Universal has officially announced the opening date for its highly anticipated new theme park, which will feature immersive lands inspired by beloved franchises such as Shrek, Jurassic World, and the Minions. The Universal Kids Resort, the company's first theme park designed specifically for children, is set to open on July 1, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas.
Seven Themed Lands for Young Adventurers
The park will be divided into seven distinct themed areas, each offering unique attractions and experiences tailored for families with younger children. The lands include DreamWorks' Shrek's Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination's Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks' TrollsFest, DreamWorks' Puss in Boots Del Mar, and the Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks' Gabby's Dollhouse. While the park is primarily aimed at kids, adults are expected to find plenty of entertainment as well.
On-Site Accommodation and Amenities
In addition to the theme park, Universal is opening a new 300-room hotel on the resort grounds. The Universal Kids Resort Hotel will feature multiple restaurants, an outdoor pool, and other family-friendly amenities, though specific details remain under wraps. Tickets and hotel packages are already available for purchase at universalkidsresort.com.
Travel Information for UK Visitors
For British travellers eager to be among the first to explore the new park, the nearest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Airlines including British Airways and Finnair offer direct flights from London Heathrow. According to Skyscanner, return fares in July 2026 start from approximately £393. Visitors can also take advantage of combo ticket deals from providers like AttractionTix and FloridaTix if they plan to visit other attractions such as Walt Disney World.
Future Plans for a UK Theme Park
Universal has also confirmed progress on a proposed theme park in the United Kingdom. The site, located at a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, received government approval last year from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The project is expected to create around 8,000 permanent jobs and 20,000 construction jobs, with an estimated £50 billion boost to the UK economy. Universal has described the park as "unlike anything that exists in the UK," with potential ride heights reaching up to 115 metres, making them among the tallest in Europe. The company has pledged to share further updates on job opportunities and local supplier engagement in the coming months.
