FRISCO, TEXAS — Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the roster of characters on Feb. 21, 2025, for its upcoming Universal Kids Resort theme park, which will open in 2026 near Dallas, Texas with attractions themed to “Shrek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Trolls,” “Minions,” “Puss in Boots,” “Jurassic World,” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”
The 32-acre children’s theme park and entertainment resort is under construction in Frisco, Texas, and is scheduled to open in May 2026, making it the sixth Universal Studios Resort and the third in the United States. The park and a 300-room resort hotel are being built at the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway in Frisco and are designed for families with young children.
Construction began in November 2023, with an estimated cost of around $550 million. In November 2024, the park was estimated to open by May 2026, in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will occur in the region.
Seven Themed Lands Revealed
Universal Kids Resort will consist of seven themed lands. In clockwise order from entry, the themed lands will be based on Gabby’s Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Minions.
Shrek Land: Kids can stomp, ride, laugh, and play in Shrek’s swamp-themed playground, which Universal says Shrek personally built, as they celebrate the magic of friendship, the warmth of family, and the power of love.
SpongeBob SquarePants Land: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks and Squidward will show guests 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.
Minions Land: Illumination’s Minions will 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. Guests can take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax and watch the chaos unfold.
Other Themed Areas: The resort will also feature lands based on Trolls, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World, and Gabby’s Dollhouse. The central hub of Universal Kids Resort will feature shady lawns and interactive play areas that give kids and their families plenty of space to rest and play. Plus, guests can meet characters like Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse in a unique, immersive retail experience.
Attractions and Features
The themed lands are expected to consist of swing rides, a river rapids ride, an aerial carousel, a spinning tea cup ride, and two roller coasters. Universal has not formally announced any specific rides for Universal Kids, though concept art for the theme park depicts swings, a rapids ride, a Dumbo-style flat ride, a teacups-style flat ride, and two roller coasters.
“At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters,” said Dan Cuffe, vice president and general manager of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco. “Beyond the highly engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicits wonder with a lush, colorful environment.”
Strategic Location and Competition
Universal Kids Resort will be located in Frisco, Texas (about 30 miles from Dallas). This places it in direct competition with the similarly kid-oriented Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth, which opens March 1, 2025 nearby.
The project, first revealed in early 2023, will focus on family-friendly attractions rather than the thrill rides Universal’s other parks are known for. Universal Kids Resort in Frisco is the first theme park designed specifically for families with young children. It is part of the company’s approach of bringing the Universal brand to life to new audiences in new markets through new, original concepts.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” said Sarah Gibbon, VP & Executive Producer, Universal Creative.
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