It has been another busy week across the theme park world, with the UK Government bringing regional leaders together over Universal's huge Bedford resort, Dollywood officially opening one of the most unusual rides of 2026 and Disney revealing more about several major Animal Kingdom projects.
There has also been plenty happening closer to home as the UK parks move through the final weeks of the summer holidays, while Europa-Park celebrated one of its biggest late-night events of the season.
Universal UK moves into its next phase
There was another significant development for Universal United Kingdom Resort this week as the Government brought together Universal and leaders from eight local authorities to discuss the impact of the Bedford development.
The meeting, chaired by Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock, focused less on the attractions themselves and more on what needs to happen around the resort before its planned 2031 opening. Transport, tourism, training, apprenticeships, local businesses and the wider visitor economy were all among the subjects discussed.
It is an important stage for the project. Construction work has already begun on the Bedfordshire site, and the Government continues to estimate that the development could create around 20,000 construction jobs followed by approximately 8,000 permanent roles.
We are still waiting for Universal to officially reveal the lands and attractions heading to the park, but the continued work between Universal, Government and councils shows just how quickly the project is moving from concept into delivery.
NightFlight Expedition officially opens at Dollywood
One of 2026's most intriguing new attractions officially welcomed guests at Dollywood on August 19.
NightFlight Expedition is difficult to fit neatly into any traditional ride category. Created with Mack Rides, the indoor attraction combines elements of a family coaster, whitewater rafting ride, boat ride and immersive dark ride during a journey lasting around five-and-a-half minutes.
The adventure sends guests in search of the mysterious Secret Lake beneath the Smoky Mountains, with ride vehicles moving between several dramatically different sections along the way.
Dollywood describes it as the world's first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, and the attraction represents an investment of more than $50 million - the largest individual attraction project in the park's history.
With so many parks increasingly combining physical rides with elaborate storytelling and multimedia, NightFlight could also prove particularly interesting as a glimpse at where the next generation of major family attractions is heading.
Disney reveals more about Indiana Jones and Encanto
The dust may have settled on D23, but Disney continued expanding on last weekend's announcements during the week.
New information and artwork has been released for the Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions forming part of the Tropical Americas development at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The Indiana Jones adventure will take guests into a newly discovered Maya temple and will feature an original storyline rather than recreating an existing Indiana Jones attraction from another Disney resort.
Meanwhile, the first full Encanto ride will take guests inside the magical Casita, including a journey into Antonio's rainforest-filled room.
Disney also confirmed that the famous Yeti Audio-Animatronic inside Expedition Everest is set to move again. The enormous figure has spent years operating in its limited 'B-mode', making its eventual return one of the most unexpected enthusiast-friendly announcements from D23.
Europa-Park stays open until midnight
Europa-Park marked the height of its summer season on Saturday with its annual Summer Night Party.
Germany's largest theme park remained open from 9am until midnight on August 22, giving visitors as much as 15 hours to experience the resort.
Alongside late-night rides, the programme included DJs, live music, entertainment throughout the themed areas and a silent disco. Voltron Nevera after dark was inevitably one of the biggest draws for coaster fans.
A planned 11pm surprise was cancelled because of the current dry conditions and increased fire risk, but the rest of the event continued.
UK parks head towards the end of summer
Back in Britain, parks are squeezing plenty into the final stretch of the school holidays.
Alton Towers continued its Minecraft: Meet the Mobs experience during August, while Thorpe Park's summer programme has included extended late-night openings. Pleasure Beach Resort is also preparing for its Late Night Beats event next weekend, with Ultrabeat set to headline on August 29 alongside extended 10am-10pm park opening.
Attention is already beginning to turn towards autumn too. Alton Towers has added a behind-the-scenes experience for its Final Exhibit scare maze during Scarefest, giving guests a lights-on look at the sets, effects and design behind the attraction.
What are you watching?
For us, NightFlight Expedition is probably the most fascinating opening of the week simply because there is so little else quite like it - although every new step towards Universal opening a UK theme park remains difficult to ignore.
Which story caught your attention this week? Would you rather ride NightFlight Expedition, explore Disney's new Indiana Jones attraction or be first through the gates when Universal finally opens in Bedford?
Follow ThrillSense for the latest theme park news, new ride announcements and our weekly roundup of everything you may have missed.
