Universal Studios Texas: Opening Date, Location, and What to Expect
Get ready to celebrate Universal in a whole new way—because something big (and totally kid-sized) is coming to Frisco, Texas! The all-new Universal Kids Resort, part of the exciting Universal Destinations & Experiences lineup, is officially on its way.
Slated to open in 2026, this resort in Frisco will be the first-ever Universal Studios theme park built specifically for younger guests—bringing colorful characters, immersive themed lands, and nonstop fun to the heart of Texas.
Whether you’re searching for updates on the Universal Studios Frisco opening date or planning ahead for a stay near the Universal Kids Resort Frisco TX, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the newest Universal Studios Texas location.
Welcome to the magical world of Universal Kids—the next big brand of entertainment is pint-sized and perfect for families!
About Universal Kids Resort
Get ready for a splash of color, a dash of magic, and a whole lot of giggles—Universal Kids Resort is set to open its doors in May 2026 in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas!
This first-of-its-kind theme park is tailor-made for families with young children, offering a more intimate and engaging experience compared to Universal’s larger resorts. Spanning 32 acres, the resort is designed to immerse little adventurers in a world where their favorite stories come to life.
The park will feature seven immersive themed lands, each inspired by beloved characters and franchises. Kids can explore Shrek’s swamp, embark on adventures in Jurassic World, join the Minions in their mischievous escapades, and dive under the sea with SpongeBob SquarePants.
Other areas include the vibrant world of Trolls, the enchanting realm of Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the daring exploits of Puss in Boots. At the heart of the resort lies a central hub with shady lawns and interactive play areas, perfect for rest and relaxation. To top it all off, a whimsically themed 300-room hotel will offer families a place to stay, play, and unwind after a day of fun.
Universal Kids Resort Tickets
While official ticket prices are still under wraps, theme park fans are buzzing with excitement—and best guesses! Expect single-day tickets to likely fall between $79 to $99, with family bundles, multi-day passes, and annual memberships possibly starting around $199.
That’s in line with what other kid-focused theme parks charge, so it’s a solid ballpark. Tickets and hotel reservations are expected to drop later this year, so keep your eyes glued to the official Universal Kids Resort site.
Heads up: Prices aren’t set in stone yet. More magical details are coming soon!
What to Know Before You Go
Hours: While official hours haven’t been announced yet, most family-friendly parks operate between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Expect similar hours, with possible extended times during holidays and special events.
Directions: Universal Kids Resort is located at 13850 Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX 75035—just a hop, skip, and a jump north of Dallas. You can easily access it via the Dallas North Tollway, as it sits conveniently along Dallas Parkway. Keep an eye out for signage directing you to Universal Parkway, the main road leading into the resort.
Parking: While specific parking details are pending, it’s safe to anticipate ample parking facilities, including areas for strollers and possibly even preferred parking spots for families. Standard parking fees at similar parks range from $25 to $30 per day.
Security Checkpoint: As with all major theme parks, expect a security screening upon entry. This typically includes bag checks and metal detectors to ensure everyone’s safety. Arriving early can help you breeze through and start the fun sooner!
Food or Beverages are Allowed? Although Universal has not released official policies yet, guests typically bring in sealed water bottles and snacks for young children or those with dietary needs at most parks. For full meals, you’ll find a variety of themed dining options inside the park.
Cameras: Capture the magic! Personal cameras and smartphones are typically welcome for non-commercial use. Just be mindful of any restrictions on certain rides or shows.
Universal Kids Resort Highlights
Universal destinations experiences are set to enchant families with seven immersive lands, each bringing beloved characters and stories to life through interactive attractions and themed environments. Here’s a sneak peek into the adventures that await:
Gabby’s Dollhouse Hub: This colorful central hub is your go-to launchpad for adventure. With interactive play zones, shady chill-out spots, and a meet-and-greet experience straight out of Gabby’s magical world, it’s a picture-perfect start to your day.
Shrek’s Swamp: Welcome to the muckiest, most magical playground ever. Shrek (with probably a little help from Donkey) built this ogre-sized zone, packing it with interactive fun, quirky surprises, and a whole lot of green.
Puss in Boots’ Del Mar: A whimsical fairground where Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito are throwing the ultimate fiesta. Expect carnival games, rides, a sensory garden, and even a kitty adoption drive—because even heroes need homes!
