Some of the most popular animated characters from Universal’s universe are coming to its first theme park specifically for families with young children.
“Shrek,” “Trolls,” “Minions” and more are heading to Universal Kids Resort in Texas.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” Sarah Gibbon, vice president and executive producer, Universal Creative, said in a statement. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends.”
Here’s what guests can expect.
New themed experiences just for kids
The park will feature six new lands, a central hub and an on-site hotel with 300 rooms designed for families.
Exact details on each land are still under wraps, but Universal has shared their settings:
-
DreamWorks’ Shrek: A “swamp-themed playground built personally by Shrek” invites kids to “stomp, ride, laugh and play.”
-
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: “A kitty adoption drive is in full swing with fabulous decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food” in this land featuring Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito. There will also be a sensory garden.
-
DreamWorks’ Trolls: Guests join Poppy, Branch and other Trolls in a “colorful, joy-filled, and, of course, glittery” music festival.
-
Illumination’s Minions: “Minions overrun a peaceful vacation retreat,” and a wet and wild time ensues as “Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts.”
-
Jurassic World: Kids can “learn about and come face to face with beloved dinosaurs of Jurassic World” in a thrilling adventure “exclusively created for young explorers.”
-
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants: Guests can visit SpongeBob and his friends in their neighborhood under the sea, where activities range from “earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach.”
Guests will also be able to meet characters like Gabby from DreamWorks’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” in an “immersive retail experience” in the park’s central hub.
DreamWorks and Illumination are part of the NBCUniversal family. Jurassic World is part of Universal Pictures. Nickelodeon isn’t part of NBCUniversal, but it has a long history with Universal Orlando Resort, where there’s still a SpongeBob store and character greeting location.
All of these intellectual properties have a degree of representation in other Universal theme parks.
Where is Universal Kids Resort?
Universal Kids Resort is being built in Frisco, Texas. That’s part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
When the park was first announced in January 2023, Page Thompson, president of New Ventures for Universal Destinations & Experiences, said, “We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country.”
A new Peppa Pig theme park is also opening in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this spring, also focusing on families with young children.
First taste of Universal Epic Universe: Trying the new park’s highly themed food, drinks
How long will it take to build Universal’s resort in Frisco?
Universal broke ground on the property in November 2023.
Recently, the resort completed work on the third floor of the on-site hotel and has been building out landscaping around the park’s perimeter.
Universal Kids Resort is set to open in 2026.
(This story has been updated to add an image.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SpongeBob, Shrek, Jurassic World, more coming to Universal Kids Resort
Read the full article here
