NEWS: Universal building new children's theme park in Frisco, TX

[A.J.]

Universal has announced a "one of a kind theme park" geared toward children and families to be built in Frisco, Texas, near Dallas!

https://corporate.universalparks.com/universal-parks-resorts-plans-to-bring-new-concept-for-families-with-young-children-to-frisco-texas/

Universal Parks & Resorts announces a one-of-a-kind theme park, unlike any other in the world, specifically designed to inspire fun for families with young children. The new park concept, set in a lush green landscape and featuring immersive themed lands, celebrates Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and innovation and brings to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow even the youngest theme park goers.

The proposed park will be designed to be more intimate and engaging for younger audiences and will be sized for a regional audience. It will be full of family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise and fun food and beverage venues. Although smaller in size, it will still carry the same quality as Universal’s other larger resort destinations.

Part of 97 acres of land recently purchased by the company, the proposed park also has plans for an adjacent themed hotel and room for expansion. The entire area is intended to have a completely different look, feel, and scale than Universal’s existing parks and will appeal to a new audience for the brand.

Universal Parks & Resorts selected the city of Frisco, in North Texas, as the area for this new concept given the city’s growing population and ability to attract businesses to the area. The proposed location for the new concept is ideally situated east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” said Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country.”

“Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has been recognized as a great place to plant professional roots and raise a family,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “This new Universal concept will continue to enhance our tax base, expand employment opportunities and bring even more fun to Frisco benefiting our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

More details about the project will be revealed over time.

[KBrylczyk]

That's a whole lot of words to not say much.  Interesting concept, though; they have my curiosity.

[jarmor]

Appears to be Camp Cretaceous, trolls, shrek and something else.  1-2 coasters.

[SharkTums]

Seems like a great idea to me!  Almost like how Legoland builds the smaller Discovery Centers in some markets. This should print money for them!

[mruab]

Frisco has grown a ton since the Cowboys headquartered here PGA and Toyata have also planted their roots here

[SixFlagsTexas]

This is exciting! I live a mile away from where this project is being built, so I'll be sure to keep a close eye on future updates for the park.

Building in Frisco is an interesting choice, as this young city is booming and is becoming a target for multiple attractions and projects. We already have The National Video Game Museum, Dallas Cowboys 'The Star' Headquarters, National Soccer Hall of Fame, PGA Headquarters and golf course (home to future majors), as well as many other family-friendly destinations. On top of that, I wouldn't be surprised if Dude Perfect's $100 million-dollar sports 'theme park' is being built next to or very close to Universal's new park. That's something to keep an eye on as well.

Crazy to think that this city had a population of 6,000 in 1990. Now it's home to 210,000+ people, with many young families that will take advantage of this new park.

[A.J.]

Universal has released new information and concept art for their new resort in Texas - now called Universal Kids Resort!

https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-destinations-amp-experiences-creates-first-ever-theme-park-concept-for-families-with-young-children-universal-kids-resort/

Today, Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience. 

Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers.  It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure. 

“Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.” 

Set in lush green landscape with a distinctive look, feel and scale specifically for younger kids, the park will deliver the quality the Universal brand is known for worldwide. 

Progress on the new concept is well underway following a groundbreaking in November. Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the project, the company will remain focused on ensuring the resort adds value and positively serves the community.