Jumanji Franchise Getting Its Own Theme Park
Jumanji will never stop until you play the game, or just go to the new theme park based around the popular adventure franchise.
The world of movies has gone from silent to audio, black and white to color, and 2D to 3D. As the world got more advanced, so did our desire to take in the real-life versions of our favorite worlds. If you are a sucker for the magic of Disney, there are multiple parks around the world to visit. You can immerse yourself in the world of a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And, of course, you can’t forget disappearing into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Of course, you can find rides in both Disney and Universal that will transport you to wonderful places like Pandora from Avatar or terrifying places like Jurrasic Park. Now fans will get an all-new experience with a new Jumanji theme park.
Comic Book reports that Sony Pictures Entertainment is getting into the theme park business with The World of Jumanji. The park based on the blockbuster franchise is slated to arrive as part of the Chessington World of Adventures Resort in the United Kingdom in the spring season of 2023. The report also reveals the concept art of the entrance and attractions. Just beyond the Jumanji theme park entrance, guests will be greeted with a 55-foot replica of the jaguar statue holding the green Jaguar’s Eye jewel from the first sequel. And of course, no theme park would be complete without roller coasters, and guests can expect a roller coaster wrapping around the jaguar’s head, taking them to the same heights Dwayne Johnson achieved.
Jumanji seemed to be a one-off solo outing based on a 1981 children’s picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, not the makings of a theme park. While the author wrote a second book taking place in space, Zathura, that was made into a film; it just couldn’t reach the same beloved status as the original. Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst anchored a cast that endeared the film to all ages that still works today. While the franchise stayed dead for two decades, 2017 brought a sequel. Led by Johnson, a cast including Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan accomplished the rare feat of recapturing the original film’s magic while adding new blood and intrigue to the franchise. It was so successful that a second sequel arrived in 2019, and a third sequel is on the way.
Other attractions of the Jumanji theme park coming next Spring are being kept under wraps as of now, but we can wager that they will include a handful of roller coasters and jungle-themed rides that transport you to the world of the game. While it may sound like a lot of fun to live the life Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) lived for decades in the span of an afternoon, we’re pretty sure the danger has been taken down a few notches. Let’s never forget the first few seconds Dr. Shelly Oberon (Jack Black) spent in the jungle; a hippo ate him in one of the best scenes in the entire franchise. While you are sure to see a few hippos, We’re willing to bet you will be safe and marginally dry as you float down the river.
