If you have kids or grandkids and live in Texas, you’ll want to read this.
A dazzling, all-new resort specifically designed for families with young children is quietly taking shape just north of Dallas.
When it opens its gates, it promises to become one of the most talked-about family destinations in the country.
The 32-acre theme park and entertainment complex is unlike anything currently operating in the U.S., and it’s gearing up to welcome guests with a targeted lineup of attractions, beloved characters, and even a hotel to match.
It’s not all good news, though — some locals are upset about the potential traffic impacts (we’ve included their quotes further down).
A Park Built Just for Kids
While many new parks aim for broad audiences, this one is laser-focused on creating a magical experience for the youngest thrill-seekers and their families.
With seven fully themed lands inspired by popular children’s franchises, it will offer everything from tea cup rides, roller coasters, a river rapids adventure, and a five-story, 300-room hotel for overnight stays.
It’s part of a growing movement to make theme parks more accessible, immersive, and tailored to specific age groups — and Universal is leading the charge in a bold new direction.
How It All Started
The project was first announced in January 2023 as a “new concept” resort developed by Universal Destinations & Experiences (formerly Universal Parks & Resorts), a division of NBCUniversal under Comcast.
It was designed with kids in mind, bringing to life some of the most iconic animated characters of recent decades.
By November 2023, construction officially broke ground in Frisco, a booming suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with an estimated build cost of around $550 million.
The resort’s name, which was kept under wraps for nearly a year, was finally revealed in December 2023.
Since then, anticipation has only grown, especially with the promise that the park will be ready just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring global attention (and visitors) to Texas.
Inside the Park
Once it opens, guests can enjoy seven distinct themed areas, each one based on a popular kids’ franchise.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
- Gabby’s Dollhouse – An interactive, dreamlike world based on the Netflix series by DreamWorks.
- Pop Village – A colorful land themed around the Trolls franchise, full of music, color, and high-energy fun.
- Far Far Away & San Ricardo – Shrek and Puss in Boots take center stage in these fairytale-inspired lands.
- Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous – A prehistoric playground featuring the Cretaceous Coaster, a kid-friendly thrill ride.
- Bikini Bottom – Yes, SpongeBob SquarePants will have his very own world here, with all the undersea fun that kids love.
- Minion Land – Inspired by Illumination’s Minions, expect chaos, mischief, and loads of laughs.
Expect a variety of rides throughout, including aerial carousels, swing rides, spinning tea cups, and even a gentle river rapids experience.
The Hotel
For families traveling from out of town or just wanting to make the trip more relaxing, the resort will include a 300-room hotel, built right on site.
The hotel will rise five stories and is being designed to mirror the themed experience of the park itself.
Getting There
The resort sits off the soon-to-be-finished Universal Parkway, a major new access road currently under construction in Frisco.
The road is expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve visitor flow, with a development cost of approximately $12.94 million.
It’s expected to be completed before the end of 2025.
Why This Park Is a Big Deal
Texas already boasts several family-friendly destinations, but this one is different.
It’s the first major theme park in the U.S. designed specifically for children, with every ride, attraction, and detail tailored for kids under 12.
No towering thrill rides that leave the little ones behind.
No confusing maps or overstimulating chaos.
What Locals Have To Say About It 🗣
There’s already a Google Maps listing for it where people have been chiming in about the place that hasn’t even opened yet.
Most people are giving 5-star reviews saying how excited they are, but some people have also left 1-star reviews with comments like the following:
- “hated the fake traffic report that they released to uphold why our infrastructure won’t be able to handle this spot. traffic sucks here and it’s just going to get worse. maybe if we didn’t lobby against public transportation it wouldn’t be so bad.”
- “Why… why are we building a fake universal in the middle of Frisco.. now I will never get to drive without traffic to see my family”
When Does It Open?
With less than a year until opening, May 2026 is coming fast.
Early concept art and drone footage of construction have already been shared online, and excitement is building rapidly among families.
If you’re thinking about a family vacation that your little ones will remember forever — and one that doesn’t require flying to Florida or California — this might be it.
📍 To learn more or sign up for updates, visit the official Universal Kids Resort website.
Related Posts
