NEWS: Universal to open Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas

[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. 

[jedimaster1227]

Today Universal Destinations & Experiences revealed the lineup of themed areas that will make up Universal Kids Resort when it opens in Frisco, Texas in 2026.

https://www.universalkidsresort.com/en/us

Universal Kids Resort

Universal Kids Resort is an all-new theme park that inspires the unbridled creativity of kids through play, discovery, and imagination in a way that engages the whole family.

Opening 2026 in Frisco, Texas, this first-of-kind resort is specifically designed and developed for families with young children. Enjoy Universal Destinations & Experiences’ iconic brand of entertainment, adventure and fun, bringing to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will just wow the youngest theme park goers in a totally inclusive way.

It’s a Whole Universe Built Just for Kids!

A beautifully themed on-site 300-room hotel will offer a delightful place to stay, play, and relax after all the fun of the park. With six immersive themed lands filled with kid-friendly rides, playful interactive shows, character meet and greets, and more, Universal Kids Resort is the place where kids rule the day.

A Collection of Your Kids’ Favorite Worlds

Discover lands for Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Illumination’s Minions and explore colorful and immersive areas dedicated to Dreamworks Animations' Shrek, Puss in Boots and Trolls. Your kids can also enjoy a custom Gabby's Dollhouse experience.

DreamWorks’ Shrek

Enjoy ogre-sized fun as you stomp, ride, laugh and play in Shrek’s swamp themed playground built personally by Shrek.

Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants

It’s Bikini Bottom’s best day ever and SpongeBob and friends cannot wait to show you around their neighborhood under the sea.

Illumination’s Minions

Let the games begin as Illumination’s Minions overrun a peaceful vacation retreat. When Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts, it leads to a wave of unpredictable, water-soaked fun.

Jurassic World

It’s a journey of exploration where kids can learn about and come face to face with dinosaurs of Jurassic World in uniquely exciting and interactive ways.

DreamWorks' Trolls

You’re invited to the most colorful, most joy-filled, and, of course, most glittery music festival of all time!

DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots

It’s a legendary day with Puss in Boots in Del Mar as the kitty adoption drive is in full swing with colorful decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food.

Park Hub with DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse

A central hub with interactive play areas and shady lawns for rest & recharge, plus an immersive retail experience where guests can meet characters from Gabby's Dollhouse.

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Destinations & Experiences has released new details about the themed lands and experiences coming to the first ever Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.

https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-kids-resort-unveils-details-of-themed-lands-featuring-interactive-play-areas-and-more/

Universal Destinations & Experiences unveiled more details about the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort. The new resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.

Kids and their families will be able to explore, imagine, and play while enjoying attractions in seven lands made for kids featuring iconic brands and characters:

• DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
• Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
• Jurassic World Adventure Camp
• DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
• Isle of Curiosity

“Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create — designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home.”

Inspired by that spirit, the creative team brought the park to life through a child’s lens.

“We envisioned this park through the unbridled creativity of kids where infinite imagination, curiosity and free-spirited play were core to our design philosophies,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “It produced a park that’s pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid.”

Families will enter through the Isle of Curiosity, a whimsical gateway with space for kids to explore. This will be the spot to join the one and only Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse for a special meet and greet and a pawsome dance party.

At DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Shrek has transformed a swampy shack into a waterlogged paradise for some ogre-sized fun for his three adorable triplets. Kids and their families will have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona, and they can even take photos in the onion carriage. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away.

Families can also venture to DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar. From meeting the fearless hero himself along with Mama Luna, Perrito and friends to taking on the challenging carnival games Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow, the feline fun will be in full force.

Next, let the games begin at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club where the Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts leading to water-soaked fun. Families can take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. With a special Minions meet and greet and interactive play areas, there’ll be plenty of surprises.

The excitement continues for kids and families as they experience awe-inspiring and thrilling moments exploring Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Whether it’s meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur or climbing up the Lookout Towers play area to get a Pteranodon’s view of the park, guests of all ages will have an exhilarating journey.

