NOT everything is bigger in Texas as Universal Parks and Resorts has begun construction on a small-scale theme park aimed at younger children and their families.
The Universal Kids Resort is scheduled to open in Frisco, Texas – less than 30 miles north of Dallas – in June 2026.
Groundwork for the new theme park reportedly began in November, with construction vehicles and pipes spotted on the construction site, according to amusement park blog Theme Park Tourist.
The new Universal Resort was announced in January 2023, targeting young kids and families.
It is expected to have a completely “different look and feel” from existing Universal parks – particularly in size.
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The small-scaled resort is expected to be only around one-quarter the size of the iconic theme parks in Orlando, Florida.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has said this will help the resort be “intimate and engaging” for the young patrons, according to local NBC affiliate KXAS-TV.
Once opened, families will find immersive attractions, interactive shows, as well as character meet and greets and rides for guests 46 inches or taller.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, told the outlet that the resort will have more of a nature filled appearance.
“The whole resort will have a very lush landscape feel and we have buffer trees,” Thompson said.
Universal has said the goal of the resort is to “cater to young kids and their families and bring to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers.”
“We’ll have playful shows, meet-and-greets, fun food and beverage,” Molly Murphy, the president of Universal Creative told KXAS-TV.
“We’re designing it with the unbridled creativity of children in mind. From a kid’s perspective. What does it look, feel, smell, taste like? Tapping into their imagination and their sense of discovery and play.”
Some have speculated that the exhibits and attractions will feature themes like Spongebob’s Bikini Bottom, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Trolls, and Minions.
Those wishing to visit the resort but worried about a place to stay will not have to travel far as the company is also constructing a 300-room hotel on site.
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The construction of the new resort is expected to create around 2,500 jobs in the North Texas area.
The road leading into the park has been named Universal Parkway.
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney has touted the project, saying it will continue to benefit the city and its young residents.
"The characters that children in this community will grow up loving and get see and touch and be around every single day, it's going to grow into being the very essence of growing up and living in Frisco,” Cheney told KXAS-TV.
Universal Destinations & Experiences did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun's request for comment.
OTHER MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
The Frisco based kids theme park isn’t the only resort Universal has unveiled in recent months.
Earlier in April, Universal Orlando Resort announced an upcoming cosmic-inspired Universal Stella Nova and Universal terra Luna Resort.
The resorts are set to open in January and February 2025 and will feature a total of 1,500 rooms combined.
With their construction, Universal Epic Universe is expected to be the largest theme park in the United States.
The family fun doesn’t stop there.
Last year, Universal also unveiled plans for a new permanent horror attraction in Las Vegas, based on the company’s annual Halloween Horror Nights.
Meanwhile, A Super Nintendo World Land opened at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California opened in February 2023.
