Universal Destinations & Experiences has released more details about the themed lands planned for Universal Kids Resort. This new park, specifically designed for families with young children, is set to open in Frisco, Texas, in 2026. Guests will find seven distinct lands, each featuring popular characters and stories, offering interactive experiences for children and their families.
The resort aims to provide a unique environment where young guests can explore, imagine, and engage in play. This regional theme park brings Universal's storytelling approach closer to families in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Universal Kids Resort will open in Frisco, Texas, in 2026.
- The park is designed for families with young children.
- Seven themed lands will feature characters from DreamWorks, Illumination, and Nickelodeon.
- Interactive play areas and sensory gardens are central to the park's design.
- A 300-room hotel will be located on-site.
Designing for Young Visitors
Universal Creative developed the park with a focus on a child's perspective. Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, stated that the resort is designed to connect young guests and families through play and creativity. She emphasized that it brings Universal's signature storytelling to a regional audience.
Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, noted the design philosophy centered on "unbridled creativity of kids." He described the park as a place of "pure joy" and a "celebration of what it is to be a kid." This approach shaped every aspect of the resort's development.
Resort at a Glance
- Location: Frisco, Texas
- Opening Year: 2026
- Target Audience: Families with young children
- Number of Themed Lands: 7
- On-site Hotel: 300 rooms
Exploring Themed Lands and Characters
Families will begin their journey at the Isle of Curiosity. This area serves as a whimsical entry point, offering space for exploration. It will also be a spot to meet Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse and participate in a dance party.
Next, guests can visit DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp. Here, Shrek has transformed his shack into a water-themed play area. Visitors can meet Shrek and Fiona and take photos in an onion carriage. Two interactive play zones, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, provide opportunities for children to stomp and splash.
Adventures with Puss in Boots and Minions
The adventure continues at DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar. This land allows guests to meet Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and other characters. Carnival games such as Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow will add to the feline-themed fun.
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club offers water-based excitement. The Yellow Minions try to control their Purple counterparts, leading to playful chaos. Families can join the competition or observe the action. This area will also feature a Minions meet and greet and interactive play zones.
"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."
Jurassic World and TrollsFest Experiences
At Jurassic World Adventure Camp, children and families can experience thrilling moments. Guests can meet a newly hatched baby dinosaur. They can also climb the Lookout Towers play area for a view of the park, similar to a Pteranodon's perspective. This area promises an exhilarating journey for all ages.
Brian Robinson highlighted the park's focus on interactive play. "We’re really excited about this being a place for kids to play their way," he said. Team members will support imaginative play with activities like sidewalk chalk and water blasters. He added that the park will offer fun for children of all ages and interests.
Thematic Integration
Universal Kids Resort is designed to integrate storytelling with interactive play. Each land is crafted to immerse guests in the worlds of popular characters, moving beyond traditional rides to offer diverse engagement opportunities. This includes character meet-and-greets, themed play structures, and water play areas.
The resort also includes multiple sensory gardens. These spaces are designed for children and families to pause and reconnect. They offer calming, nature-inspired settings where guests can explore through touch, sound, and color, providing balance amidst a day of active play.
The party continues at DreamWorks’ TrollsFest. This land features lively music and high energy. Families can meet Poppy, Branch, and other Trolls characters at a glitter-filled meet and greet. Two interactive play areas, Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl, will provide Trolls-themed fun.
Undersea Fun and On-Site Accommodations
An undersea adventure awaits at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom. Here, kids and families can meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Sandy Cheeks. The area features Mussel Beach for relaxation and Pineapple Paradise for splashing. These zones are designed to bring the nautical nonsense of Bikini Bottom to life.
- Isle of Curiosity: Gateway, Gabby’s Dollhouse meet and greet.
- Shrek’s Swamp: Water play, character encounters with Shrek and Fiona.
- Puss in Boots Del Mar: Carnival games, character meetings.
- Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club: Water-soaked competition, Minions meet and greet.
- Jurassic World Adventure Camp: Dinosaur encounters, climbing structures.
- TrollsFest: Music, glitter, Poppy and Branch meet and greet.
- SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: Character meetings, splash areas.
After a day of activities, families can stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. This 300-room, colorfully themed on-site hotel is designed specifically for families. It offers a convenient place to relax, located just steps from the park entrance. The hotel will also serve as the main entry point to Universal Kids Resort.
Further details regarding attractions, entertainment, merchandise, and food options at Universal Kids Resort will be announced in the future. Interested individuals can visit UniversalKidsResort.com for updates on new developments.
