Universal Destinations & Experiences both kicked off and ended 2023 with major announcements! The beloved themed entertainment company currently runs five ever-expanding properties across the globe: two in the United States and three in Asia. That number will soon grow to seven — at the beginning of 2023, Universal proposed a brand-new concept tailored for tadpoles in Frisco, Texas as number six (as well as a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas as number seven). On March 7, 2023, the Frisco City Council and the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the proposal, and on Dec. 1, 2023, they revealed the park's name: Universal Kids Resort!
What do I mean by "tailored for tadpoles"? Well, this one-of-a-kind park is specifically designed to inspire fun for frog squads with young kids. Set in a lush green landscape and featuring immersive themed lands, families will enjoy more intimate and engaging attractions for young audiences, such as family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise and fun food and beverage menus. As with any Universal property, this concept will celebrate its iconic brand of entertainment, humor and innovation and bring to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will thrill even the tiniest of tadpoles.
On Feb. 21, 2024, Universal Destinations & Experiences revealed the seven themed lands tadpoles and their families will be able to experience at this first-of-a-kind resort that opens in 2026.
DreamWorks’ Shrek: Stomp, ride, laugh and play in Shrek’s swamp themed playground built personally by Shrek as you celebrate the magic of friendship, warmth of family and power of love.
Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s Bikini Bottom’s best day ever and SpongeBob and friends cannot wait to show you around their neighborhood under the sea. From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights.
Illumination’s Minions: Let the games begin as Illumination’s Minions overrun a peaceful vacation retreat. When Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts, it leads to a wave of unpredictable, water-soaked fun. Take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. Whatever you choose, every splash, laugh and surprise might just bring everyone closer together.
Jurassic World: It’s a journey of exploration where kids can learn about and come face to face with dinosaurs of Jurassic World in uniquely exciting and interactive ways. This new adventure exclusively created for young explorers will be both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.
DreamWorks' Trolls: You’re invited to the most colorful, most joy-filled, and, of course, most glittery music festival of all time! Guests of all sizes get to join Poppy, Branch and the rest of the gang to bring their voices together in harmony while shining brightly.
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: It’s a legendary day with Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito in Del Mar as the kitty adoption drive is in full swing with colorful decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food. For those needing a cat nap, guests can recharge in a sensory garden.
Park Hub with DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse: A central hub with interactive play areas and shady lawns for rest & recharge, plus an immersive retail experience where guests can meet characters from Gabby's Dollhouse.
Currently sitting on only 97 acres of land, this park will be sized for a regional audience and will also include an on-site themed 300-room hotel — with room for expansion! While certain characters and settings will, of course, be recognizable, the entire area is intended to have a completely different look, feel and scale than Universal's existing theme parks and is being designed to appeal to a new audience. The park will be situated east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway.
More details about this tadpole-friendly project will be revealed over time, so stay tuned, because we'll be sure to share all the frogciting info as it gets announced!
Will you be bringing your kids to Frisco for this kid-friendly Universal park? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our ~Toadally~ Awesome Guide to Visiting Universal Orlando with Kids
Keep hopping!
