What’s Going on with the NEW Universal Texas Theme Park?

Since many Universal fans are still basking in the afterglow of Epic Universe, it can be easy to forget that there’s another Universal park opening NEXT YEAR!

I’ve been following Universal’s parks for nearly 30 years, and over those decades, I’ve gotten used to the company’s relatively fast construction periods. However, even I must admit that the speed at which the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, has come together.

The resort was first announced in January of 2023, and just about two years later, construction was in full swing, and Universal had released a full breakdown of the property.

According to Universal, the resort will give kids the “opportunity to play, sing, dance, and discover with some of their favorite characters. Beyond the highly engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicits wonder with a lush, colorful environment.”

The resort will consist of a small, kids-focused park featuring lands based on the following properties:

• DreamWorks’ Shrek: This area will contain a swamp-themed playground “built personally by Shrek” where “kids can stomp, ride, laugh and play as they celebrate the magic of friendship, warmth of family and power of love.”
• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants: This land will be based on the iconic Nickelodeon television series, including the titular character, as well as Patrick, Sandy Cheeks, and Squidward, who will “show guests around their neighborhood under the sea. From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights.”
• Illumination’s Minions: The popular Illumination characters are coming to another Universal park, as the iconic Yellow Minions will attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts.
• Jurassic World: A “new adventure exclusively created for young explorers” that features kid-friendly versions of the franchise’s dinosaurs. This land is expected to contain a ride entitled Cretaceous Coaster.

• DreamWorks’ Trolls: A “colorful, joy-filled, and, of course, glittery fest” which allows guests to join “Poppy, Branch and the rest of the gang to bring their voices together in harmony while shining brightly.”
• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: Kitty Softpaws and Perrito host a “kitty adoption drive” featuring “fabulous decorations, sideshow games, fun rides, and festive food.” There’s even a sensory garden where guests can recharge.
• At the park’s center will sit a series of shady lawns and interactive play areas where guests can rest and play, as well as a unique immersive retail experience featuring characters from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.

In addition, there will be a 300-room, family-friendly themed hotel that will serve as the park’s entrance.

While Universal has yet to reveal an official opening date for the resort, John Lettelleir, Frisco’s Director of Development Services, told NBCDFW 5 that the park was set to open sometime between April and June of 2026, depending on the construction project’s progress.

In 2026, Universal is scheduled to open a new kid-focused resort deep in the heart of Texas. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on this project.

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Are you planning on visiting the new Universal Kids resort? Let us know in the comments below.