Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially revealed the exciting themed lands awaiting kids and families at Universal Kids Resort — the first-ever resort designed exclusively for young adventurers and their families.
Set to open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, the resort will feature immersive lands inspired by beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse; Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants; Illumination’s Minions; and Jurassic World.
What To Expect From These Lands
- Step into an ogre-sized adventure at DreamWorks’ Shrek-themed swamp playground, where kids can stomp, ride, and play while celebrating friendship, family and fun.
- Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants invites guests to explore Bikini Bottom with Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward — earning a boating license, relaxing on the beach and soaking in nautical fun.
- Mayhem unfolds as Illumination’s Minions take over a peaceful retreat! With yellow Minions wrangling their mischievous purple counterparts, guests can dive into water-soaked chaos or sit back and enjoy the hilarious action.
- Excitement awaits as young explorers come face to face with Jurassic World dinosaurs in hands-on, interactive adventures designed just for them. Then, join DreamWorks’ Trolls for the most colorful, joy-filled music festival, where guests of all ages can sing, dance and shine with Poppy, Branch and friends.
- The fun continues with Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito at a lively kitty adoption fair, featuring dazzling decorations, carnival games, festive food and a sensory garden for a cat nap.
- At the heart of Universal Kids Resort, families can relax in shaded play areas and meet beloved characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse in a unique, immersive retail experience.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” Universal Creative VP & Executive Producer Sarah Gibbon said in an official statement. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”
Previous Theme Speculation
As Local Profile previously reported, fans initially speculated that DreamWorks characters and properties would be the park’s main theme following its announcement in January 2023. Many guessed it would feature Trolls, Shrek, Camp Cretaceous and Madagascar — and they were almost spot on. While Camp Cretaceous didn’t make the cut, the dinosaur theme lives on with Jurassic World.
What Else Is Planned For Universal Kids
A five-story hotel, designed by the architectural firm Gensler, is under construction at the northeast corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway. Three hundred rooms are planned for the hotel, which was approved by Frisco City Council on Dec. 3, 2024. The hotel site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.
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.
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