Universal is officially entering its Disney-style family era in a big way. The entertainment giant has finally revealed the opening date for its brand-new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, and honestly, it looks like every Gen Z and millennial childhood dream mashed into one giant theme park. The resort officially opens on July 1, and it’s packed with worlds inspired by some of the biggest animated franchises ever including Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Yes, this is basically chaos for children in the best possible way.
Unlike Universal’s bigger thrill-heavy parks in Orlando and Hollywood, this new destination is specifically designed for younger kids and families. But the attractions still sound massive.
One of the biggest highlights is the Jurassic World Adventure Camp, where visitors can ride the “Cretaceous Coaster,” spin through a DNA-themed ride, climb lookout towers and even come face-to-face with baby raptors.
Meanwhile, Shrek fans can enter Shrek’s Swamp, a giant interactive land featuring water rides, fairy-tale attractions and an “ogre love story” experience based on Shrek and Fiona.
And yes, SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom is becoming real.
The Nickelodeon-themed area recreates famous locations from the cartoon, including Jellyfish Fields, Mrs. Puff’s Boating School and Mussel Beach.
But the true chaos may come from the Minions-themed water attraction called “Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club,” where yellow and purple Minions battle it out in what Universal describes as a completely unpredictable splash-filled experience.
The park will also feature TrollsFest, a glitter-heavy musical world inspired by DreamWorks’ Trolls franchise, complete with dance parties, makeover stations and themed rides.
For parents, Universal is also opening a 300-room Kids Resort Hotel attached to the park, with vacation packages, annual passes and multi-day tickets already on sale.
The new resort marks another huge expansion for Universal after the company launched Epic Universe in Orlando last year and announced plans for a future UK-based theme park near London.
Social media reactions to the new Kids Resort have already exploded online, especially among fans shocked that franchises from Universal, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon and Netflix are all being combined into one destination.
Honestly, the internet is already calling it “the ultimate iPad kid paradise.”