“With all the interactive play areas at Universal Kids Resort where kids can explore, discover and create, we’re really excited about this being a place for kids to play their way. We’re even going to support play with team members who will help kids dream up imaginary worlds with sidewalk chalk or spray themselves silly with water blasters. From blowing bubbles to belly laughs, there will be fun for kids of all ages and interests,” said Robinson.

In addition to the park’s many play areas, Universal Kids Resort features multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect. These carefully crafted spaces invite guests to explore through touch, sound, and color in calming, nature-inspired settings — creating moments of balance within a day full of play.

More fun abounds at DreamWorks’ TrollsFest where the music will be bumping and the energy will be pumping in the liveliest party in Troll Kingdom. Families can meet Poppy, Branch and the rest of the DreamWorks’ Trolls gang at a glitter-filled meet and greet. Two interactive play areas will offer good Trolls-fashioned fun including Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl.

Then, it’s time for an undersea adventure at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom where kids and their families can have the best day ever as they get to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks in Bikini Bottom since “F” is for friends who do stuff together. There’ll be oceans of nautical nonsense as kids can explore Mussel Beach for some rest and Pineapple Paradise for some playful splashing around.

After all the fun, families can relax just steps away at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. The colorfully themed on-site 300-room hotel designed with families in mind will offer a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park. The vibrant site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.

More details on the attractions, entertainment, merchandise and foods kids and their families will be able to enjoy at Universal Kids Resort will be announced soon. To stay updated on all of Universal Kids Resort’s newest developments, visit UniversalKidsResort.com.

[DJ_Sillybootz]

Sure do wish they'd say when they expect to open. I'm trying to plan a spring break trip and this would be perfect!

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Destinations & Experiences has unveiled the full lineup of attractions, shows, dining and shopping offerings that will be found at the Universal Kids Resort when it opens in Frisco, Texas in 2026!

 

https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/full-details-of-universal-kids-resort-revealed/

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the attractions, shows, food & beverage and merchandise experiences that will be featured in the all new Universal Kids Resort – a regional theme park specifically designed for families with young children. The theme park will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.

Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed lands including DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity.

“When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “Every detail was designed through a child’s eyes from signs at their height to colors that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid — where imagination isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every attraction, space, and experience.”

Jurassic World Adventure Camp

At Jurassic World Adventure Camp, the curious Ankylosaurus, Bumpy, has gone missing, so families will zoom through twists, turns, peaks and valleys on Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster to help find her. Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin will take families on a twisting and turning journey. Kids and their grown-ups can also enjoy the Pteranodrop, an exciting ride that gives brave adventurers a bird’s eye view of the park from high above.

The Jurassic World Canteen will help tame T. rex-sized appetites for carnivores and herbivores alike. Jurassic World Outfitters will offer families the chance to gear up for some dinosaur-sized adventures with toys, accessories and more. From meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur to climbing up the Jurassic World Lookout Towers play area or having fun at Paddock Play, kids and their grown-ups will have many ways to explore.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom

Jellyfish Fields Jamboree will be a vibrant attraction where kids and their families hop aboard their very own Jelly Angler to bounce around with the one and only SpongeBob SquarePants. Barnacle Bus will showcase Bikini Bottom’s sights and residents while Bobbing Barrels will feature water cannons for families to blast water at each other as they spin around. Of course, no day would be complete in Bikini Bottom without a boating lesson, so Mrs. Puff’s Boating School will have the class taking a spin through her specially designed course.

Then for hungry Bikini Bottom visitors, Goofy Goober’s will offer guests chicken sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and sky-high sundaes. A sunken wooden treasure chest will be the home of Barg’N-Mart for all the nautical nonsense anyone could wish for, including sunny day apparel, toys, plush and more. With opportunities to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, explore Mussel Beach for some rest and more, it’ll be the best day ever.  

DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp

The attraction Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After will take kids and their families on a special ride through the story of how Shrek met Fiona. Built by Shrek for their triplets, families will ride along to relive the quest to rescue Princess Fiona, with help from Donkey of course.

