The UK is set to get the world’s first Bluey-themed roller coaster, in news that’s set to thrill legions of young British fans of the hugely popular Australian cartoon character.
Since she first appeared on screens in 2018, the animated Blue Heeler puppy has rivalled Peppa Pig as a hero for pre-schoolers – and now, just like Peppa, Bluey is getting her very own roller coaster.
Derbyshire theme park Alton Towers announced on Monday that the ‘world’s first’ Bluey coaster will open its doors in CBeebies Land at the park in Spring 2026.
The ride will sit alongside other favourites with toddlers and younger primary school children in the themed land, including Hey Duggee Big Adventure Badge, In the Night Garden Magical and Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure.
The series, which follows the adventures of Bluey Heeler, her mum Chilli, dad Bandit and little sister, Bingo, has already scooped an Emmy and a BAFTA and won legions of fans – it’s currently the number one show on CBeebies in the UK.
While what the ride will look like remains top secret for now, the brand new coaster will bolster the other Bluey attractions already on offer at the UK’s biggest theme park.
There’s already a Heeler family meet-and-greet and live stage show and last summer, the park opened Bluey-themed hotel rooms to mark the tenth anniversary of CBeebies Land.
Sabrina de Carvalho, Senior Vice President at Merlin Entertainments, which owns Alton Towers, said: ‘We can’t wait to welcome Bluey fans and young families from all over the world to the resort.
Pawsome! Parents across the land will be delighted at the news that Alton Towers is set to unveil the first Bluey rollercoaster in the world
Bluey first appeared on screens in 2018 and has charmed young fans across the globe; Alton Towers already has Bluey themed hotel rooms, a meet-and-greet and a live show
‘We’re keeping the exact details and launch date under wraps for now but Bluey’s limitless energy is sure to be reflected in our new junior coaster.’
Families of up to five can already enjoy a Bluey sleepover at CBeebies Land Hotel; the yellow themed cartoon room features murals of the main characters – with a cameo from show favourite Long Dog.
The hotel has a raft of themed hotel rooms designed to appeal to young families, including Octonauts, In the Night Garden and Bing rooms.
UK theme parks have long since appreciated the power of its youngest audiences.
Paultons Park, which sits on 65 acres on the New Forest’s edge in Hampshire, now rivals the likes of Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland for popularity thanks to Peppa Pig World.
Visitor figures have soared since the pre-school favourite first oinked through Paultons’ gates in 2011 – with ex Prime Minister Boris Johnson famously taking his young brood along in 2021.
Last week, the BBC revealed plans to transform Bluey into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, marking another major commercial leap for the animated juggernaut.
In just 2024 alone, Bluey was the driving force behind a bumper $4billion (£2.9million) in commercial profits for BBC Studios through global licensing, product deals, and themed experiences.
Checking in…for real life! The Bluey hotel rooms at Alton Towers opened in May 2024 and feature the show’s main characters
Bluey is also set to get the cinematic treatment too, with BBC Studios joining forces with Disney to create a feature-length film about the hugely popular dog.
The brands announced this month that the movie is set to hit cinemas on August 6 2027.
Fans will also be able to stream the movie on Disney+, as well as ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.
Bluey’s creator Joe Brumm said in 2024 that the character was made for the big screen , saying: ‘I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie.
‘I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together.’
Since its debut, Bluey has become a global sensation, celebrated for its heartwarming storytelling, gentle humour, and uniquely Australian character.
Bluey is now broadcast in more than 60 countries, with all three seasons of the Emmy-award-winning cartoon available on ABC iview in Australia, Disney+ in the U.S. and select episodes on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
The children’s animated series has been riding high in the top ten shows streamed in the US for a massive 112 weeks.
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