Minecraft World, billed as the first immersive theme park land dedicated to the blockbuster game, will open at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in the UK in 2027 as part of a £50 million (€57 million / $70 million) development. The new land is set to be the biggest at the resort and will introduce a world-first coaster. The design aims to let friends and families play, explore, and craft together on a grand scale.
The announcement of Minecraft World was made during Minecraft Live in March 2026. It followed an initial 2024 reveal that a Minecraft ride would come to Merlin parks in the UK.
Discussions for the project began roughly eight years ago. It is described as one of Merlin Entertainments’ most ambitious theme park developments in recent years. The plan brings the game’s biomes, mobs, and items into the physical world through attractions, shops, restaurants, roller coasters, and play areas that evoke the iconic universe.
A partnership with YouTubers
Merlin Entertainments is developing the land in collaboration with Mojang Studios and Minecraft creators, including YouTubers Grian, Aimsey, DanTDM, and LDShadowLady. The project represents a meaningful milestone in expanding the Minecraft universe into real-world experiences. Partners emphasize the goal of creating a place where guests can step into the Overworld with family or friends. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Merlin Entertainments to realise a place where you can literally be in the Minecraft Overworld and have an adventure of your own with your family and friends,” said Torfi Frans Ólafsson, senior creative director of entertainment at Minecraft, according to The Independent. Kayleen Walters, Head of Mojang Studios, has said the growing demand from fans for deeper, varied ways to immerse themselves in Minecraft helped drive the collaboration, framing the land as a significant step in opening new avenues for players beyond the screen.
Created in 2009 by Markus “Notch” Persson, Minecraft remains the best-selling video game in history with more than 350 million copies sold as of April 2025, according to BBC News. In the sandbox title, players build a three-dimensional world, navigating biomes and interacting with mobs and items that have become cultural touchstones.