The future of the former Viking River Splash site at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort remains one of the UK theme park industry’s biggest unanswered questions — and speculation is only growing.
The family rapids ride, which opened in 2007, closed permanently in September 2023 after 16 years of operation, leaving behind a large footprint in the park’s Land of the Vikings area.
Since then, gradual removal work has begun, including the dismantling of entrance structures and queue elements, signalling that redevelopment is finally moving forward.
Recent reports also indicate the attraction is expected to be demolished to make way for a new development, although no official replacement has been announced
With demolition plans progressing but no confirmed project revealed, here are five realistic possibilities that could fill this prominent site.
A Next-Generation Family Coaster
A family coaster remains one of the most widely predicted outcomes — and arguably the safest bet.
LEGOLAND parks worldwide have leaned heavily into accessible roller coasters as their headline investments in recent years, including the duelling Minifigure Speedway at Windsor in 2024.
The Viking River Splash plot offers enough space for a medium-scale coaster with themed landscaping, queue buildings and play areas.
Why it fits
- Coasters drive attendance and marketing visibility
- Proven strategy across the LEGOLAND portfolio
- Can reuse terrain and pathways from the rapids site
A Trackless LEGO Dark Ride
Another highly plausible option is a trackless dark ride, similar in scale to LEGO NINJAGO The Ride.
Enthusiast discussion has frequently suggested that a fully enclosed experience would maximise year-round capacity and add a major indoor attraction — something Windsor still lacks in large numbers.
Why it fits
- Strong weather resilience (important in the UK)
- High storytelling potential using LEGO IP
- Flexible building footprint within former rapids area
A Multi-Attraction Mini Land or Play Zone
Rather than a single flagship attraction, Merlin could opt for a multi-ride zone combining flat rides, play areas and interactive elements.
This approach mirrors recent investments across the resort focused on smaller upgrades and guest-experience improvements rather than a single large addition.
Why it fits
- Appeals strongly to the core under-12 audience
- Faster construction timeline
- Allows phased expansion and seasonal refreshes
A Themed Water Play or Splash Zone
Replacing one water attraction with another — albeit lower-intensity — is also realistic.
A splash pad or interactive water playground would maintain the cooling, high-capacity function Viking River Splash once provided while reducing maintenance and staffing demands.
Why it fits
- Lower operating complexity than rapids
- High capacity during peak summer
- Complementary to existing water attractions
A New Themed Land Expansion
The most ambitious scenario would see the entire site redeveloped into a brand-new themed land.
Evidence supporting this idea includes removal of Viking-themed signage and relocation of LEGO models, hinting at a broader transformation rather than a simple replacement ride.
Potential IPs could include:
- LEGO City expansion
- LEGO Friends / Heartlake City
- A new proprietary theme
Why it fits
- Major milestone investment for future anniversaries
- Strong merchandising opportunities
- Allows multiple attractions and experiences
While nothing has been officially announced, the size and prominence of the Viking River Splash plot virtually guarantee a meaningful addition. A family coaster or indoor dark ride currently appears the most credible outcome — but a broader land redevelopment remains firmly on the table.
