Universal Kids Resort Debuts
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco Opens July 1 with Themed Rides and Family Dining
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Key Points
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Universal’s new 20-acre Universal Kids Resort is sited at the intersection/corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway in Frisco.
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Universal’s marketing team said the on-site hotel is designed not only for out-of-town visitors: “Locals might think they don’t need a hotel, but locals love a good staycation,” and the family suites with bunk beds are built to sleep “five to six people.”
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The resort’s dining approach is described as flipping the usual theme-park pattern: “Normally, we create menus and then make a kid menu after that. We flipped that upside down at Universal Kids Resort,” said Robert Martiez, director of culinary.
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During previews, a young guest named Allen described her excitement after being selected for the inside look: “I like the water ... the blue ride!” and added she was “really excited to be here.”
Universal Kids Resort opens July 1 in Frisco, Texas — a 20-acre theme park built from the ground up for young children, the first of its kind in Universal's history. The park sits at the corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway and features seven lands drawn from brands like Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World, and Gabby's Dollhouse, according to WFAA.
The $550 million resort includes more than 30 attractions, 13 rides, 6 live shows, and a 300-room on-site hotel. Single-day tickets run $54.99 to $79.99, with annual passes starting at $129.99, according to Fox 4 News.
Why Universal Picked Frisco Over Everywhere Else
Universal chose Frisco because North Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country for young families. Executives cited that "strong demand" as the main reason for planting a park here rather than adding another massive destination resort, according to Fox 4 News.
The city sweetened the deal. In March 2023, the Frisco City Council approved a $12.7 million performance-based incentive package for the 97-acre property. The city expects the resort to generate $3 million per year for its General Fund — about $30 million over the first decade — through property and sales taxes. The project also created over 2,500 construction jobs.
Seven Lands, 30-Plus Attractions Built Around Kids Ages 3–8
This is Universal's first standalone park designed entirely for young children, roughly ages 3 to 8. Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, said "every detail was designed through a child's eyes" and that "imagination isn't just encouraged, it's embedded in every attraction," according to WFAA.
Pre-opening previews gave a first look at what that means in practice. A young guest named Allen summed up the experience simply: "I like the water ... the blue ride!" She added she was "really excited to be here." Brian Robinson, the park's Chief Creative Officer, described the goal as "pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid."
Kid-First Menus and a Hotel Built for Staycations
The resort flips the usual theme-park playbook on dining. Robert Martinez, Director of Culinary, explained: "Normally, we create menus and then make a kid menu after that. We flipped that upside down at Universal Kids Resort." The approach puts children's food preferences at the center, not as an afterthought, according to CBS 19.
The 300-room hotel, priced at $259 to $519 per night, is built to pull in local visitors too. Family suites with bunk beds sleep five to six people. Universal's marketing team noted: "Locals might think they don't need a hotel, but locals love a good staycation." The hotel is physically integrated into the park entrance, making drop-off and day-to-night logistics simple for families.
Neighbors Had Real Concerns Before the Shovels Hit the Ground
Not everyone cheered when Universal announced the park in January 2023. Residents near the site worried the park's estimated 20,000 weekend visitors would "decimate" local roads. Some feared Frisco would become a "tourist trap" or lose its quiet, family-suburb feel. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson had to present crime research to the City Council to address those fears directly, according to CBS 19.
Industry analysts say the resort is a real disruptor for the regional market. Travel advisor Beci Mahnken of MEI-Travel told WFAA the park has "national appeal" because it fills a gap no one else has filled — deep, immersive storytelling built specifically for toddlers and early elementary kids. Tickets went on sale May 28, 2026. The doors open July 1.
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