Look, it was only a matter of time. We already have Super Nintendo World, and now Mojang is finally cashing in on the physical world.
Variety and Merlin Entertainments just confirmed that an official “Minecraft World” theme park land is actively under construction. And they are not messing around with the budget—they are dropping £50 million (roughly $70 million) to bring the Overworld into real life.
If you grew up punching virtual trees and hiding from Creepers in a dirt hut, this is basically the ultimate nostalgia trip. But before you start packing your bags, here is the reality check on what is actually happening.
The Catch: It’s Not in America (Yet)
If you live in the US, sit down. The first-ever Minecraft World is being built at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK (just outside of London).
The UK gamers are taking a massive win here. But don’t panic too much—Merlin Entertainments previously announced a $110 million overall investment for Minecraft attractions that includes both the UK and the US. They just haven’t revealed which American city is getting the blocky treatment yet.
What are they actually building?
They are keeping the exact blueprints pretty closely guarded, but here is what the press releases have officially confirmed so far:
A World-First Minecraft Roller Coaster: I have no idea if it’s going to be a runaway minecart ride through the Nether, but if it isn’t, they are completely missing the point.
Interactive Block-Built Playscapes: Basically, giant physical biomes and mob encounters you can actually walk through.
Themed Dining: Be fully prepared to pay $18 for a square-shaped hamburger or a suspiciously glowing potion drink.
The Timeline
You are going to have to wait a bit. The park isn’t opening until 2027.
Honestly, this timing is probably a genius move by Microsoft. The live-action Minecraft movie drops soon, and if it completely bombs at the box office, they have a solid year to let the internet forget about it before the theme park opens its gates.
My verdict: Taking a game that is entirely about staying inside your bedroom and using it to force people to go outside and ride a roller coaster is objectively funny, but I am absolutely going to buy a ticket.
Do you want me to keep an eye out and let you know the second they announce the location for the US version of the park?
