Universal is building a brand-new, kid-centered theme park on a 97-acre site in Frisco, just off the Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway. The resort includes a 300-room hotel and is being developed with a clear mission: to create a family-friendly destination that speaks directly to kids’ sense of wonder.
Universal’s design team made a point of building “through a child’s eyes,” with interactive play areas, low signage for little ones, and colorful, imaginative environments.
Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, said in the press release:
“When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide. Every detail was designed through a child’s eyes from signs at their height to colors that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid — where imagination isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every attraction, space, and experience.”
Related: Universal’s new multiday tickets gets you access to Epic Universe in 2026
Seven themed lands
Universal has revealed seven themed lands (yes, seven!) for the Frisco park, each rooted in familiar and beloved franchises:
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Isle of Curiosity: The gateway to the park, where Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse welcomes families for meet-and-greets and immersive exploration.
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Shrek’s Swamp: Features “Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After,” a ride, plus a splash-pad and a play zone.
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Puss in Boots Del Mar: Includes a swing ride called Swings Over Del Mar, puppet shows, and even a sensory garden.
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Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club: With water rides, a golf-cart derby, and plenty of mischief.
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Jurassic World Adventure Camp: A dino-themed land where young explorers can interact with dinosaurs and go on age-appropriate rides.
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TrollsFest: A music-festival–style area where kids can dance, play, and meet their favorite Trolls.
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SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: Featuring Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, Jellyfish Fields, Pineapple Paradise, and plenty of nautical nonsense.
Accommodations
While the theme park in itself is designed for kids, the resort’s hotel is also designed for families with kids. Rooms sleep up to five and six kids, with bunk beds for kids. Suites offer separate bedrooms and an eating area. The hotel also has a cafe, named the Curiosity Cafe, which offers a quick service option throughout the whole day.
Other hotel offerings include a bar, outdoor pool, gym, and a game room.
A hotel room at the resort.Universal press release
The strategy
Universal creating a regional, kids-first park is a smart strategic move. Rather than building a massive mega-park like in Orlando, they’re investing in a mid-sized resort that fills a gap. Frisco’s population is booming, and there’s strong demand for family entertainment without the “tourist trap” feel.
The resort also benefits from cost efficiencies: at about $550 million, the budget is sizable but far less than what a full-scale theme park would demand. It’s a lean, high-impact way to expand Universal’s footprint into the Dallas market.
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A contender for Disney
This new resort is a strong contender against Disney for many reasons. First off, unlike mega-parks that try to please everyone, Universal Kids Resort has a laser focus on families with children. The rides are gentler, the layout is more compact, and the whole experience feels more intimate. That’s huge for parents who don’t want to drag kids all over massive parks with endless lines.
Related: Southern theme park to get a $14 million Disney-killer coaster
Secondly, because it’s a smaller, more focused park, the operating costs should be lower for both Universal and visitors. While we don’t have exact ticket pricing yet, the streamlined nature of the resort, plus fewer “blockbuster” rides, suggests it could offer a more budget-friendly alternative to multi-day Disney vacations.
Also, since the resort is located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, it’s a lot more accessible for families in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or neighboring states. No long cross-country flights needed for a Universal experience. And also, with only seven lands and thoughtful design, families can realistically hit most of the park in one day without exhausting the kids. That matters a lot when you’re traveling with little ones.
The layout of Universal Kids ResortsUniversal studio
What else to do around Frisco
When you’re in North Texas for the park, there’s more than just rides to enjoy:
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Frisco Discovery Center: A great mix of science, art, and play with museums, a black-box theater, and kid-friendly exhibitions.
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Local shopping and dining: Frisco is growing quickly, and there are already great restaurants, retail, and entertainment nearby, especially with the Fields development.
If everything comes together as planned, Universal Kids Resort will be a game-changer for regional tourism, and a joyful playground where kids can live out their favorite stories.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Nov 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.