It looks like HIT Entertainment is also getting into the amusement park market. The London, UK-based IP company has just unveiled plans to open Europe’s first ThomasLand theme park based on popular preschool property Thomas & Friends in spring 2008. The park will find a home within the 6,000 square metres of parkland at Drayton Manor Theme Park located in the country’s midlands region.

A brand new Thomas train that will take children on a five-minute ride through the fictional land of Sodor and include a special appearance by the Fat Controller will be a key attraction at the planned venue. The park will also include new theme rides such as Cranky Crane, Tower Ride, and the Troublesome Trucks Rollercoaster.

ThomasLand in Japan opened in 1998 and attracts an estimated 1.7 million visitors per year.