First Look at Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas — 7 Lands, 1 Park Built for Young Families

The author visited as an invited guest of Universal Kids Resort. All opinions are the author’s own, and Universal Kids Resort had no input in any part of this review.

Universal has built a lot of theme parks, but never one quite like this.

Universal Kids Resort was designed from the ground up for young children. From eye-level signage to immersive attractions and family-friendly dining, Universal is inviting a younger generation to enjoy thrills built just for them in Frisco, Texas.

After years of only seeing artist renderings, Upgraded Points was invited to an exclusive media event to get a first look at the park before it opens on July 1, 2026.

As someone who covers theme parks, I was excited, but my expectations were tempered since I am slightly older than the target market. But I’ll be honest, I had a lot of fun (and so did the kids I was with), and I think this is a great option for families.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Isle of Curiosity

Universal Kids Resort guests enter the Isle of Curiosity, featuring DreamWorks’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” to begin their day.

This is the park’s entry hub and the beginning and end of the big loop around the park. Guests will find a themed cafe, some shaded seating areas, a gift shop, and some meet-and-greet opportunities.

It’s a good place to grab some snacks and souvenirs as you make your way in and out of the park, but most guests will speed right through here.

Hot Tip:

The gift shop has some of the best air conditioning in the park, which will certainly be needed on hot Texas afternoons.

DreamWorks’ TrollsFest

Guests who choose to go left after passing through the Isle of Curiosity will immediately enter DreamWorks’ TrollsFest.

Here, guests will find a glitter-filled party that continues throughout the land. To get in the mood, get a Trolls makeover at the Trollify-Me! experience and then catch a show at King Trollex Dance Party or Trolltastic: Concert Countdown.

To keep the spirits high, stop by BroZone Cones for a pink lemonade ice cream and then hop on some rides.

There are 2 rides in this land, Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express and Hair in the Clouds. Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is a very quick (think 30 seconds) mini rollercoaster, but it was actually quite fun and reminded me of the Flight of the Hippogriff over in Orlando.

Hair in the Clouds is a cute ride that floats you up and gives great views of the park, while also allowing you to spin — if you want. And for the smaller visitors, there are 2 interactive play areas to check out.

Shrek’s Swamp

Continuing on the loop around the park, the next stop will be at DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp.

Younger guests will be able to meet Shrek and Fiona, cool off at Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stromp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, and grab some snacks.

For most adults, the snacks will be the highlight of this land.

The main attraction is Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, where kids can “drive” through the love story of their favorite ogres.

Hot Tip:

This is a very slow, exposed ride. On hot days, be prepared to be in the direct sun for the majority of the ride.

Puss in Boots Del Mar

After making your way through the swamp, you will find yourself in the village of Del Mar.

Full of vibrant colors and festive foods, this land is well-themed and offers solid food and attractions.

For those bigger kids looking for a thrill, they will finally find one at Swings Over Del Mar. With a minimum height requirement of 42 inches (the tallest requirement in the park), this ride gives a genuine rush as you fly high over the village and get sweeping views of the park.

Parents and kids alike will enjoy this one.

Jurassic World Adventure Camp

Parents who are fans of VelociCoaster in Orlando, it will soon be time to introduce your kids to their step-up coaster in Jurassic World Adventure Camp.

This area has tons to do, including the Jurassic World Lookout Towers play area, meeting baby dinosaurs, doing some shopping, and grabbing a solid meal at Jurassic World Canteen.

For rides, Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin is a cute ride that twists and turns guests up and down, offering great views of the park. Don’t worry, you can control how much it spins.

The Pterandodrop will get the butterflies going, but in a good way. Bouncing up and down with adults and kids alike, giggling the entire time.

And finally, Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster. This coaster is much calmer than its sibling at Universal Islands of Adventure, but it is the most “extreme” ride in the park — fun for all ages.

If you need a break from all the stimulation, head to the back left of the park near Jurassic World and look for the Sensory Garden.

This little slice of nature is surprisingly isolated from the rest of the park and can give guests a much-needed respite.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom

Heading into the final stretch of the loop around Universal Kids Resort, you will find yourself in Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom.

With tropical music playing and plenty of rides and water activities, this land automatically puts you in a good mood.

Whether riding the Barnacle Bus, getting soaked in the Bobbing Barrels, or spinning around Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, parents and kids will have plenty to do in this land.

Hot Tip:

Stop by Goofy Goober’s for an ice cream sundae.

Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club

A Universal park designed for kids wouldn’t be complete without some Minions causing havoc.

Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club is the place to be, especially if you are looking for some banana-flavored popcorn or a mac-and-cheese cone.

For rides, the star of the land is the Bello Bay Cruise. This water ride is guaranteed to get you wet, either from the splashes or from the fellow guests shooting water guns from above. The boat itself has a pretty cool flex design, so it’s not as rough as some similar water rides.

In addition, there is a splash pad and the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby, which many guests compared to Alien Swirling Saucers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not a terrible comparison.

Visiting Universal Kids Resort

Universal Kids Resort opens on July 1, 2026, and tickets are now on sale.

Tickets include 1-Day and 2-Day General Admission tickets starting at $54.99 per person, plus tax. Children under 2 are free, but all other guests pay the same admission price (there is no discount for children).

Guests can opt to stay on-site at the brand-new 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel, which is steps from the main entrance and includes Early Park Admission 1 hour before the park opens, for about $300 per night.

Hot Tip:

Get a sneak peek inside my room at Universal Kids Resort Hotel! Click here.

Final Thoughts

Universal didn’t create a park trying to compete with Epic Universe. It created a theme park specifically for kids, full of age-appropriate rides and splash areas, which are very much needed in a hot park with limited shade.

Sharon Parker, director of marketing and sales at Universal Kids Resort, said it best when she described the park’s design philosophy: “It’s about being intentional on focusing from the kids’ point of view … the ability to look at it from their lens and allow that creativity to pour out into what you see in the park.”

If you have little ones in your family, add this park to your list.