Universal Destinations & Experiences has released new concept art and details about the themed lands that will be part of Universal Kids Resort, a destination specifically designed for families with young children. The resort is scheduled to open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.
Guests will enter the new park through the Isle of Curiosity, a whimsical gateway designed as a space for kids to explore. This land will feature a meet-and-greet with Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse and a themed dance party experience.
Among the seven themed lands, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest will immerse guests in a lively world inspired by the Troll Kingdom. Guests can meet Poppy, Branch, and other characters from the Trolls films. The land will include two interactive play areas: Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl.
DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp will bring the world of Shrek to life, transforming a swampy shack into a waterlogged paradise. The area will include meet-and-greet opportunities with Shrek and Fiona, along with a photo spot featuring the onion carriage. Two interactive play areas—Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash—will allow kids to engage in water-based and physical play activities.
In DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, guests can meet Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and other characters. The land incorporates carnival-style games, including Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow.
At Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, the story centers on a rivalry between the Yellow and Purple Minions that leads to water-soaked fun. Guests will be able to participate in interactive activities or watch as the chaos unfolds. The land will also include a Minions meet-and-greet.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp will offer exploration and adventure opportunities centered on dinosaurs. Guests can meet a newly hatched baby dinosaur and climb the Lookout Towers play area for a Pteranodon’s-eye view of the park.
Finally, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom will transport guests under the sea to the world of SpongeBob and his friends. Guests can meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Sandy Cheeks as well as explore Mussel Beach, designed for rest, and Pineapple Paradise, featuring water play.
In addition to the theme park, the resort will include a 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel, designed with families in mind and located just steps away from the park. The hotel will also serve as the park’s main entrance.
Universal first announced the development of the Frisco project in January 2023, with construction beginning later that year. John Lettelleir, Frisco’s Director of Development Services, shared with NBC-DFW in June 2025 that the theme park is slated to open between April and June of 2026. However, Universal has yet to confirm an exact opening date, only stating it will be sometime in 2026.
Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, said the destination “embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create — designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories. It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home.”
Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, also commented on the new park: “With all the interactive play areas at Universal Kids Resort where kids can explore, discover and create, we’re really excited about this being a place for kids to play their way. We’re even going to support play with team members who will help kids dream up imaginary worlds with sidewalk chalk or spray themselves silly with water blasters. From blowing bubbles to belly laughs, there will be fun for kids of all ages and interests.”
Additional information about the attractions, entertainment, merchandise, and dining options available for guests at Universal Kids Resort will be released at a later date.
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