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 May 2026.
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 Concept art | |
| Location | Universal Kids Resort, Frisco, Texas, United States |
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| Coordinates | 33°11′33″N 96°49′59″W / 33.192469°N 96.833137°W |
| Status | Under construction |
| Opens | May 2026 |
| Owner | NBCUniversal (Comcast) |
| Operated by | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Theme | Universal entertainment |
| Area | 32-acre (13 ha) |
| Website | Official website |
History
editOn 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] In November 2024, the park was estimated to open in May 2026, in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will occur in the region.[14]
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "Frisco, Texas location Announcement-Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Albanese, Mike (November 7, 2024). "Ruling on potential hotel for Frisco's Universal Kids resort tabled". Star Local Media. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Adatia, Noor (February 9, 2024). "Construction of $550M Universal Kids Resort in Frisco advances with utility contractor". WFAA. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Douty, Samantha (July 19, 2024). "Universal Parkway, Frisco Street projects move toward 2024 completion". Community Impact. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ Reece, Alex (May 16, 2024). "Universal Parkway set to open before 2025". Community Impact. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ Gupta, Aayush (November 26, 2024). "Universal Kids Resort shoots out of ground in Frisco". WFAA. Retrieved November 27, 2024.