NOT everything is bigger in Texas, as Universal Parks and Resorts has begun construction on a small-scale theme park aimed at young children and their families.
Universal Kids Resort is scheduled to open in Frisco, Texas – less than 30 miles north of Dallas – in June 2026.
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Groundwork for the new theme park began in November, with construction vehicles and pipes spotted at the construction site, according to the amusement park’s blog Theme Park Tourist.
The new Universal Resort was announced in January 2023, targeting young children and families.
It is expected to have a “completely different look” to existing universal parks – especially in size.
The small-scale resort is expected to be only about a quarter the size of Orlando, Florida’s iconic theme parks.
Universal Destinations & Experiences said this will help the resort be “intimate and engaging” for young guests, according to the local NBC affiliate. KXAS-TV.
Once opened, families will find immersive attractions, interactive shows, as well as character meet-and-greets and rides for guests 46 inches and taller.
Page Thompson, president of new developments at Universal Destinations & Experiences, told the outlet that the resort will have a more nature-filled appearance.
“The entire resort will be very lushly landscaped and we will have shade trees,” Thompson said.
Universal said the resort’s goal is to “serve children and their families and bring beloved characters and stories to life in a way that will resonate with younger theme park goers.”
“We will have fun shows, meet and greets, fun food and drinks,” Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, told KXAS-TV.
“We are designing it with children’s unbridled creativity in mind. From a child’s point of view. What does it look, feel, smell and taste like? Harnessing your imagination and your sense of discovery and fun.”
Some have speculated that exhibits and attractions will feature themes such as SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Trolls and Minions.
Those who want to visit the resort but are worried about a place to stay won’t have to travel far, as the company is also building a 300-room hotel on site.
Construction of the new resort is expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs in North Texas.
Universal Children’s Resort
Universal Kids Resort is scheduled to open in June 2026 and will be dramatically different from other resorts for a number of reasons:
- Located in Frisco, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas.
- The resort will be about a quarter the size of Universal’s Orlando resorts.
- It will serve young children and their families.
- It is expected to look very “lush” and full of nature.
- It will feature character meet-and-greets, interactive shows, rides, and fun food and drinks.
- It will feature a 300-room hotel.
- Rumor has it that there will be attractions themed like Minions, Trolls and more.
The road leading to the park was called Universal Parkway.
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney praised the project, saying it will continue to benefit the city and its young residents.
“The characters that kids in this community will grow up loving, seeing, touching and being around every day will become the very essence of growing up and living in Frisco,” Cheney told KXAS-TV.
Universal Destinations & Experiences did not immediately respond to The US Sun’s request for comment.
OTHER MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The Frisco-based children’s theme park isn’t the only resort Universal has launched in recent months.
In early April, Universal Orlando Resort announced the upcoming cosmically inspired Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
The resorts are expected to open in January and February 2025 and will feature a combined total of 1,500 rooms.
With its construction, Universal Epic Universe is expected to be the largest theme park in the United States.
The family fun doesn’t stop there.
Last year, Universal also revealed plans for a new permanent horror attraction in Las Vegas, based on the company’s annual Halloween Horror Nights.
Meanwhile, Super Nintendo World Land opened at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California in February 2023.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
