Could the new Peppa the Pig theme park spark a theme park trend?

In the wake of Merlin Entertainment’s announcement of a new Peppa the Pig theme park, many families squealed with excitement. Although guests will have to wait till 2022 to jump into those muddy puddles, the Central Florida theme park could draw families for a special trip. Does this announcement show a new theme park trend?

While Orlando might be the theme park capital of the world, Merlin Entertainments is bringing the Peppa the Pig theme park to Winter Haven, Florida. Located about 45 minutes to an hour from other popular Orlando attractions, the location can require a special trip.

The new theme park will be located next to LEGOLAND and its various attractions. With the recent opening of the new LEGOLAND Pirate hotel, as well as the LEGOLAND theme park and water park, many families are driving to the area for a few days of entertainment.

Given that LEGOLAND and its attractions are geared for younger guests (under the age of 12), Merlin Entertainments’ decision to locate the Peppa the Pig theme park next to the LEGOLAND attractions makes sense. Families will have more reasons to visit the area and stay for more days.

Although only a few details have been revealed about the new theme park, guests can expect a fully interactive experience. Looking at LEGOLAND, Merlin Entertainments has guests stepping into that themed world. Whether it is channeling those ninja-like skills in the Ninjago ride or riding alongside characters on a virtual reality coaster, the LEGO characters come to life.

Mark Fishers, Group Chief of Development Officers, Merlin Entertainments, said “Working with our partners at Hasbro, we are excited to be taking the next step in creating this fully immersive theme park, which will bring to life even more of the sights, sounds, and experiences that family audiences know and love so much from Peppa’s world. It’s guaranteed to be a truly memorable day out for families and something to really look forward to visiting.”

Looking at that statement, two items are quite interesting. First, fully immersive theme parks have become the standard for theme park experiences. Today’s guests want to feel as if they have stepped into another world, into a movie scene, or are seeing the characters in real life. It isn’t just a name on a roller coaster or souvenir to take home. Theme park guests want to feel as they are part of the action.

Even though the Peppa the Pig theme park is geared toward younger guests and families, that immersive theme park sets an expectation. A child’s imagination is full of wonder. Since those characters are often part of her daily routine, the theme park experiences need to bring those favorite screen moments to life.

While the character meet and greets will bring that photo memory, the play aspect in the Peppa the Pig world is more important. If Merlin Entertainments can create that moment that draws families into that authentic world, it will bring them back time and again.

Second, this Peppa the Pig theme park could just be the start of new adventures for Merlin Entertainments. A licensing agreement with Hasbro opens many possibilities. Thinking of popular Hasbro toys, the theme park cross-overs are many. From My Little Pony to G.I. Joe to even Monopoly, the immersive theme park world holds an endless amount of inspiration.

The Peppa the Pig theme park is not slated to open till 2022. More details on specific attractions and experiences will be available later this year.

What childhood toy or character would you like to see transformed into a theme park experience?