Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially expanded its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever regional theme park concept.
Representing a distinct shift in scale and target audience for the entertainment company, the new destination has been designed from the ground up to cater to a completely different demographic than its traditional flagship resorts.
Located in the heart of Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Resort has officially opened its gates to the public today, 1 July. The park was developed over a three-year period and specifically focuses on families with young children aged between three and eight years old. Rather than focusing primarily on high-thrill attractions, the layout and experiences emphasise interactive play, water features, and live performances tailored to early childhood audiences.
The grand opening event featured a child-led processional to the central Isle of Curiosity, accompanied by an opening performance of the Universal theme song by dozens of local recorder players. The ceremony was emceed by Laila Lockhart Kraner, the star of the DreamWorks Animation series Gabby’s Dollhouse. The launch concluded with a daytime pyrotechnic display and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted with oversized children’s scissors.
Dedicated intellectual property zones
The resort layout is divided into seven distinct themed lands, each drawing from popular family entertainment franchises managed by DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Nickelodeon. These dedicated areas include DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, and Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club. Additional zones feature DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, and the Isle of Curiosity.
The executive leadership team highlighted the strategic intention behind the park’s design choices. “Today’s an exciting day for all ‘kidkind’ as we officially open Universal Kids Resort,” said Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Every aspect of this park was designed with kids in mind, and it’s amazing to see the smiles on their faces as they enjoy all that Universal Kids Resort has to offer.”
Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, added that the destination provides an entirely different environment compared to the company’s existing inventory. “Universal Kids Resort offers a completely unique experience compared to what we have at our other destinations – introducing a younger generation to Universal fun crafted just for them,” Murphy stated. “We set out to develop a park that invites kids to splash, play, dance and laugh with some of their favourite characters. We’re excited for kids to create lasting memories here with their families as they embark on the ultimate playdate.”
On-site accommodation and ticketing structures
To facilitate multi-day visits, the destination includes the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, situated directly at the park entrance. The colourful 300-room hospitality property began accepting guests from 30 June. The hotel features standard queen, deluxe queen, and signature queen rooms capable of sleeping up to five guests, as well as family suites designed to accommodate up to six people. Amenities at the site include an outdoor pool, specialised dining menus for selective eaters, and resort-wide charging privileges.
Universal has introduced several distinct ticketing options alongside standard one-day and two-day general admission passes. The platform has launched the Silver Annual Pass, providing twelve months of access to the park with specific blockout dates applied. Visitors can also choose a customisable “Create Your Own” package, which incorporates a speciality 1.5-day admission ticket, flight options, hotel accommodation, and operational perks such as Early Park Admission and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased inside the park. Premium additions include a four-hour guided Private VIP Experience for groups of up to six, alongside the “Troll-ify Me!” experience, which provides character-themed cosmetic makeovers.
Universal’s next park is set to open in the United Kingdom near Bedford, with an anticipated completion date of 2031.
