During a Frisco City Council meeting on Dec. 3, 2024, council members approved plans for the upcoming Universal Kids Resort hotel. The five-story hotel, designed by the architectural firm Gensler, will be located at the northeast corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway.
What This Means For Universal
Hotel designer Gensler will complete the hotel on the 97.4-acre outdoor commercial amusement venue on the northeast corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway, using the designs shown during the meeting. Thirty acres are dedicated to the theme park area and additional acres will be used for parking and the 300-room hotel.
How Did Council Members Vote
Council members voted 5-0 on the facade plan. Mayor Jeff Cheney stated appreciation for how the company has worked with neighboring communities amid the project.
Opposition
During the meeting, 10-year-old William Scott spoke of his opposition to the hotel’s design. “If this is for kids then you should be asking kids if they like it.” Scott also noted the design looked “cheap” and referenced PGA Frisco as an example of what would be preferred in the city.
Universal Destinations and Experiences Senior Director of Government Relations Malanie Becker explained that the look targeted young audiences and families, citing research done by Universal. She also noted that the company went into design review in order to make sure the hotel has appropriate features to make the overall aesthetics more appealing.
What Else Is Coming To Universal Kids Resort
Universal Kids Resort will feature Universal’s signature entertainment and fun, offering family-friendly attractions, immersive themed lands, playful interactive shows and character meet-and-greets. Designed for young children and their families, the resort will bring beloved characters and stories to life in ways that captivate and delight the youngest theme park visitors.
How Universal Kids Resort Will Impact Frisco And Collin County
Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the development, the company is committed to ensuring that the resort adds value and positively serves the community.
Upon completion in mid-2026, the park's standard hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though these may vary throughout the year based on demand, seasonality, holidays, peak periods and weekends. The park will not open earlier than 9 a.m., except for hotel guests or annual pass holders, who may access it as early as 8 a.m. Closing time will not extend past 9 p.m., except on up to 20 days per year, when it may remain open until 10 p.m. to accommodate holidays and special events.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
