I'm not a doctor who fan, never really gotten in to the show but I still think it could make a very good dark ride in the style of Escape from Gringott's, Spiderman and Transformers etc.
Dr Who is an international brand in many respects so worthy of the investment to draw people in at least nationwide and if they have aspirations of being a true resort may add some international appeal for visitors already coming in to London.
To me, as a non watcher of the show, the background to 'a dark secret is coming' reminded me of the old title sequence
Also, when you think about the equivalent rides in the US (yes I know I am being hopeful of such a ride system here) they had the backing of the relevant movie studio to do the story, filming, script, audio etc and to get the actors on board.
According to wikipedia Dr Who started filming it's new series in Jan 2015, therefore the crew, actors and sets will all be available at the time a new 'story' would need to be filmed to be incorporated into the ride - therefore Merlin can utilise (pay for) the expertise of the existing BBC crew and effects teams to produce those elements of the ride.
Also according to wikipedia 'In April 2015, Steven Moffat confirmed that Doctor Who would run for at least another five years, extending the show until 2020' So it is reasonable to suggest that the IP would have at least 4 years to run in its modern iteration once the ride is built. The BBC would also stand to gain from the publicity of a ride.
I'm not really sure the theming really gives us any clues, love the idea of walking dead as someone else suggested and cant see any reason why it wouldn't be - especially when a spinoff series is being developed so at least another few years to run there. Or it could well be an independent project perhaps carrying on the 'swarm' invasion.
Personally I think it makes absolute sense for Merlin to collaborate with an organisation such as the BBC as they are likely to get better quality production from a lower cost outlay due to the existing expertise.
They do of course have a history with Lionsgate, as others have mentioned, but getting the cast from Hunger Games involved, for example, would be no easy feat.
Just my thoughts
