A Universal Theme Park...in Texas???

What you need to know about Universal Studios new park…in Texas?   Universal Studios has officially announced their new park, Universal Kids Resort, is opening July 1, 2026. This long-awaited kid's resort is focused on 7 lands sure to delight your littles and help you embrace the kid inside you. Here are the major things you need to know:   

Universal Kids Resort is located in Frisco, Texas:   

Yes, you read that right, Universal is coming to TEXAS! A huge departure from the major theme parks focusing on Florida and California, Universal has decided that the mid-West could use some fun. When you’re looking to plan your trip to Universal Kids Resort, you're going to want to fly into Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), which will place you about a half hour drive from the resort. Another option is Dallas Love Field (DAL); this airport is about the same distance from Frisco but is smaller, and slightly less overwhelming than DFW. 

Universal Kids Resort has a dedicated hotel.

While you can buy just a ticket package, the Universal Kids Resort Hotel includes a dedicated park entrance, early park admission, and package delivery for all those amazing souvenirs you’ll purchase. My favorite part about the hotel is all of the rooms have at least a Queen Bed, with dedicated bunk beds for your littles. I love a hotel where I don’t have to share a bed with my kids! There are only 300 rooms, so make sure you book quickly before it sells out!

Universal Kids Resort has 7 lands for you to explore.

Keeping with theme park tradition there are themed areas throughout the Universal Kids Resort: 

1. In DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp you’ll relieve Shrek and Fiona’s fairy tale marriage while meeting the Ogres themselves.  

   
   

2. In Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom, you’ll attend Boating School, see the Jellyfish Fields and so much more with your favorite friends.  

   
   

3. In Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club you’ll join the Yellow and Purple Minions while they face off on water rides, and a unique round of mini golf.

4. 
   

   At Jurassic World Adventure Camp, you’ll meet baby raptors, take a spin with Mr. DNA, and explore prehistoric play areas.  

   
   

5. At DreamWorks’ TrollsFest you’ll see your favorite trolls in concert with two different shows and get to see some of the amazing trolltastic characters come to life.  

   
   

6. In DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar you’ll engage with two interactive gaming areas, enjoy a puppet show, and swing your way over the city.  

   
   

7. Finally, there is the Isle of Curiosity! This area has wide open spaces for kids to roam free and let their imagination fly. You can meet Gabby in her Dollhouse and encounter other friends!  

Universal Kids Resort offers 1- and 2- day ticket options, or an Annual Pass:   

As a smaller resort, Universal is currently offering 1- or 2-day ticket options that are surprisingly affordable considering all the resort has to offer. For our local Texas friends, they do offer an Annual Pass option, or an Annual Pass Option with parking. A hotel and ticket package is available with a 2-night stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, and a one-and-a-half-day ticket, starting at 2pm the day of check-in. This ticket type can only be booked in a package.   

Here’s what we’re excited about at the Universal Kids Resort:

It’s an affordable weekend vacation, especially for a family with smaller kids. I know as travel advisors we hear all the time that Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have enough for our smaller kids. It can feel overwhelming to plan a vacation where the littles can’t participate in so many things. This is a great solution to that!

The new play areas dedicated to some of our favorite characters and stories provide a huge amount of engaging play for our littles who don’t do well waiting in line. The character meet and greats are so unique! We know Universal is going to knock it out of the park with themed food and merchandise!

If you’re interested in booking your stay at the Universal Kids Resort, please reach out to one of our agents today, or fill out our general request and we will connect you with the right fit for your family!