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7 Shocking Details About Universal Kids Resort: The $550 Million Theme Park Replacing 'Universal Studios Frisco'

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Universal Studios Frisco is not the name you should be using anymore. As of late December 2025, the official name for the highly anticipated North Texas project is the Universal Kids Resort, and it is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting new developments in the theme park world. This first-of-its-kind, $550 million destination is designed specifically for families with young children, a strategic move by Universal Destinations & Experiences to capture a critical, underserved market segment.

The resort is on track for its grand opening in 2026, marking Universal’s first major theme park expansion in the United States outside of Florida and California in decades. Vertical construction is now well underway on the 97-acre site in Frisco, Texas, promising a vibrant, imaginative, and intimate experience unlike the massive, sprawling Universal parks in Orlando or Hollywood.

Universal Kids Resort: Core Details and Development Profile

The concept for the Universal Kids Resort (UKR) was officially announced in early 2023, immediately generating massive buzz across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the entire theme park community. It represents a significant investment by parent company Comcast/Universal Destinations & Experiences to diversify its portfolio.

  • Official Name: Universal Kids Resort
  • Commonly Searched As: Universal Studios Frisco, Universal Studios Texas
  • Location: Frisco, Texas (within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)
  • Total Site Size: Approximately 97 Acres
  • Theme Park Size: Approximately 32 Acres
  • Project Cost: Estimated $550 Million
  • Expected Opening Date: 2026 (Many reports point to May 2026)
  • Target Audience: Families with young children (specifically designed for this demographic)
  • Key Features: One theme park, a 300-room hotel, and a focus on interactive, kid-friendly attractions.

The decision to build in Frisco highlights the city’s rapid growth and its position as a major hub in North Texas. The resort is positioned to become a major tourism driver, attracting visitors not just from Texas but from the entire central U.S. region.

The Seven Immersive Themed Lands and Attractions

The heart of the Universal Kids Resort experience is its unique, smaller scale and its focus on accessible, imaginative play. The park will feature seven immersive themed lands, each based on beloved Universal and DreamWorks Animation characters. This intimate design allows for more engaging character meet-and-greets and shorter wait times, which is a major benefit for families with toddlers and young kids.

While Universal Destinations & Experiences has confirmed seven distinct areas, the full, official list of names is still being unveiled. However, concept art and official announcements have confirmed several major Intellectual Properties (IPs) that will anchor the park.

Confirmed IPs and Themed Worlds:

The attractions are specifically designed to be "kid-friendly," meaning fewer intense roller coasters and more interactive play areas, gentle rides, and splash pads. The confirmed IPs include:

  • DreamWorks' Shrek's Swamp: A land themed around the world of Shrek, featuring the iconic ogre, Donkey, and Princess Fiona. This area is expected to include a gentle ride and interactive play elements set in a lush, swampy environment.
  • Jurassic World: Unlike the intense rides at other Universal parks, the Frisco Jurassic World area will be tailored for younger guests, likely featuring smaller-scale dinosaur encounters, dig sites, and educational, interactive exhibits.
  • Minions: Based on the hugely popular Despicable Me and Minions franchise, this land will be filled with the chaotic, yellow characters and is expected to feature a playful, silly attraction and character appearances.
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Bringing the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to North Texas, this area will feature the beloved Nickelodeon character, offering vibrant theming, unique dining, and fun, all-ages activities.
  • Puss in Boots: The swashbuckling hero from the Shrek universe will have his own dedicated area, likely featuring a themed play structure or a family-friendly spinning ride.

The remaining lands are expected to draw from other major Universal and DreamWorks franchises, ensuring a rich variety of experiences for every child. The smaller park size (32 acres compared to 100+ acres for other major parks) is a key feature, allowing families to easily navigate the entire resort in a single day.

The Universal Kids Resort Hotel and Economic Impact

The Universal Kids Resort is not just a theme park; it is a full-service destination. An on-site hotel is a crucial component of the resort, designed to offer maximum convenience and a fully themed experience for visiting families.

The Universal Kids Resort Hotel

The attached resort hotel is designed to keep families close to the action, allowing them to step right from their room into the magic of the theme park.

  • Hotel Name: Universal Kids Resort Hotel
  • Capacity: 300 Guest Rooms
  • Room Types: Includes a mix of standard guest rooms and larger family suites, catering specifically to the needs of multi-generational travel and larger families.
  • Features: Expected to include kid-centric amenities, unique dining options, and possibly a themed pool area, providing a seamless, immersive experience from check-in to check-out.

Massive Economic Boost for Frisco and North Texas

The construction and operation of the Universal Kids Resort are set to deliver a significant and immediate economic impact to the Frisco community and the wider North Texas region. The $550 million investment is already fueling local growth.

The project has created more than 2,500 new construction jobs in the initial development phase. Once operational, the resort is expected to create thousands of permanent jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage, and retail. This influx of jobs and tourism revenue will solidify Frisco’s reputation as a major entertainment and family destination, alongside its reputation as a sports hub.

Local officials and Universal Destinations & Experiences project a massive increase in tourism spending, tax revenue generation, and overall economic vitality for the region, making the Universal Kids Resort a landmark development for the state of Texas.

7 Shocking Details About Universal Kids Resort: The $550 Million Theme Park Replacing 'Universal Studios Frisco'
universal studios frisco
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