From plans for three enormous new theme parks near Paris to major Universal expansion projects on two continents, this has been a week dominated by what comes next for some of the world's biggest attractions. It has also been an emotional one for Dollywood following the death of Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
Closer to home, one of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's oldest attractions is preparing for an unexpected comeback, while Universal Studios Japan could be about to grow beyond its existing boundaries for the first time in its history.
Three new theme parks could be coming to Paris
One of the biggest European theme park stories in years emerged this week as France and Saudi Arabia revealed ambitions for a huge new entertainment destination near Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of Paris.
The development could include up to three major entertainment anchors alongside hotels, leisure, hospitality, cultural and sporting facilities, with investment across the wider project expected to reach around €6 billion.
One of the proposed attractions has also been linked with Dragon Ball, potentially bringing a major permanent manga and anime destination to Europe.
There is still a long road ahead. No ride line-ups or opening dates have been confirmed, and the agreement represents an early stage of the project rather than three fully approved theme parks ready for construction.
Even so, the scale makes this one of the most significant European developments to watch, particularly with Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix already drawing millions of visitors to the region.
Universal Studios Japan could get much bigger
Another potentially enormous project surfaced in Japan.
Nikkei reported that Universal Studios Japan is considering an investment of between ¥200 billion and ¥300 billion, roughly up to £1.4 billion, to develop around 60,000 square metres of land north of the existing Osaka park.
If the plans proceed, it would be the first major physical expansion of Universal Studios Japan's overall site since the park opened in 2001.
No attractions or themed lands have been revealed, which naturally leaves plenty of room for speculation. Universal could expand one of its existing franchises or use the additional space to introduce something entirely new.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has stressed that the reported expansion has not yet been officially confirmed, so for now this remains a project to watch rather than a formally announced new land.
Work begins on another Dark Universe attraction
Universal is also wasting little time expanding its newest Orlando theme park.
Fresh site activity appeared this week in the expansion area behind Dark Universe at Epic Universe, where land is being reshaped and heavy equipment has moved onto the plot.
Public permits describe the mysterious Project 680 as a three-storey building of more than 93,000 square feet, including a first-floor ride maintenance bay.
That strongly suggests another ride is on the way, although Universal has not announced what it will be.
Creature from the Black Lagoon has long been connected with the expansion through enthusiast rumours, including suggestions of a water-based attraction, but nothing about the theme or ride system has been officially confirmed.
With Dark Universe currently home to Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf, a substantial third attraction could significantly strengthen an already popular Epic Universe land.
Dollywood mourns Dolly Parton
This week's saddest news came from Tennessee following the death of Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
Dollywood described its beloved co-founder as its "Dreamer-in-Chief", paying tribute to the woman who helped transform the former Silver Dollar City Tennessee into Dollywood in 1986.
Her impact went far beyond putting a famous name above the entrance. The music, food, crafts, hospitality and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains became fundamental parts of the park's identity, even as Dollywood grew into one of America's most celebrated theme park resorts.
The park remained open following her death, with Dollywood saying that was what Parton would have wanted. Her wish was for the resort to continue as a place of joy, hope, music and families making memories together.
Few major theme parks are so closely connected to one person, and Dolly's influence will remain embedded within Dollywood long after her passing.
River Caves is coming back at Pleasure Beach
Back in the UK, Pleasure Beach Resort has revealed more about the return of one of Blackpool's most historic rides.
River Caves originally opened in 1905 and has been closed since early 2024, but the attraction is now undergoing repairs alongside a creative overhaul.
Managing Director Amanda Thompson has confirmed that familiar scenes including Egypt and Angkor Wat will be preserved, while other sections will be reimagined with inspiration taken from her family's travels.
New scenes are expected to include areas inspired by the Far East and Latin America, while the ride's boats are also being redesigned to make them smaller and more comfortable.
At more than 120 years old, River Caves represents an increasingly rare piece of living theme park history, so seeing Pleasure Beach invest in its future rather than remove it is particularly welcome.
A week dominated by expansion
If there is one theme running through this week's news, it is growth.
Paris could gain an entirely new multi-park destination, Universal Studios Japan is considering expanding beyond its original footprint and Epic Universe is already preparing another major attraction despite being one of the world's newest theme parks.
At the same time, Pleasure Beach is showing that investing in the future does not always mean building something completely new.
Which story caught your attention this week? Would you rather see what Universal builds next in Japan, find out what is hiding behind Dark Universe or experience the reimagined River Caves?
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