By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Merlin Entertainments is opening a second licensed Peppa Pig attraction in the U.S. as part of their ongoing licensing agreement with Hasbro.
Merlin Entertainments is a global location-based, family entertainment company. The company currently operates more than 140 attractions, 23 hotels and six holiday villages across four continents.
“Merlin’s platform and reach continues to grow in the U.S. as we build on the success of the world’s first standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida,” said Merlin Entertainments CEO, Scott O’Neil.
“Given the incredible success of our LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium in Grapevine, TX, the North Richland Hills community was a natural next step in our expansion and rollout. Merlin is the definitive partner of choice for brands engaging children, holding the research, care, experience and interest in bringing iconic brands to life through location-based attractions,” added O’Neil. “Thank you to our friends at Hasbro for partnering with us to bring the playful world of Peppa Pig to this vibrant community.”
The news comes amid a flood of other milestones for the Peppa Pig franchise, which has been among the most successful for Hasbro.
Also this week, Hasbro’s Entertainment One studio announced an expansion of its partnership with Disney+, as the hit show will now be seen on the streaming channel in multiple countries in the EMEA region, covering most of Europe and Turkey.
Scheduled to open in 2024, the second Peppa Pig Theme Park will be located in North Richland Hills, Texas.
The new standalone theme park will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, themed play areas and Peppa Pig-inspired shows.
“North Richland Hills is known for its family-friendly amenities and activities and we could not be more thrilled to add Peppa Pig Theme Park to the mix. This will be a great addition to our community,” said North Richland Hills Mayor, Oscar Trevino. “Conveniently located next door to NRH2O Family Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park will bring more energy to an area already known as a destination for family fun. I’m certain it will provide unforgettable entertainment that keeps families coming back again and again.”
The Peppa Pig brand is owned by the global toy and entertainment company, Hasbro, which specializes in creating and developing branded games, consumer products and entertainment media for the international retail market.
“The success of the Peppa Pig Theme Park has been phenomenal, and we are excited to embark on the journey again with our friends at Merlin to bring another park to the city of North Richland Hills, TX,” said Hasbro VP, Matt Proulx. “Adding another Peppa Pig Theme Park for fans to experience continues our Blueprint 2.0 strategy of offering more meaningful ways for families to engage with our brands. We cannot wait for more guests to create lifelong memories with Peppa and her friends.”
Merlin Entertainments’ ongoing partnership with Hasbro is part of the company’s broader corporate strategy to open new location-based attractions worldwide through licensing partnerships with global brands.
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