Universal Kids Resort Presents IP Characters Moving in Themed Areas
(eap) Following the announcement a few days ago of the planned opening date for the Universal Horror Unleashed attraction in Las Vegas (see EAP News of 20 Feb 2025), Universal Destinations & Experiences (Universal) – a division of Comcast NBCUniversal – has now announced further details about the first Universal Kids Resort, which was announced in early 2023 and is currently under construction in Frisco, Texas. Universal has just shared that the park-resort, designed specifically for families with younger children, will feature several themed areas where guests will meet globally recognized IP characters from the Universal Pictures and Comcast portfolios.
At Universal Kids Resort, future visitors can look forward to meeting characters from Shrek, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse (IPs from DreamWorks Animation), SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon), Minions (Illumination), Jurassic World and Puss in Boots (Universal Pictures), who will be making their way into the themed areas. For example, young guests can meet the daredevil hero Shrek on an adventure playground. In the SpongeBob area, children will have the opportunity to playfully complete a boat license or relax on the beach with friends and family, where they will meet SpongeBob’s friends. And there will also be water fun at Universal Kids Resort with the Minions, who are known for all kinds of surprises and chaos ... Young adventurers can look forward to a Jurassic World where they can encounter dinosaurs in an interactive way. There will also be the “most melodic, most awesome music festival” alongside DreamWorks characters Trolls and an area featuring Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito, the latter of which will feature numerous games, rides and F&B options.
The central hub of Universal Kids Resort will include shaded lawns for relax and play areas, giving children and their families plenty of space to rest and play. A colorful 300-room themed hotel designed specifically for families will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.
Sarah Gibbon, VP & Executive Producer, Universal Creative, says about Universal Kids Resort: “It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together. At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”
“At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters. Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicit wonder with a lush, colorful environment,” promises Dan Cuffe, Vice President and General Manager of Universal Kids Resort, which is scheduled to open its doors in 2026. ■
