Universal is ** keeping remarkably quiet about exactly what will fill its new Universal United Kingdom Resort. The development near Bedford is targeting a 2031 opening, with Universal confirming a major theme park, themed lands, a 500-room hotel and a wider entertainment, retail and dining complex. But the big question remains: which IP is actually coming?
And Harry Potter has just become one of the most interesting possibilities.
What's been discovered?
There had recently been a lot of speculation around Potter flying his broomstick to Bedford and it does seem justified. A contractor who works on theme parks ‘PCL Construction’ reportedly had a project listing appear online using the title “Project 1307 UUKR WWoHP – Public Project Site.” The most interesting part isn't the number 1307 — it's WWoHP.
The abbreviation has long been used for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while UUKR is understood to refer to the Universal United Kingdom Resort. That is a pretty significant combination to see attached to a project connected with Universal UK.
The listing was subsequently changed and the references disappeared, but the discovery hasn't gone away. Even more interestingly, the number 1307 has since appeared in official topsoil phasing and grading plans for the Bedford development, within the main development area.
That doesn't prove that Harry Potter is coming. The planning documents don't actually label the area as a Wizarding World land.
But seeing “UUKR WWoHP” in a contractor listing is certainly a much more interesting clue than simply spotting something that looks Potter-related in concept art. There is also the fact that PCL Construction has experience working on major Universal projects, including Wizarding World developments.
So is Potter confirmed?
No. But if you're putting together a Universal UK rumour board, this is definitely one of the clues we'd be watching most closely.
What else could Universal be planning?
Jurassic World
Jurassic World is one of the strongest options. Universal already has huge Jurassic attractions around the world, including the enormous Jurassic World Adventure at Universal Studios Beijing. The UK concept art and planning material have also fuelled Jurassic speculation, and a major dinosaur land would fit perfectly into Universal's plans for a new destination resort.
Minions
Minions feels like an obvious bet for the family side of the park. Universal has already built major Minion areas elsewhere, and similarities between the UK concept material and existing Universal designs have caught attention. A Minions area would also give Universal a recognisable family-friendly land alongside some of the park's bigger attractions.
Paddington
Then there's Paddington. This would be a particularly British choice and rumours have suggested a Paddington dark ride could be part of the plans. Nothing has been confirmed, but a London/Paddington-themed area would make a lot of sense for a UK resort. It would also give Universal something that feels genuinely different from some of its existing international parks.
Back to the Future
Back to the Future is another fascinating possibility. Fans have examined the concept artwork and suggested one of the major coaster designs could fit the franchise. There's no confirmation, but a huge Hill Valley-themed attraction would certainly give Universal something unique. Just imagine a DeLorean carriage! Although those big wing doors were never easy to navigate, maybe no great for the ride ops
JAWS
Then things get more speculative. JAWS has returned to the rumour mill following a fresh US trademark filing covering theme park attraction services. Universal famously removed the original JAWS ride from Orlando, so the idea of bringing the shark back in a modern attraction is irresistible. However, the trademark doesn't prove that a UK ride is planned. It is an interesting clue — but certainly not confirmation.
WaterWorld
WaterWorld is another possibility. Universal already operates its famous stunt show in Hollywood and Japan, and the UK concept material has led to speculation about a large stunt-based attraction. It would also make practical sense. A big show could handle huge crowds while giving the park an attraction that doesn't rely on the same ride capacity as its major coasters and dark rides.
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Identity is possible too. Universal already operates The Bourne Stuntacular in Florida, giving it a proven format for a high-tech action attraction. Could that concept work at Universal UK? It's certainly possible, although there is currently no official confirmation.
And then there are the big wildcards
The Lord of the Rings and James Bond have both appeared in wider Universal UK speculation. Either would be a huge deal for the resort, but the evidence for both being part of the opening-day park is currently much weaker. Neither are owned by Universal but have been linked the the resort in the press previously. Bond would also come with the added complication of the franchise's rights situation.
For now, we'd put both firmly in the wildcard category.
So what's actually happening?
That's the frustrating — and exciting — part. Universal has confirmed the Bedford resort and its major components, but it has not officially announced the IP for the individual lands.
So our current TPD rumour board looks something like this:
🪄 Harry Potter — Very interesting clue, particularly the WWoHP reference in the Project 1307 listing. Still not confirmed.
🦖 Jurassic World — Strong possibility.
🟡 Minions — Logical family land.
🐻 Paddington — Potentially a major British addition.
⚡ Back to the Future — Fascinating coaster speculation.
🦈 JAWS — Possible, but highly speculative.
🌊 WaterWorld — Potential stunt-show candidate.
🕵️ Bourne — Another Universal action possibility.
💍 Lord of the Rings — Huge wildcard.
🔫 James Bond — Possible, but complicated by the rights situation.
For now, Harry Potter is the one Theme Park Daily will be watching most closely!
💬 COMMENT ON THIS FEATURE