energy twists, turns, and speed. With the promise the ride will be part of a 'new generation' of rollercoasters that are being constructed, and the popularity of the franchise, this new ride is expected to be a significant draw when it opens in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While it might not be part of the Orlando resort (it's part of Universal Studios Hollywood), the global and strong UK popularity of the Fast & Furious films makes this a strong candidate for a future international park like Bedford. 9. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Universal Monsters, the classic series of horror films from the studio, is the theme with this ride, which is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. This dark ride experience plunges guests into the monstrous world of Universal's classic horror films, reimagining a storyline where Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and other iconic creatures break free from control. The ride features immersive environments, cutting-edge animatronics, and intense encounters, blurring the lines between classic horror and modern thrills. The enduring legacy of Universal's classic monsters, particularly in horror-loving UK culture, could make this a unique and compelling draw.
Geek Tyrant
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
NECA Reveals Universal Monsters x TMNT – Shredder as Dracula Crimson Action Figure — GeekTyrant
NECA has revealed its new Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure featuring Shredder as Dracula (Crimson Target Exclusive). This is a variant of the previously released Shredder as Dracula features a new paint job with a mostly red outfit. The figure includes swap out masked and unmasked portraits, interchangeable hands, a spear, rats, a turtle, and more. It's listed on but is currently out of stock. The figure is priced at $36.99. Check out details and new photos below. 'Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Shredder as Dracula (Crimson Target Exclusive) 7' Scale Action Figure 'NECA is thrilled and chilled to introduce the next release in our Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure line, paying tribute to the world's most famous turtles and Universal's icons of horror! Two of pop culture's most menacing villains have combined into one amazing figure reimagining The Shredder as Dracula. (Protect yourself by ordering extra garlic on your pizza!) 'Designed by James Groman, this 7-inch scale figure dons Crimson deco and comes loaded with three different heads, real fabric cape, turtle skull, turtle candle, spear, juice jug, and lifeless rats. Comes in collector-friendly window box packaging by legendary artist Daniel Horne.'
Geek Girl Authority
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
review Archives
The Z Word is a queer, messy and fun take on the zombie canon. Click through to check out our full review. A Short Walk Through a Wide World is compared to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Midnight Library, but does it live up to the hype? All the Rest Stuff We Like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster and other creatures are here to guide your tarot practice. Read our review of Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook! Horror Stuff We Like TV & Streaming A house in Amityville, NY, is one of the most infamous locations in America. A family tragically died. Ronald DeFeo ... Horror Movies Reviews Stuff We Like Stephen King's Children of the Corn novel spawned an entire franchise of horror films. The original movie premiered in 1984 and ... Horror Movies Stuff We Like Standing approximately seven feet tall, covered in fur and sporting razor-sharp claws, a new werewolf has entered the ring. From ... Thank you to Tordotcom for sending me a copy of Nona the Ninth for an honest review! Just a heads ... *Mild spoilers ahead for Sony's Morbius After being pushed back time and again, Morbius is finally in theaters! The wait is over. ... *Mild spoilers ahead for The Batman The day has finally arrived, Batman fans. The Batman is in theaters! This movie has ... Mild spoilers ahead for Shudder's The Last Thing Mary Saw. A brand new movie is about to be added to ... Horror Movies Reviews Stuff We Like *Mild spoilers ahead for Shudder's For the Sake of Vicious Horror movie lovers, 2022 is starting with an influx of brand-new ... Horror Movies Reviews Stuff We Like *Warning, mild spoilers ahead for Shudder's The Advent Calendar* A common sight during the holiday season is an advent ... They say don't judge a book by its cover. However, when I first saw Skybox Labs' Stela trailer for the Nintendo ...
