Universal Texas Kids Resort Shares First Look

Universal is building a new theme park in Frisco, Texas, called Universal Kids Resort, set to open in 2026. It will be the company’s first park created especially for families with young children.

Themed Lands and Attractions

The resort will feature seven themed lands, drawing on well-known intellectual properties.

Brian Robinson, a creative leader at Universal Creative, explained that many of these characters are new to theme parks.

He explained that for a lot of people, it will be the first time they experience worlds they’ve only imagined, brought to life before their eyes. These experiences are expected to spark creativity, build confidence, and create moments of joy.

Isle of Curiosity

The Isle of Curiosity will be the playful entrance to the resort, featuring open green spaces where young children can freely explore. Guests will also get a chance to meet Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse there.

Get ready to dance and have fun at Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! Plus, Cakey’s Cupcakes will be serving up delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.

Shrek’s Swamp

At Shrek’s Swamp, you can meet Shrek, Fiona, and their three little ones, and take pictures with them in a carriage shaped like an onion!

The land has two fun play areas for kids: Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, where they can stomp and splash around as much as they like.

Puss in Boots Del Mar

Families can celebrate with Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and their friends at Puss in Boots Del Mar, a fun seaside carnival! Enjoy classic carnival games like “Milk Barrels” and “El Gato’s Meow.”

Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club

Okay, so I checked out the new Bello Bay Club, and the kids’ water play area is seriously adorable. It’s totally themed around the Minions – think bright yellow and purple everywhere! The little ones can watch the Minions ‘compete’ in some silly, splash-filled games. It’s a really cute and engaging space that my kids absolutely loved – lots of splashing and giggles guaranteed!

The design focuses on things families can do and chances to meet characters, making it more appealing to them.

Jurassic World Adventure Camp

Jurassic World Adventure Camp lets kids experience the wonder of dinosaurs and use their imaginations. They can even meet adorable, newly hatched baby dinosaurs in a secure and fun setting.

The park features lookout towers linked by rope bridges, offering families a fun way to climb and enjoy the views.

TrollsFest

TrollsFest is all about music and dancing, and there are fun, interactive areas like Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl for guests to enjoy.

Visitors can also meet their favorite Trolls, like Poppy and Branch, in a sparkly and festive area.

SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom

Bikini Bottom is a themed land bringing the underwater world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life. Guests can relax at Mussel Beach or enjoy water play at Pineapple Paradise. The land also offers chances to meet beloved characters like SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy.

Resort Hotel and Layout

Universal Kids Resort will feature a 300-room hotel specifically created for families. The hotel will be brightly colored and designed to capture the fun and imaginative atmosphere of the park.

City permits show the new Frisco hotel will be five stories high and feature a central breezeway leading directly to the theme park entrance. This convenient design will allow hotel guests to walk straight into the park from the lobby, effectively combining lodging and park access.

Both local and national leaders say this hotel is designed to be more than just lodging – it’s a fun and relaxing place for families to unwind after a day at the park. Reports indicate the resort is being built with a rich, immersive feel, specifically tailored to children, and with design choices that capture a child’s perspective.

The new hotel is predicted to boost Frisco’s economy by attracting park visitors and providing jobs in building and hospitality.

Although the resort is located on a 97-acre property in Frisco, the park itself will likely be smaller. Universal intends for this resort to have a different, more intimate atmosphere than their larger theme parks.

Play and Relaxation

Molly Murphy, who leads Universal Creative, explained the reasoning behind the design choices.

We designed Universal Kids Resort to capture the natural wonder and playfulness of childhood,” she explained. “Everything – from the height of the signs to the vibrant colors – was created with a child’s perspective in mind. The result is a park that truly celebrates being a kid, where imagination is at the heart of every ride, area, and activity.

Additionally, Universal is planning to have staff in certain areas who will lead fun, play-based activities for kids.

Beyond exciting play areas, Universal is also focusing on creating relaxing spaces where families can connect. These include sensory gardens, which offer peaceful, nature-themed environments. Anyone who’s traveled with young children knows how important these quiet spots are – it can be tough finding a place for toddlers and preschoolers to relax during a busy vacation.

Each themed area will also include restaurants and shops designed to match its theme, letting families enjoy meals and shopping that fit the experience.

Okay, so one of the coolest things about this event is the chance to actually meet characters! They’re setting up meet-and-greets all over the place, in different themed areas, and it’s especially great for kids who love these movies and shows – they get to hang out with their favorite characters in person. It’s a really immersive experience for the little ones.

Strategic Context

Universal Destinations & Experiences is intentionally expanding into smaller, family-focused theme parks with this project. Instead of building another large resort, they’re using their popular characters and stories in a way that’s easier for families who live nearby to enjoy.

Frisco was chosen in part because of its growth trajectory and appeal as a family‑friendly city.

Conclusion

As a huge theme park fan, I’m really excited about Universal Kids Resort! It’s designed specifically for younger kids and their families, which is awesome. They’ve created seven different themed areas and a hotel all geared towards families, with plenty of places for both playing and relaxing. It feels like Universal really thought about what little ones need and built a place where they can truly use their imaginations and explore – it’s not just a scaled-down version of their other parks, it’s built for them.

Building a location in Frisco, Texas, shows the company is dedicated to growing its business beyond just typical theme parks.

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2025-11-26 01:59