First Look at the Universal Kids Resort Lands Concept Art Coming to Frisco, Texas in 2026

Hey Universal Vacationers! If you’ve ever wished Universal would build a park made just for kids, your wish is coming true in Texas. Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially revealed the first look at Universal Kids Resort lands concept art, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting family-friendly projects Universal has ever done.

Opening in Frisco, Texas in 2026, this brand-new resort is built from the ground up for families with young children—offering all the storytelling, creativity, and fun of Universal’s big parks, but perfectly scaled for smaller guests.

What Is Universal Kids Resort?

Universal Kids Resort is the first theme park of its kind from Universal. It’s smaller than Universal Orlando or Hollywood, but it packs the same level of immersion and detail. The focus here is play, imagination, and family connection.

Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, described it best:

“Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create—designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories.”

Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, added:

“We envisioned this park through the unbridled creativity of kids where infinite imagination, curiosity, and free-spirited play were core to our design philosophies. It produced a park that’s pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid.”

That gives you a good sense of the vibe here—this isn’t about high-intensity thrill rides. It’s about getting kids to play, create, and laugh right alongside their families.

The Seven Universal Kids Resort Lands

Universal confirmed that the park will include the seven themed lands announced in February 2026, each centered around popular brands from DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon, and Jurassic World. Here’s what we know so far:

1. Isle of Curiosity

Your adventure starts here. The Isle of Curiosity is the entry land, designed like a giant playground full of color, texture, and whimsy. Kids can meet Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse for a dance party or photo op. It’s the first stop and sets the playful tone for the rest of the park.

2. Shrek’s Swamp

Shrek’s Swamp is exactly what you hope it is—a water-filled, mud-loving zone where kids can meet Shrek and Fiona, snap a photo in the onion carriage, and explore two splashy play areas:

• Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp – for big energy and stomping fun.
• Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash – for cool-off moments on hot days.

The headline ride here, Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, takes guests through the story of how an ogre and a princess fell in love. It’s a mix of humor and heart—classic DreamWorks.

3. Puss in Boots Del Mar

Time for some feline adventure. In Puss in Boots Del Mar, families can meet Puss in Boots, Perrito, and Mama Luna and take part in carnival-style games like Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow. Expect bright colors, Spanish-inspired architecture, and that larger-than-life personality only Puss can deliver.

4. Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club

At Bello Bay Club, Illumination’s Minions take over in their usual chaotic style. This land features a water-soaked competition between Yellow Minions and their Purple counterparts. Kids can jump into the action, help control the mayhem, or simply watch the antics unfold.

There’s also a meet-and-greet with the Minions themselves and interactive zones perfect for little ones to burn off energy. Think of it as the Minion version of a summer pool party.

5. Jurassic World Adventure Camp

This one will be a hit for every dinosaur-obsessed kid. Jurassic World Adventure Camp invites families to meet baby dinosaurs, climb up the Lookout Towers for a bird’s-eye view, and take on two rides:

• Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster – a gentle family coaster with prehistoric thrills.
• Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin – a lighthearted spinning ride featuring the fan-favorite animated mascot.

Kids can learn, explore, and pretend to be junior paleontologists—all within the safety of a Universal-designed environment.

6. TrollsFest

If you’ve got a Trolls soundtrack permanently stuck in your head, this land’s for you. TrollsFest is one giant glitter-filled party featuring characters like Poppy and Branch.

Families can enjoy interactive play zones including:

• Poppy’s Playland – for climbing, sliding, and jumping.
• Trolls Critter Crawl – for little adventurers to explore and laugh through whimsical obstacles.

Expect nonstop music, dancing, and color—a true Trolls celebration.

7. SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom

Get ready for oceans of nautical nonsense at Bikini Bottom, home to SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy Cheeks.

This area includes:

• Mussel Beach – for rest and relaxation between adventures.
• Pineapple Paradise – a splash zone inspired by SpongeBob’s iconic home.

It’s bright, silly, and packed with energy—just like the show.

Universal Kids Resort Hotel

Right next to the park sits the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, a 300-room, on-site hotel that will serve as the gateway into the park. It’s designed for families, with colorful rooms, character-themed décor, and plenty of kid-friendly amenities. Staying here means waking up just steps from the front gate—no long commutes or parking hassles.

Play Without Limits

Universal is putting heavy emphasis on interactive play across the park. There will be team members dedicated to helping kids “play their way”—with sidewalk chalk art, bubble zones, and even water blasters.

Brian Robinson explained it best:

“From blowing bubbles to belly laughs, there will be fun for kids of all ages and interests.”

Universal is also adding sensory gardens throughout the park—spaces designed for calm, relaxation, and sensory exploration. Kids and parents can take a break from the action and connect through touch, sound, and color.

Why Universal Kids Resort Matters

This is Universal’s first regional park built outside their traditional resort markets. Placing it in Frisco, Texas—a booming family community north of Dallas—opens the door for millions of families who may not have the time or budget to travel to Florida or California.

It’s also a big signal of Universal’s long-term plan: smaller, focused destinations that make the Universal experience accessible to more people.

What We Know So Far

What Comes Next

Construction is well underway, and more details—like ticket options, food menus, and ride specs—are expected to roll out through 2025. Universal has already teased that the Universal Kids Resort Hotel will open alongside the park, so families can make it a full weekend getaway.

Expect previews, opening ceremonies, and passholder events as Universal Kids Resort gets closer to launch.

Final Take

This feels like a smart move. The Universal Kids Resort lands blend all the things kids love—color, music, motion, and characters—without overwhelming them. It’s proof Universal can do more than thrill rides; it can build real family magic.

Whether your little one’s a Shrek fan, a budding dino expert, or just loves the Minions, there’s something waiting for them in Frisco in 2026.

Stay tuned—I’ll keep you updated as Universal drops more details about the rides, shows, and hotel perks.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!