For ogre-sized appetites, Shrek’s triplets’ favorite eats will be served at Swamp Snacks including the Shrekzel. For swamp apparel, accessories and plush for the whole family, Triplets Treasures will allow parents to shop for themselves along with matching and complementary outfits for their growing ogres. Kids and their grown-ups will also have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away.

Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club

Next, guests step into the mayhem of a spirited water battle, full of unexpected surprises that only Illumination’s iconic Minions can deliver. Grab a water blaster and join the action.

A game of golf and a boat cruise are far from relaxing at the Minions Bello Bay Club. Find yourself in the splash zone on the Bello Bay Cruise as you witness the antics between the Yellow Minions and their Purple counterparts.

Then, take the wheel and hold on tight as the competition spins out of control at the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby.

Choose your side with pride by visiting Bello Bay Boutique and fashion yourself with Team Yellow, Team Purple, and other themed merchandise. And after all that mischief, you can recharge at Bello Bay Bites with some tasty Minion-themed snacks. Capture the fun with photos at the Minion meet and greet, discover playful Minion moments, and experience surprising water features at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club.

DreamWorks’ TrollsFest

For even more fun, kids and their families can move, giggle and groove at King Trollex Techno Dance Party, an indoor interactive experience, or lead sound check and learn dance moves at a Trolls-themed amphitheater stage show. They can also hop on board Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express to twist and turn through the festival grounds on an armadillo bus ride, and they can soar above TrollsFest on the colorful ride Hair in the Clouds, featuring a mix of flower-faced balloons.

Then for TrollsFest food, Trolls Eatz! will serve up a symphony of flavors in family-approved bites. BroZone Cones will offer ice cream from TrollsFest’s coolest boy band. To get ready to take center stage, Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow will offer the unique Troll-ify Me! experience, the ultimate Trolls makeover for kids’ and grown-ups’ hair to be in the clouds and their sparkles to be loud via headbands, apparel, make-up and more. For those looking for a more subtle look, Mr. Dinkles’ Market will feature colorful, concert-ready t-shirts, souvenirs and more. Families can also meet Poppy, Branch and the rest of the DreamWorks’ Trolls gang, and two interactive play areas, Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl, will offer good Trolls-fashioned fun.

DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar

Small heroes unite at DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar where Swings Over Del Mar will have guests flying high. Kids and their families can also enjoy Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day! where they’ll be able to see Puss in Boots in his greatest adventure yet as he returns to the village of Del Mar for a spectacularly silly puppet performance.

For small heroes’ appetites, Comidas y Leche will serve up Puss in Boots’ approved eats. Then, purr-fect apparel awaits in Mercado de Perrito while candies and treats will make Tienda de Dulces the sweetest spot in Del Mar. Families can also meet the fearless hero himself along with Mama Luna, Perrito and friends. In addition to the park’s many play areas, Universal Kids Resort will feature multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect.

Isle of Curiosity

The Isle of Curiosity will serve as the gateway to the other themed lands at Universal Kids Resort. Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! will allow kids and their families to boogie with Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse. Cakey’s Cupcakes will serve up a variety of cupcakes in chocolate, vanilla and rainbow while the Universal Kids Resort Café will be a colorful spot to fuel up whether it’s sitting down and relaxing or grabbing bites for the road. The flagship Universal Kids Resort Store will be the one-stop-shop for gearing up for the day or finding best-of-the best from each themed land and a variety of merch inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse to dress the part for their meow-zing adventures ahead.

“Universal Kids Resort is a place where kids are accepted just as they are, free to dance, dream, and play without limits or judgment,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life — moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy. It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.”

Universal Kids Resort Hotel

As a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park, Universal Kids Resort Hotel was designed with families in mind. Rooms will sleep up to five or six guests. Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen and Signature Queen rooms will each offer a twin-over-full bunk bed and a queen bed. Family suites will offer a king bed in a separate bedroom, a queen pullout sofa and a twin-over-twin bunk bed along with an eating area.

Curiosity Café will be a quick service restaurant offering hotel guests meals throughout the day. A full-service bar, outdoor pool, fitness room and a game room will round out the hotel amenities.

To stay updated on all of Universal Kids Resort’s newest developments, visit UniversalKidsResort.com.