If you’ve spent any time punching trees or dodging creepers, you’ve probably wondered why there isn’t a massive, blocky world you can visit in the real world. I mean, we have Super Nintendo World and Legoland, so where’s the Diamond Sword coaster?
The short answer is: sort of, but it's complicated. Honestly, for years, the only way to experience a "Minecraft theme park" was to load up a creative map or visit a temporary pop-up. But things changed in a big way recently. If you are looking for a standalone, Disney-sized park called "Minecraft World," you won't find it yet. However, the first official, permanent Minecraft lands are officially under construction right now.
Does Minecraft Have a Theme Park? The Merlin Deal Explained
Back in late 2024, Mojang Studios (the folks who make the game) dropped a massive bomb. They signed a deal worth over $110 million with Merlin Entertainments. If that name sounds familiar, it's because they are the second-biggest theme park operator on the planet, right behind Disney. They own Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and all the Legolands.
This partnership is called "Adventures Made Real." It isn’t just one park. It’s a global rollout. The plan involves building dedicated Minecraft lands inside existing theme parks. Think of it like how Star Wars has Galaxy's Edge inside Hollywood Studios. You get the rides, the food, and the gift shops, but it's part of a larger resort.
Where are the first locations?
The deal specifically targeted two regions for the initial launch:
- The United Kingdom: Most signs point to Chessington World of Adventures or potentially Alton Towers.
- The United States: Likely appearing at a major Merlin hub, though the exact park name has been kept under wraps during the planning phases.
What will be inside these parks?
Nobody wants a Minecraft park that's just a bunch of painted plywood. Merlin and Mojang have been pretty vocal about making this "digitally enabled."
Basically, you’re not just walking around; you’re interacting with the environment. They've teased "touchpoints" where you can scan something in the real park and it unlocks exclusive content in your actual Minecraft game at home. That's a pretty wild bridge between the physical and digital worlds.
The Ride Experience
Yes, there is a confirmed ride. Concept art has shown what looks like a Minecraft-themed roller coaster. Given the game's mechanics, everyone is betting on a high-tech minecart experience. Imagine a dark ride section where you descend into a ravine, followed by a launch that feels like you're being propelled by TNT.
Themed Stays and Food
It’s not just about the 2-minute coaster. They are building Minecraft-themed guest accommodation. Think blocky hotel rooms where the "windows" might actually be screens showing a blocky sunrise. And for food? You can bet your bottom dollar there will be square apples, "suspicious stew," and maybe some pork chops that haven't been cooked over a furnace.
👉 See also: The Veronica Quest in New Vegas: Why This One Always Breaks Your Heart
Why 2026 is the year to watch
The timeline for these projects has always been 2026 and 2027. We are officially in that window.
Construction at places like Chessington has been moving forward under codenames like "Project Refresh & Renew." While theme park projects are notorious for delays—especially when you're trying to figure out how to make a real-life Creeper not actually blow up the guests—the momentum is real.
The first "Adventures Made Real" attractions are expected to start welcoming guests later this year or early next, depending on how the final testing phases go.
Other ways to experience Minecraft IRL
If you can't wait for the Merlin parks to fully open, there have been a few other "lite" versions of the experience:
📖 Related: Why Words With Friends Letter Words Make or Break Your Win Streak
- Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue: This was a massive "quest" style attraction that launched in Texas. It wasn't a theme park with coasters, but it used projection mapping and interactive tech to make you feel like you were inside the game.
- Minecraft in Legoland: Since Lego and Minecraft have been partners for a decade, you’ll often find giant Minecraft builds made of Lego bricks in the various Legoland Discovery Centers.
- The Universal Studios DLC: This is a bit of a meta-example. In 2024, Minecraft released a DLC that literally let you visit Universal Studios inside Minecraft. It was a digital theme park about real-world theme parks.
The Verdict: Is it worth the hype?
Building a physical version of a game where the main hook is "you can do anything" is a massive challenge. If Merlin just gives us a standard coaster with a few green blocks, fans will be disappointed. But if they lean into the "cross-reality" elements—where your actions in the park affect your account—it could be the most innovative thing in the industry since the MagicBand.
What you should do next:
If you're planning a trip specifically for Minecraft, keep your eyes on the official Merlin Entertainments press room and the Minecraft.net blog. Don't book flights just yet. Wait for the specific "Gate Opening" announcements for the UK and US locations, which usually happen 3–6 months before the public can actually enter. In the meantime, keep your pickaxe sharp; the real-life mines are almost open.