Universal Kids Resort is an upcoming 32-acre (13 ha) theme park and entertainment resort complex under construction in Frisco, Texas. Announced in January 2023,[1] it is the third Universal Studios Resort in the United States. The park is scheduled to open in June 2026.

Universal Kids Resort
Concept art
LocationUniversal Kids Resort, Frisco, Texas, United States
Coordinates33°11′33″N 96°49′59″W / 33.192469°N 96.833137°W / 33.192469; -96.833137
StatusUnder construction
OpensJune 2026
OwnerNBCUniversal
(Comcast)
Operated byUniversal Destinations & Experiences
ThemeUniversal entertainment
Area32-acre (13 ha)
WebsiteOfficial website

History

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On January 11, 2023, the company announced a "new concept"-styled resort, geared especially towards families with children.[1] The resort will feature immersive themed lands and celebrate Universal's brand of entertainment, innovation, and characters.[2][1] On March 8, 2023, NBCUniversal's theme park division Universal Parks & Resorts changed their name to Universal Destinations & Experiences.[3] Construction began in Frisco, Texas, in November 2023,[4][5] with an estimated cost of around $550 million.[6]

On December 1, 2023, the name of the resort was revealed to be "Universal Kids Resort".[4] The resort will encompass 32 acres (13 ha) of land and include a 5-story, 300-room hotel.[7][8] In February 2024, Moss Utilities LLC was hired as the utilities contractor for the park.[9] On June 1, 2024, the park was expected to open in June 2026.[5][6][10] The resort is expected to consist of themed lands based on Trolls, Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me.[11] The main road to the resort, Universal Parkway, is expected to open in late 2024, with an estimated cost of around $12.94 million.[12][13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Universal Brings Kids Theme Park to Frisco". January 9, 2023. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  2. ^ "Frisco, Texas location Announcement-Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  3. ^ White, Abbey (March 8, 2023). "Universal Parks Rebrands Division Name As It Broadens Focus". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Wong, Kathleen (December 1, 2023). "Universal Kids Resort: What we know about Universal's first theme park for young kids". USA Today. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Frisco to give updates on proposed Universal theme park". CBS News. December 1, 2023. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Tsiaperas, Tasha (December 4, 2023). "Construction begins on Universal Kids Resort in Frisco". Axios. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  7. ^ Albanese, Mike (November 7, 2024). "Ruling on potential hotel for Frisco's Universal Kids resort tabled". Star Local Media. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  8. ^ Goldsmith, Jill (December 1, 2023). "Universal's New Texas Park For Families With Young Kids Will Have Themed Lands, A 300-Room Hotel". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  9. ^ Adatia, Noor (February 9, 2024). "Construction of $550M Universal Kids Resort in Frisco advances with utility contractor". WFAA. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  10. ^ "New Drone Footage of Universal Kids Resort In Frisco Construction Progress, Expected To Open In June 2026". Theme Park Tourist. June 1, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  11. ^ Stella, Alicia (November 15, 2024). "Universal Kids Resort Texas Update: Vertical Construction Starts, New Hotel Art, and Site Plans". Orlando Park Stop. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Douty, Samantha (July 19, 2024). "Universal Parkway, Frisco Street projects move toward 2024 completion". Community Impact. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  13. ^ Reece, Alex (May 16, 2024). "Universal Parkway set to open before 2025". Community Impact. Retrieved November 20, 2024.