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Universal opens new theme park in Texas just for young children
Universal Kids Resort opened its doors in Frisco last week. Featuring brands like Shrek, Minions and Jurassic World, the park is designed for families with children aged 3-8.
Universal opened Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, last week, its first theme park designed exclusively for families with young children. Instead of speed and adrenaline, the park focuses on play, familiar characters, and entertainment suitable for the preschool age group.
Child-focused design
Universal Kids Resort is the company's first project of its kind. The park is not a scaled-down copy of the larger Universal parks; the entire space is shaped around children's needs. Low-height attractions, signage at a child's eye level, and simple navigation allow families to move around the park comfortably.
The park features attractions, play areas, shows, and restaurants based on well-known brands such as Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby's Dollhouse. Each themed area is designed so that children can step directly into the story.
Best time to visit
Since all attractions are outdoors, spring and fall stand out as the most comfortable seasons. In summer, heat and crowds increase; during this period, it is recommended to go early, drink plenty of water, and take advantage of the water play areas. Weekdays when schools are not on holiday are quieter. Thanks to the park's compact layout, it is easy to get around even on busy days compared to larger parks.
Tickets and annual passes
Single-day ticket prices start at $54.99 for visitors aged two and up; children under two enter free. A two-day ticket option is also available. Prices vary based on demand and may be higher on peak days. Hotel accommodation packages are also offered.
The VIP program starts at $999.99 per person and includes priority access, reserved show seating, valet parking, lunch, unlimited digital photos, snacks, and a personal escort throughout the day.
There are two annual pass options: Silver Annual Pass and Silver Annual Pass Plus Parking. Both offer discounts on food, merchandise, and hotel stays, as well as access to members-only events. Currently, both pass types are sold out; if they become available again, the base pass is expected to start at $129.99.
Themed areas
At the park entrance is Curiosity Island, featuring the character Gabby. This area connects the six themed lands and offers rest benches, shaded areas, and a dance program.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: The underwater town of Bikini Bottom is brought to life. There are four attractions—Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, Barnacle Bus, Bobbing Barrels, and Mrs. Puff's Boating School—as well as interactive play areas.
- Shrek's Swamp: Meet-and-greets with Shrek and Fiona, the water play area Shrek's Swamp Splash and Smash, and the family attraction Shrek & Fiona's Happily Ogre After.
- Puss in Boots: Home to one of the park's most dynamic attractions, Swings Over Del Mar. There are also classic carnival games, a puppet show, and character meet-and-greets.
- Trolls Festival: Dance with Poppy and Branch, ride the Rhonda's TrollsFest Express train, soar on the Hair in the Clouds flying attraction, and enjoy glitter makeup stations.
- Jurassic World: Search for the dinosaur Bumpy on Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, spin on Mr. DNA's Double Helix Spin, and drop on Pteranodrop. There are also observation towers and baby dinosaur encounters.
- Minions: Bello Bay Cruise water ride, Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby driving attraction, and Minion meet-and-greets. Ideal for cooling off in hot weather.
Food and drink
Instead of separate menus for children and adults, restaurants offer a single menu that appeals to the whole family. Complex sauces and ingredients are served on the side, so adults can enhance their meals while children can enjoy them plain. There are also familiar flavors from other Universal parks: the Mac & Cheese Cone, first introduced at Universal Epic Universe, is available in Bello Bay, and Shrekzel in the Shrek area. One highlight is the Jack & Jill's Magic Beans Salad served at the Comidas y Leche restaurant in the Puss in Boots area; it includes edamame, corn ribs, crispy tortilla strips, and a sherry-based dressing. For a snack, try the SpongeBob-shaped grilled cheese sandwich SpongeBob's Cheesy Press, and for dessert, the Triple Gooberberry Sunrise at Goofy Goober's Ice Cream.
Hotel
The Universal Kids Resort Hotel, a few minutes' walk from the park entrance, has 300 rooms and is designed for families. Family suites accommodate up to six people and offer bunk beds, a bathtub, and an adjoining room option. Hotel guests can enjoy perks such as early access to select attractions, a dedicated park entrance, and delivery of purchases to their room. The property features a resort-style pool, restaurants, entertainment programs, and evening shows.
Who is it suitable for?
Universal Kids Resort is an ideal choice especially for families with children aged 3-8. Young children can ride attractions suited to their height, spend time with familiar characters, and enjoy play areas without excessive stimulation. Parents appreciate thoughtful details such as short walking distances, a clear layout, and changing rooms near the water play areas. While there are no big roller coasters for teenagers and thrill-seekers, the park's target audience is already preschool and early elementary school-aged children.
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