Jurassic World – Camp Cretaceous: Budding paleontologists, this one’s for you! Explore dinosaur habitats, come face-to-face with prehistoric giants, and learn a thing or two along the way. It’s thrilling, it’s educational, and yes, it’s dino-mite.
SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom: Take a deep dive into the nautical nonsense of Bikini Bottom. From boating school to bubble-filled beaches, you’ll explore SpongeBob’s quirky world and maybe even earn your jellyfishing badge.
Trolls’ Pop Village: This is not your average village—it’s one big, glitter-fueled dance party. With Poppy, Branch, and the whole Trolls crew leading the charge, get ready for music, mayhem, and color overload in the best way possible.
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Minions’ Mischief: What starts as a peaceful island escape quickly turns into pure Minion chaos. Watch as yellow and purple Minions clash in splashy antics and water-filled adventures that’ll have everyone soaked and smiling.
Designers thoughtfully crafted each land to provide an engaging and memorable experience for young guests and their families. Stay tuned for more details as the park’s opening in May 2026 approaches!
Universal Kids Resort Restaurants
While Universal Kids Resort hasn’t released specific details about its dining venues yet, guests can anticipate a variety of themed food and beverage options that align with the park’s immersive lands. From whimsical treats in Gabby’s Dollhouse Hub to festive bites in Puss in Boots’ Del Mar, the resort aims to offer fun and flavorful experiences for the whole family.
Expect character-inspired snacks, interactive dining experiences, and menus designed to delight both kids and adults. As the opening date approaches, Universal will announce more information about specific restaurants and offerings.
Dallas Attractions
When planning your trip to Universal Studios Dallas, you’ll want to explore the vibrant city of Dallas, rich with attractions that the whole family will enjoy:
Hurricane Harbor Arlington: Cool off Texas-style at Hurricane Harbor Arlington (1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington), the ultimate water park adventure packed with wave pools, wild slides, and lazy rivers. It’s a summer must for thrill-seeking families—don’t miss the multi-person raft rides!
Arrive early to grab shaded lounge spots, and consider water shoes for kids to beat the hot pavement. With attractions for all ages, it’s the perfect way to splash into a fun-filled day.
PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth: Step into Peppa’s world at PEPPA PIG Theme Park (8851 Blvd 26, North Richland Hills), where little ones can ride, splash, and giggle through adorable themed attractions. Toddlers approve every corner, from George’s Dinosaur Adventure to the Muddy Puddles splash pad.
It’s stroller-friendly and built for shorter attention spans, so expect lots of snack breaks and character sightings. Pack swimsuits and towels—your kids won’t want to miss the water play zones!
SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium: Dive into underwater wonders at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine), where families can explore a 360° ocean tunnel, touch real sea stars, and meet rescued sea turtles.
It’s a great indoor break from the Texas heat and an educational win for curious kids. The aquarium is stroller-accessible and located inside Grapevine Mills, so you can shop or grab a bite before or after. Book tickets in advance to skip the lines and dive right into the fun!
Universal Kids Resort Hotels and Lodging
For families looking to stay close to the magic, Universal Kids Resort will feature a vibrant, on-site hotel designed with young adventurers in mind.
This five-story, 300-room hotel will serve as both a whimsical retreat and the main entrance to the park, ensuring that the fun begins the moment you check in. With its colorful, character-inspired design, the hotel promises to be an extension of the park’s immersive experience.
While Universal hasn’t revealed specific room themes and amenities yet, guests can expect family-friendly accommodations that carry the resort’s storytelling and playful spirit into every corner of the hotel. From themed suites to interactive play areas, the hotel aims to delight both kids and parents alike.
As the opening date nears, Universal will release more details about reservations, packages, and exclusive perks for hotel guests.
Universal Kids Resort FAQs
What Age Is Universal Frisco For?
Universal Kids Resort is specifically designed for families with young children, targeting guests between roughly 4 and 10 years old. The park's attractions, themed lands, and interactive experiences are tailored to engage and delight children within this age range, offering a more intimate and age-appropriate environment compared to larger Universal parks.
How Big Is the Universal Kids Frisco?
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, is being developed on a 97-acre site. The theme park itself will occupy approximately 30 acres, with the remaining space allocated for a 300-room hotel, parking, and potential future expansions.
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