Universal Kids Resort: A Comprehensive Guide to Texas' New Family Theme Park
Universal's newest family-centric theme park, Universal Kids Resort, is poised to welcome guests in Frisco, Texas, starting July 1. This vibrant destination promises an explosion of color and excitement, rivaling even the boisterous language of the Minions from the Despicable Me franchise. With a multitude of activities and attractions, planning your visit to this family-focused resort requires careful consideration, especially when determining the best experiences for various age groups.
During an exclusive preview before its grand opening, Entertainment Weekly had the opportunity to explore the park and its on-site hotel. Molly Murphy and Brian Robinson, Universal Creative leaders, shared insights into the park's design philosophy, emphasizing its primary target audience of children aged 3-8 and their families. However, they also highlighted the abundance of engaging activities for adults, ensuring a delightful experience for all. The resort features captivating lands inspired by popular franchises like Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Shrek, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Despicable Me. Robinson articulated the core concept: "We kept coming back to the words 'unbridled creativity.' Children express themselves so freely, without limits. When you design with that mindset, you provide them with countless avenues for self-expression, which we hope visitors will feel throughout the park." Murphy echoed this sentiment, expressing their hope that "everyone who comes here finds the kid in themselves." As the opening date approaches, this comprehensive guide offers an in-depth look at all the rides, attractions, dining options, pricing details, and age recommendations within Universal Kids Resort.
Universal Kids Resort offers various ticket and accommodation options to suit every family's needs. Vacation packages combine hotel stays with day-based admission, and annual passes are also available, including options with parking. Day tickets start at $54.99, with two-day passes beginning at $73.99. Guests can also opt for packages that include a refillable souvenir cup. Silver annual passes are priced from $129.99, with a parking-inclusive option at $164.99, though these passes come with blockout dates. A significant perk for hotel guests is early park admission, allowing them to enter the resort up to an hour before the general public. The resort's hotel provides several room configurations, many featuring bunk beds and colorful interiors that reflect the park's thematic vibrancy. The Curiosity Café, the hotel's sole dining establishment, offers a diverse menu including chicken sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, and vegetable curry, alongside Starbucks beverages and unique Universal Kids Resort-exclusive soda flavors. While the café provides a full-service bar for adults, a notable omission is the lack of gluten-free bread and pizza crust, a feature commonly found at other Universal parks and one that visitors hope will be introduced in the future. The hotel also boasts a moderately sized pool with an intriguing feature: underwater speakers, allowing guests to experience the music even while submerged. For adults seeking more than just poolside relaxation, a well-equipped gym is available to maintain fitness routines before or after a day of park adventures. The hotel bar, located next to the Curiosity Café, serves a colorful array of creatively named cocktails, alongside a selection of liquors, wines, and beers. Adults can enjoy their beverages by the hotel pool, provided they use plastic cups. The park itself also features additional carts offering alcoholic drinks, ensuring refreshments are readily available throughout the resort.
Universal Kids Resort promises an unforgettable experience where imagination takes flight, fostering a sense of joy and wonder in every visitor. The thoughtful design, diverse attractions, and welcoming atmosphere encourage families to connect, create lasting memories, and embrace the magic of childhood, inspiring a positive outlook and encouraging boundless creativity in all who step through its gates.
