From Screen to Skyline: ‘Minecraft World’

From Screen to Skyline: ‘Minecraft World’ Officially Announced for 2027 Opening

CHESSINGTON, UK — The blocky landscapes of the world’s best-selling video game are officially going vertical. In a landmark announcement during the Minecraft Live March 2026 showcase, Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments revealed plans for Minecraft World, a £50 million ($67 million) fully immersive theme park land set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027.

The project marks the first time the Minecraft universe will be translated into a permanent, large-scale physical attraction. Groundwork is already underway at the Greater London resort, with the new land set to replace the park's long-standing "Wild Asia" zone.

A “World-First” Coaster and Biome Exploration

While many details remain "enchanted" under secrecy, the developers have confirmed that the crown jewel of the land will be a world-first Minecraft-themed roller coaster. Concept art released on Saturday 21st March suggests a multi-dimensional ride vehicle that plunges guests through iconic game environments, including a deep-dive into a Nether-themed cavern.

Beyond the coaster, the land is designed to function like a physical "Overworld," featuring:

• Interactive Adventures: Technology-driven quests that allow guests to "mine" and "craft" in real-time.

• Block-Built Playscapes: Massive, clamberable structures modeled after the game’s signature cubes.

• The World’s Largest Minecraft Store: A flagship retail hub dedicated exclusively to game merchandise and "real-life" loot.

“We’re meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in,” said Angela Jobson, Merlin Entertainments' SVP of Global Brand. “Minecraft World will allow friends and families to play, explore, and craft together on a truly epic scale.”

Bridging the Digital and Physical

In a move that mirrors the success of Super Nintendo World, Merlin and Mojang are developing "digitally enabled" experiences. Guests will reportedly be able to use wearable tech to unlock exclusive in-game content and "achievements" that carry over to their personal Minecraft accounts once they return home.

Minecraft World Project Snapshot

The "Minecraft Movie" Connection

The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. It follows the massive success of A Minecraft Movie, which grossed nearly $1 billion in 2025. However, Microsoft Gaming executives were quick to clarify that the theme park land is inspired by the original game mechanics, not the film's narrative.

“The park is designed around how people actually play Minecraft,” stated Matt Walters of Microsoft. “We used the game itself as a reference tool, building the layouts in Minecraft first before translating them into real-world architecture.”

Global Expansion on the Horizon

The Chessington project is the first of two major "fixed locations" planned under a $110 million global partnership between Merlin and Mojang. While the UK site is the first to be revealed, a second Minecraft World is expected to be announced for a major U.S. theme park—rumoured to be either Legoland Florida or California, with a target opening of late 2027 or 2028.

As the "Wild Asia" zone begins its transformation, fans are encouraged to keep their Diamond Swords ready. For a generation raised on crafting tables and Creepers, the wait for 2027 is officially the longest "night cycle" yet.