Gizmodo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Blockbusters Take Over Theme Parks for a Mega Movie Summer
Summer hits the theme parks and vacation destinations in this week's theme park news. Universal Studios Hollywood takes fans back in time with Back to the Future and Jaws while bringing in the future with new Wicked and Jurassic World fun. Don't worry, the Universal Monsters aren't far behind; in fact they're all hitting up Sin City for Universal Horror Unleashed's opening in Las Vegas this August. Over at the Disney Parks, Walt Disney World gears up for Test Track's reopening. Meanwhile, Old Navy and Disney collab on one heck of a roadtrip across America with their new summer Mickey & Friends collection. And just in time for the release of DC Studios Superman, Six Flags gets the Justice League to unite for new superhero experiences! Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood Iconic blockbuster movies abound as new entertainment, fandom foodie offerings, and more. To celebrate Jaws' 50th anniversary, the hanging shark makes its return to the theme park with a special Quint and Brody meet and greet, which is delightful and the actors doing their Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider impressions are fantastic. Hey if the kids can meet Mario and Luigi, letting the adults meet the Orca crew is a great compromise. There's also more Amblin amusement park presence, with Doc Brown, his pal Marty McFly, and his trusty first time traveler Einstein the dog in the DeLorean. Both films get awesome curated cinematic cuisine at the parks too. For Jurassic franchise fans, there is now a Mosasaur roar on Jurassic World: The Ride and a new tiny triceratops meet and greet (which was temporarily in London for the premiere of Jurassic World: Rebirth). Wicked fans will also be happy to learn they can meet Elphaba and Glinda in an alternating capacity and there's tons of new Wicked merch in its designated store. Universal Horror Unleashed: Universal Monsters – Area15 Las Vegas All of the Universal Monsters will be featured in one haunted house at Universal Horror Unleashed, which is sharing more updates ahead of its arrival at Las Vegas' immersive experience destination Area15. 'We've got four incredible haunted houses that put you right in the middle of iconic and terrifying scenes. In the Universal Monsters House, you get to follow Van Helsing as he battles all of your favorite classic monsters. Our legacy of creating horror in Universal Studios goes all the way back to the beginning of the film itself. We've been creating iconic horror movies that have stood the test of time. Our Universal Monsters Haunted House takes you through the stories of all of the classic Universal Monsters. All of them are there, and you get to walk into their world,' Universal Creative's Lorelei Lee shared in the video you can watch above. We can't wait for this one, especially since The Creature from the Black Lagoon's Gill-man will be represented at last in Horror Unleashed's Universal Monsters house. Shelby Honea, executive producer at Universal Creative added, 'We're bringing something entirely new to Las Vegas. It is a year round destination, and so is our horror brand.' The destination is currently slated to feature houses in the universes of The Exorcist, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Horror Nights original canon characters. There will also be performers, walk-around scare-actors, themed frightful foods, and scary sips! For more info check out the recent Discover Universal podcast that outlines whats to come at Universal Horror Unleashed. M3GAN 2.0 at Universal Studios Florida Just in time for M3GAN 2.0, the army of dancing M3GANS make their theme park return in limited appearances during the day at Universal Studios Florida. Images of their return courtesy of Park Hop on IG. Walt Disney World announces Test Track opening date The Epcot cars ride (not that one) is set to reopen with new theming and a refreshed look July 22. io9 met Laufey at House of Mouse Los Angeles Check out our chat with musical artist Laufey live from House of Mouse Los Angeles, where she shared with us the different ways Disney was one of her first fandoms. 'I grew up in Iceland, which is definitely a very, very different climate and a different world. I always knew of Mickey. And that was one of those first characters that I became aware of,' Laufey said. 'It's so classic, my dad loved watching very classic cartoons growing up. So I grew up watching the really, really old Mickey Mouse ones.' The singer also revealed her fave childhood Disney toys. 'I had the whole Winnie the Pooh zoo. I had Winnie and I remember specifically I have a Piglet. It's really, really special.' The Disney Style pop-up party is currently on a global tour at major cities where fandom and fashion collide. Disney and Old Navy go on a road trip across America To celebrate the summer Disney and Old Navy have dropped a Mickey & Friends collab for the whole family. Combining options for all sorts of weather, the Disney Americana-inspired collection features swim, tees, sweaters, kidswear, and accessories to suit the season wherever you happen to be. If you're in Chicago this weekend, you can hit up the Disney x Old Navy road trip van which will feature immersive photo-ops, treats, and a showcase of the collection with a summer bbq vibe on the 21st. The van will also stop at the Santa Monica Pier on June 28. Shop the collection online here. Disney Jr. Let's Play – The Disneyland Resort Kids can have more fun with Mickey and friends as Disney Jr. Let's Play returns to the Disneyland Resort August 8-10. DC Heroes at Six Flags Magic Mountain DC Heroes and Villains Fest arrives at Six Flags to get superhero fans hyped up as we head into a Superman movie summer. It's filled with action stunt shows, character meets, music, and more, and DC fans can enjoy these offerings on Friday and Saturday nights from June 20-July 26. Kung Fu Tea x How to Train Your Dragon Kung Fu Tea locations across the nation will be featuring special drinks inspired by Universal Pictures' How to Train Your Dragon until June 30 with drinks and collectible cups/stickers. The flavors include: Toothless Soaring Slush – a frosty swirl with milk cap magic Stormfly's Dragonfruit Splash – citrusy zing + chia seeds that pop Monstrous Flight Tea – dragonfruit base, honey boba finish Pop Mart x Pride The toy collectible giant currently taking over the world with Labubu launched its Pride collection at LA Pride recently with a float and LGBTQIA+ collectibles creators. Check out the Peach Riot and Hug You limited releases with special Pride colorways online now.
