Universal Destinations & Experiences has released new artistic renderings and details for Universal Kids Resort, the company’s first regional theme park concept specifically engineered for families with young children.
Scheduled to open in Frisco, Texas, US in 2026, the project marks a strategic shift for the media giant, moving beyond its massive destination hubs in Orlando and Hollywood to capture a specialised, regional demographic.
The resort will be anchored by a 300-room hotel and a theme park comprised of seven distinct immersive lands, utilising high-value intellectual property from the DreamWorks, Illumination, and Nickelodeon portfolios.
Design Philosophy and Scope
Unlike Universal’s larger parks, which cater to a broad demographic including thrill-seekers, the Frisco development is scaled and designed exclusively for younger children.
“When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “Every detail was designed through a child’s eyes, from signs at their height to colours that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid – where imagination isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every attraction, space, and experience.”
The Seven Themed Lands
The park’s layout is divided into seven zones, each featuring a mix of mechanical rides, interactive play areas, and thematic dining.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp: Capitalising on one of the company’s most enduring franchises, this area situates guests in a narrative where they must locate a missing Ankylosaurus named Bumpy. The land features the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster and Mr DNA’s Double Helix Spin, a twisting ride mechanism. A secondary attraction, the Pteranodrop, offers an aerial view of the park. The area is rounded out by Jurassic World Outfitters retail, play areas including Jurassic World Lookout Towers and Paddock Play, and the Jurassic World Canteen, which will serve both “carnivores and herbivores.”
SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: This zone recreates the iconic underwater city with attractions such as the Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, where guests board a “Jelly Angler,” and Bobbing Barrels, a spinning ride equipped with water cannons. A scenic tour is offered via the Barnacle Bus. Educational entertainment is provided at Mrs Puff’s Boating School, featuring a specialised driving course. Dining and retail include Goofy Goober’s, serving hot dogs and sundaes, and the Barg’N-Mart. Character interactions will include SpongeBob, Patrick Star, and Sandy Cheeks.
Shrek’s Swamp: The Shrek franchise anchors this land with Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, a ride narrating the couple’s origin story. The area heavily emphasises physical play with Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and the water-based Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash. Retail and dining concepts include Triplets Treasures and Swamp Snacks, the latter featuring a signature “Shrekzel.”
Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club: Structuring the Minions IP around a resort-style theme, this land focuses on interactive water play. Attractions include the Bello Bay Cruise- described as a splash zone witnessing antics between Yellow and Purple Minions – and the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby. The area emphasises merchandise through the Bello Bay Boutique and food via Bello Bay Bites.
TrollsFest: This high-energy zone features the Hair in the Clouds coaster and the Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express roller coaster. Interactive elements are central here, including the King Trollex Techno Dance Party and a Trolls-themed amphitheatre. The Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow shop offers a “Troll-ify Me!” makeover experience, while dining is available at Trolls Eatz! and BroZone Cones.
Puss in Boots Del Mar: Centring on the Puss in Boots franchise, this area offers the Swings Over Del Mar ride and a puppet performance show, Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day!. The land includes sensory gardens designed for quiet respite, alongside dining at Comidas y Leche and retail at Mercado de Perrito.
Isle of Curiosity: Acting as the park’s gateway, this hub features Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! based on Gabby’s Dollhouse. It houses the primary retail location, the Universal Kids Resort Store, and dining options including the Universal Kids Resort Café and Cakey’s Cupcakes.
Accommodation and Infrastructure
The development includes the integrated Universal Kids Resort Hotel, designed to facilitate large families. Room configurations include Standard, Deluxe, and Signature Queen rooms featuring twin-over-full bunk beds, while Family Suites offer separate bedrooms with king beds and pullout sofas, sleeping up to five or six guests.
Amenities listed include a full-service bar, outdoor pool, fitness room, game room, and the quick-service Curiosity Café.
Strategic Outlook
The detailed reveal underscores Universal’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio and capturing the regional family travel market, a sector often dominated by smaller operators or Lego-branded parks.
“Universal Kids Resort is a place where kids are accepted just as they are, free to dance, dream, and play without limits or judgment,” stated Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life – moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy. It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.”
Construction continues in Frisco ahead of the anticipated 2026 launch.
Photos provided by Universal
