After months of waiting, the highly anticipated Universal Kids Resort is almost open! We got to stop by the new park ahead of its grand opening during a media event.
Everything officially opens on July 1st — just a few weeks away! We’re taking you along with us to get a first look inside at all the attractions, dining, and atmosphere. Let’s go!
Park Overview
This all-new resort is geared entirely towards little kids with seven lands featuring their favorite TV shows, movies, and characters. In this park, you can expect to find lands themed Shrek, Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
These lands all include attractions, shows, merchandise locations, restaurants, and of course amazing character meet-and-greets. Universal has several theme parks around the world already…so what made them decide to create one just for kids?
Universal is known for their large thrill seeking parks. However, they aren’t usually known for experiences meant for kids; this park is meant to change that. Everything about this small but mighty park is designed for littles to be able to immerse themselves in their favorite stories and create a space where families can play together.
This park will also be accompanied by a hotel. This Universal Kids Resort Hotel sits right next to the entrance of the park and gives guests a place to rest and relax after a day of fun exploring the park.
Alright, now that we’ve gotten an overview of this resort, it’s time to dive into what you can expect to find in each of these seven amazing lands!
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
We started our day out in Bikini Bottom! This land brings you into the iconic world of SpongeBob SquarePants and features six new attractions!
First, we have Jellyfish Fields Jamboree. In this ride you get to board your very own Jelly Angler and float above the coral. Think of this like a Dumbo-style attraction or like One Fish, Two Fish at Universal Islands of Adventure.
In Barnacle Bus you “go on a fun tour of Bikini Bottom.” Guests are seated inside the bus as it slides back and forth on a halfpipe-like track. Not a ton of thrill but great for little ones.
Then, there is Bobbing Barrels. In this ride, you’ll join Patrick Star or Sandy Cheeks and use your cannon to blast water and spin around.
Finally, in Mrs. Puff’s Boating School you can grab your undersea boating license as you complete a course designed by Mrs. Puff.
There are also several interactive play areas. And of course, you can’t forget the meet-and-greet featuring SpongeBob, Patrick Star, Squidward, and Sandy. This land truly immerses you in the SpongeBob SquarePants world.
Of course, if you would like to dine, you can head inside Goofy Goober’s (only the BEST place for the most fun people!). Here, they serve salads, sandwiches, burgers, and other American-style eats.
You can also order ice cream inside, including the iconic Triple Gooberberry Sunrise!
Now, on to the next land!
Jurassic World Adventure Camp
Welcome to the world of dinosaurs!
In this land, there are three cool rides. The Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster is a family coaster.
Pteranodrop gives excellent views of the land from high above. It’s a gentle drop tower.
Then, there’s Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin. This has the double spinning sensation of allowing you to go in circles AND spin your own cart with a wheel in the middle. The kids in our group loved it!
Not to mention the incredible play area in this land, as well as the baby raptor meet-and-greet! And if you’re looking for some dino merch, head over to the Jurassic World Outfitters.
We also got to do the baby raptor meet-and-greet, which you’ll find near the entrance to the land! How cute is this lil guy?!
For the kids who like to explore on their own, the Lookout Towers provide a great view of the land and plenty of spaces to run and play.
And for food, you can stop by Jurassic World Canteen.
Here, they serve Dinosaur Bites, which are dino nuggets on a mashed potato volcano! They also have a few hot dogs, some mac and cheese, and pizza.
This land offers a lot for kids with a variety of ages. We particularly loved this cute Stegasaurus-themed play area…and so did the toddlers!
Where to next?
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
From there, we headed to the first of TWO Shrek-themed lands in the park. Puss in Boots Del Mar is themed to everyone’s favorite cat from the franchise!
It features one ride, the Swings Over Del Mar, that gives you a fun view of the land. We found it to be surprisingly fast and lots of fun!
It also includes the Mama Luna’s Adopt A Kitty Day! puppet show.
There are also two fun dining locations in this land Comidas y Leche and Tienda de Dulces. Not to mention another themed play area and a character meet-and-greet with Puss in Boots himself.
For your shopping, you can stop by Mercado de Perrito to pick up some souvenirs.
The theming here is beautiful with the architecture details and the fun little art nods all around. There are also a few interactive play areas to keep your kids entertained in between rides.
DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
The other Shrek land is Shrek’s Swamp, where you can play and explore with all your favorite characters from the main movies.
This next land takes you inside Shrek’s Swamp, where you get to play and explore with all your favorite Shrek characters. There are two attractions in this land, the Shrek’s Swamp Splash and Smash play area…
…as well as a family ride called Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After.
Guests can also take a trip over to the Triplets Treasures store to find all the Shrek merch they can imagine. And Swamp Snacks has some fun treats to try.
Of course, the land wouldn’t be complete without a Shrek & Fiona meet-and-greet.
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
This land really lets you party and play with your favorite members of the Trolls gang. There are two rides: Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express, a fun kids coaster…
…and the Hair in the Clouds, colorful balloon ride above the land!
It also includes the fun King Trollex Techno Dance Party…
…as well as a character meet-and-greet…
and two interactive play areas.
You can’t skip Trollstastic: Concert Countdown, which is a one-of-a-kind pop concert that will let you lead the sound check, learn dance moves, and step into the spotlight.
You can also find the Troll-ify Me! Experience, which is the ultimate Trolls makeover experience. It offers glittery, photo-ready looks themed to fun characters, including Branch, Poppy, and Guy Diamond.
We’re going to be honest, we probably had way too much fun with it.
You can also check out Mr. Dinkles’ Market, where you can get all of the Trolls souvenirs you need.
There are two places to grab food, BroZone Cones and Trolls Eatz!
Don’t worry, folks, there are still MORE lands to explore!
NOTE: We will continue to update this post throughout the day as we visit each land so come back for more!
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Will you be checking out this brand new park? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Universal to attend the preview of Universal Kids Resort. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Texas summer heat. No shade? No trees?