A new Universal park in Texas? I know Universal has parks in Orlando, Florida, and Hollywood, California, but Texas?
The answer is yes! Universal Kids Resort recently opened in the growing Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Frisco, Texas. I had the chance to visit on July 10, about a week after the grand opening, and wanted to share my first impressions.
We arrived just after the park opened at 10:00 a.m. The resort is conveniently located right off the Dallas North Tollway, about 20 minutes north of downtown Dallas and around 30 minutes from DFW Airport.
Parking was easy, well-marked, and had plenty of attendants directing traffic. After parking, it was only about a 100-yard walk to the entrance. We passed through security and were inside the park in less than a minute.
Universal Kids Hotel
Right at the entrance sits the colorful Universal Kids Hotel. It looks like a fun option for families visiting the area, with a pool, arcade, and easy access directly into the park. Guests staying at the hotel also get early park admission and can choose from a variety of room types.
Inside the Park
The first thing we noticed was how bright and colorful everything was. The park is divided into themed lands featuring Trolls, Shrek, Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Jurassic World. It follows a classic hub-and-spoke layout, making it easy to find your way around.
Playground with a great shaded option and benches!
The park itself is very flat with wide walkways making it easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs.
Each themed land includes both a playground and a splash pad. The day we visited it was around 100 degrees, so the splash pads were definitely popular! If you're visiting during the warmer months, I'd absolutely recommend bringing swimsuits for the kids.
The playgrounds are covered and shaded, and there are plenty of nearby seating areas where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children. This is a great opportunity for some unstructured free play and maybe a chance to run off some energy after standing in a line!
The Rides
The attractions are clearly designed with younger children in mind especially those between about 2 and 10 years old. We think children older than 10 or 12 may be a little bored here without any thrill rides.
Many of the ride queues include shaded sections which is a huge plus during a Texas summer. The ride vehicles are adorable and fit each theme perfectly.
Most rides are fairly short, probably around 45 to 60 seconds, but that's pretty typical for attractions designed for younger kids. Our favorite was the Minions-themed water ride! You will get wet on this ride! There are water canons placed above the ride, and guests walking by can spray you as you pass.
Characters
SpongeBob Square Pants and Patrick Star meeting guests!
There were lots of character meet-and-greets throughout the park. Each land has a designated area where the characters interact with guests, and photographers are available to capture the moment.
During our visit we saw:
Trolls characters
Minions
SpongeBob and Patrick
Shrek
Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse
If meeting characters is a fun pastime for your family, you’ll enjoy keeping an eye out for your favorites to appear!
Food
The food is definitely geared toward families and younger kids, but we found the prices to be reasonable. Most entrées were between $12 and $15.
Nearly every themed land has its own quick-service restaurant with menu items that match the theme. The dining areas were spacious, colorful, and just as fun as the rest of the park. We loved that the themes carried over to the restaurants!
We also found multiple water fountains and water filling stations—an absolute must in our hot Texas summers! We really appreciated those free water bottle filling stations located near the restrooms throughout the park.
Shade, Landscaping & Other Nice Touches
Before opening, one of the biggest concerns people had was the lack of shade and landscaping.
After visiting, I thought there was actually a decent amount of shade especially around the playgrounds, and in many of the ride queues.
Sensory Garden is great for a respite from all the hustle and bustle of the park.
The landscaping is still young which is expected for a brand-new park. Give it a few months, and I think those areas will really fill in and make the park even more inviting.
One thing we absolutely loved was the background music. The Jurassic World area featured the familiar movie soundtrack while the SpongeBob area played the fun, whimsical music from the television show. Those little details really helped bring each land to life.
Another feature I thought was especially well done was the sensory gardens. These quieter spaces are tucked into different areas of the park and provide a peaceful place for families to take a break from the excitement. This is a great opportunity for children (and adults) who may be overwhelmed by crowds, heat, and noise to take a few moments for some quiet.
Who Is This Park Best For?
Universal Kids Resort is a great fit for families with children between about 2 and 10 years old.
I also think it's an excellent option for families with children who have special needs. The wide walkways, sensory gardens, gentle attractions, and overall relaxed atmosphere make it feel much less overwhelming than a traditional theme park. We also thought the sidewalks were well suited for strollers and wheelchair/scooter users.
If you're expecting a smaller version of Universal Orlando, this isn't it—and that's exactly the point. This park was built specifically for younger children, and I think Universal did a great job creating a place where they can be the stars of the day.
Minions are always up to some mischief.
Is it Worth the Trip?
So, the big question: Is it worth the trip? If you're planning a trip to Texas, are local to the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, or are looking for a fun destination geared toward younger kids within driving distance, Universal Kids Resort is definitely worth considering.
If you'd like help planning your visit to Universal Kids Resort, Universal Orlando, or any other vacation destination, reach out to Upon A Star Travel. We'd love to help you make your next family vacation as easy and stress-free as possible!