Universal Kids Resort is a children's theme park and entertainment resort in Frisco, Texas, United States. Limited test operation started on June 24, 2026, before it fully opened on July 1, 2026. It is the sixth Universal Studios Resort, and the third in the United States. The park features several themed areas based on Gabby's Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek (also Puss in Boots), Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me.
History On January 11, 2023, Universal Parks & Resorts announced a "new concept"-styled resort, geared towards families with children. On March 8, 2023, Universal Parks & Resorts changed their name to Universal Destinations & Experiences. Construction began on the theme park in Frisco, Texas, in November 2023, with an estimated cost of around $550 million. On December 1, 2023, the name of the resort was revealed to be Universal Kids Resort. The resort encompasses of land and a 5-story, 300-room hotel.
In February 2024, Moss Utilities LLC was hired as the utilities contractor for the park. On June 1, 2024, the park was expected to open in June 2026. In November 2024, the park was estimated to open by May 2026, in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which occurred in the region. The main road to the resort, Universal Parkway, was expected to open in 2024, with an estimated cost of around $12.94 million. By January 2025, the road was then projected to open later in the year. By February 2026, the park was set to open in late 2026. On May 28, 2026, it was announced that the park would open on July 1, 2026, with the names of the lands revealed. The park also opened on the same day as Universal Pictures's Minions & Monsters. The park had an early preview on June 24.
Lands and attractions Universal Kids Resort consists of seven themed lands. In clockwise order from entry, the themed lands are based on Gabby's Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me. The themed lands consist of swing rides, a river rapids ride, an aerial carousel, a rockin' tug, and two roller coasters.
Isle of Curiosity Isle of Curiosity is inspired by DreamWorks Animation's Gabby's Dollhouse series.
TrollsFest TrollsFest is inspired by DreamWorks Animation's Trolls franchise. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Rhonda's Trollfest Express July 1, 2026 Zierer Force 190 Hair in the Clouds ZamperlaSamba Tower
Shrek's Swamp Shrek's Swamp is inspired by DreamWorks Animation's Shrek franchise. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Shrek & Fiona's Happily Ogre After July 1, 2026 ZamperlaConvoy
Puss in Boots Del Mar Puss in Boots Del Mar is inspired by DreamWorks Animation's Puss in Boots films. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Swings Over Del Mar July 1, 2026ZamperlaFlying Carousel
Jurassic World Adventure Camp Jurassic World Adventure Camp is inspired by Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation's Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous series. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Jurassic World: Cretaceous CoasterJuly 1, 2026 Mack Rides YoungSTAR Mr. DNA's Double Helix Spin Metallbau EmmelnFlying Wheels Pteranodrop ZamperlaJumping Towers
SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom is inspired by Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants series. As of 2026, it is the only section in the park to be based on a licensed property. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Barnacle Bus July 1, 2026 Zamperla Rockin' Tug Bobbing Barrels ZamperlaWatermania Jellyfish Fields Jamboree ZamperlaAero Top Jet Mrs. Puff's Boating School ZiererRoundabout
Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club is inspired by Illumination's Despicable Me franchise. AttractionDate openedManufacturerModel Bello Bay Cruise July 1, 2026HafemaWild Raft Bello Bay Golf Cart DerbyZamperlaDemolition Derby
Hotel Universal Kids Resort features one official on-site hotel, which is located in front of the entrance to the park.
NameOpening dateNumber of rooms Universal Kids Resort Hotel July 1, 2026 300
Critical reception The announcement of Universal Kids Resort was met with local enthusiasm yet upon opening was immediately criticized by visitors, with many finding the park cheaply designed, utilitarian, and generally falling well below the standards of theming within other Universal parks. Many reviews also criticize the park for lacking appropriate shade while being situated in Texas, while other reviews described it as "ugly, underthemed ... barren concrete stretches" that overall reflect "a type of cheapness and tackiness".
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