Universal’s theme parks are known for thrills – from the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster being built at Universal Studios Hollywood to creepy Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experience, the award-winning ride at Universal Epic Universe.
But the company is aiming for a different kind of thrill at their upcoming theme park, Universal Kids Resort in Texas.
“For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life – moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy," Brian Robinson, executive vice president and chief creative officer at Universal Creative, said in a press release. "It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.”
Here’s what families can expect when the park opens next year.
What is included at Universal Kids Resort?
The park will feature seven lands, leaning into popular franchises.
Guests will enter through the Isle of Curiosity, where they can meet Gabby from "Gabby’s Dollhouse" and join in Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party.
The party continues in DreamWorks’ TrollsFest with the King Trollex Techno Dance Party and an upbeat Trolls-themed stage show. The land also features two rides, Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express and the towering Hair in the Clouds.
In DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Shrek has built a ride retelling how he and Fiona met, called Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After. Guests are also invited into wet and dry play areas he built for their triplets, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash.
In DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, guests can soar through the air on Swings Over Del Mar or sit back and enjoy a puppet show, Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day! This area will also feature carnival games and character appearances.
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club pits Yellow Minions against their purple counterparts. Guests get caught in the middle on the boat ride, Bello Bay Cruise, and Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp will feature a family coaster called Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, a "twisting and turning" attraction called Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, and Pteranodrop, which will offer a pteranodon's view of the park. There will also be two play areas: Jurassic World Lookout Towers and Paddock Play.
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom will boast several attractions. Guests can board a Jelly Angler on Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, tour Bikini Bottom on the Barnacle Bus, blast each other with water on Bobbing Barrels, and take a spin on Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Additionally, the park will have multiple sensory gardens for guests who want to break away to reset or relax. For an even longer break, there will also be a 300-room hotel adjacent to the park, also aimed at families with rooms sleeping up to five or six guests.
Is there a release date for Universal Kids Resort?
Universal Kids Resort is set to open in 2026. A specific date has not yet been revealed.
Where is Universal Kids Resort?
Universal Kids Resort is being built in Frisco, which is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
“It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home,” Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, said in a statement.
The area also welcomed a new Peppa Pig Theme Park earlier this year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shrek, Minions and Trolls are coming to Universal's new kids park
Reporting by Eve Chen, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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