ORLANDO, Fla. – Two new attractions based on the best-selling video game of all time will open in the next few years as a result of a collaboration between the makers of the game and the owners of several area theme parks.
On Tuesday, Merlin Entertainments announced a partnership that will bring Minecraft adventures to life in the real world through immersive and interactive entertainment attractions.
“You’re going to be like you stepped off the screen and you got off your phone and you walk into an immersive experience of Minecraft,” Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments Scott O’Neil told News 6.
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The company said that “Adventures Made Real” will create new and exciting ways for people to immerse themselves in the physical Minecraft world including digitally enabled real-life experiences, as well as the creation of touchpoints that will allow guests to unlock exclusive in-game content to continue their gaming journey.
Merlin will be investing $110 million in the first two attractions, which will be launching in the U.S. and the U.K. between 2026 and 2027. This will include the development of Minecraft-themed guest accommodation, retail, and food & beverage, alongside other experiences including a Minecraft-themed ride at Merlin locations in these two countries. Longer-term, Merlin will expand these experiences to other destinations globally.
“This is the kind of thing, that if you’re in this business, if you love brands and you love guest experience and bringing it together, there’s nothing better than this one,” O’Neil said.
This is Merlin’s first global partnership with a gaming brand. Mojang Studios is owned by Microsoft.
“Some people have been playing for the full 15 years, others are new to the game, but there are also people who just really aren’t video game players but know about Minecraft because it’s so popular,” Microsoft Vice President of Franchise Development for Gaming Kayleen Walters said. “So bringing to life means more people can explore it as well.”
Headquartered in the UK, Merlin Entertainments is the second largest operator of attractions and theme parks worldwide and owns the Orlando Eye, Legoland, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium, and the Peppa Pig Theme Park, all of which have locations in Central Florida. As of right now, a specific stateside location for a Minecraft theme park has not been revealed.
“Would you consider this area for the stateside park?” News 6 Reporter Stephanie Rodriguez asked O’Neil. “You will have to wait and find out,” he replied.
Before theme parks, Minecraft will attempt to become the next video game movie blockbuster. “A Minecraft Movie” hits theaters April 4.
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