If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to step inside a Minecraft world… well, you’re about to find out. **Chessington World of Adventures is building the world’s first fully themed Minecraft land - and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious theme park additions the UK has ever seen.

Here’s your fun, no-nonsense “what we know so far” guide 

A world-first (literally)

This isn’t just another themed area - it’s the first-ever Minecraft-themed land in any theme park worldwide.

Backed by a major partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios, the people behind the game are actively involved in making sure it feels authentic.

Translation: expect more than just blocky décor - this is aiming to feel like stepping into the actual Overworld.

When is it opening?

The current target? 2027.

Construction is already underway, with major groundwork and site redevelopment happening behind the scenes.

So yes - it’s real, and it’s happening.

Where will it go?

The new land will replace the existing Wild Asia area, making space for a much larger, more immersive experience. This isn’t a small overlay - it’s a full-scale transformation.

The rides (and why they sound incredible)

At the heart of the land will be the headline attraction: a world-first Minecraft rollercoaster. While details are still tightly under wraps, it’s expected to be a largely indoor experience, packed with twists, turns, and multi-dimensional elements that bring the unpredictable nature of the game to life. If done right, this could be less of a traditional coaster and more of an adventure you feel your way through—just like exploring a cave or diving into the unknown in Minecraft itself.

But it’s not just about one big ride. The wider land is shaping up to offer even more to discover, including an additional immersive indoor experience and a rethemed flat ride—likely a refreshed version of Kobra. These supporting attractions should help round out the area, giving families and younger guests plenty to enjoy alongside the main event.

And then there’s everything beyond the rides. This is where things get really interesting. Expect interactive elements, play areas inspired by iconic Minecraft builds, and hidden secrets scattered throughout the land. It sounds like the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, look around, and explore every corner—rather than just rushing from queue to queue.

Because ultimately, that seems to be the goal here. Not just a collection of rides, but a world that captures the spirit of Minecraft itself—where exploration is just as important as the attractions.

Food, shops & “living the game”

Because what’s Minecraft without crafting (and eating)?

• Plans include:
• Themed restaurants and food outlets
• A massive Minecraft shop packed with merch
• Possibly even in-game integrations or unlockable content tied to your visit

So your visit might not end at the park gates. 

The big idea: play IRL

The goal isn’t just to make it look like Minecraft - it’s to capture what it feels like to play. Rather than simply walking through a themed area, guests will be encouraged to interact with the world around them, with gameplay-style elements and moments of discovery built into the experience.

Exploration is set to be a big focus, with a design that rewards curiosity and invites you to wander, uncovering hidden details and surprises along the way. It’s about creating a space where families can play, explore, and create together, making each visit feel a little different.

So instead of a traditional theme park land, think something closer to a real-life sandbox - where the adventure is shaped as much by what you choose to do as what’s been built for you.

A huge investment

This is a £50 million project, making it one of Chessington’s biggest ever investments.

And with Minecraft being one of the most popular games ever made, it’s not hard to see why they’re going all-in. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Minecraft’s creativity, bold adventures, and ridiculous fun to life at a theme park for the first time at Chessington World of Adventures. Minecraft World will allow friends and families to play, explore and craft together on a truly epic scale. Working closely together with Mojang Studios we are meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in and experience the game in a whole new way.” - Angela Jobson, SVP of Global Brand, Merlin Entertainments

What we don’t know yet

There’s still plenty under wraps - from the exact ride names and storylines to whether mobs like Creepers and Endermen will play a big role, just how interactive the land will really be, and who it’s all aimed at in terms of height restrictions and audience. But honestly, that’s part of the excitement right now; the unknown makes it feel a bit like early-game Minecraft, where you’re stepping into a world full of possibilities and don’t quite know what you’ll discover next.

Our Final thoughts

If Chessington pulls this off, Minecraft World could be a game-changer for UK theme parks.

It’s not just another IP slapped onto rides - it’s a chance to turn one of the most creative games ever made into a fully explorable, physical world.

And let’s be honest…
If they nail the atmosphere, the music, and that first moment walking into a block-built landscape - this could be something really special.