What it is
Universal Kids Resort is the first theme park Universal has built specifically for young children and their families. It opened on July 1, 2026 in Frisco, a city on the northern edge of the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The park covers about 20 acres within a larger site, which makes it far smaller than any of the Orlando parks, and that is deliberate. Distances are short, rides are gentle, and everything is scaled to visitors who are under four feet tall.
It is laid out as a hub with lands around it, in the same way as Epic Universe. A 300-room hotel stands at the park entrance.
The seven lands
Each land is built around a film or television property with a young audience.
| Land | Based on |
|---|---|
| Isle of Curiosity | The central hub, with Gabby's Dollhouse |
| Shrek's Swamp | DreamWorks' Shrek |
| Puss in Boots Del Mar | DreamWorks' Puss in Boots |
| TrollsFest | DreamWorks' Trolls |
| Jurassic World Adventure Camp | Jurassic World |
| SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom | Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants |
| Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club | Illumination's Minions |
Across the lands there are thirteen rides, several large playgrounds, water play, shows and character meet-and-greets. Rides are found in every land except the central Isle of Curiosity. Height requirements are much lower than in Orlando, with some rides open to children from 30 inches, though as at any Universal park each ride has its own rules and smaller children need an adult riding with them.
Tickets
Admission is sold as one-day and two-day general admission tickets, and prices vary by date in the same way as at the other Universal parks. When tickets went on sale the lowest one-day price was $54.99 plus tax, which is well under half the price of a day at an Orlando park. Universal also launched an annual pass with blockout dates, and offers special pricing for some groups, including Frisco residents.
The park is cashless, including for parking, which is sold in regular and premium tiers. Because the park is small and popular with local families, weekends and school holidays are noticeably busier than term-time weekdays, and the date-based ticket prices follow that pattern.
The hotel
Universal Kids Resort Hotel is at the entrance to the park, a short walk from the gate. It has 300 rooms in four types: standard, deluxe and signature queen rooms and family suites. Every room has bunk beds for the children. Signature rooms sleep up to five and family suites up to six.
Rates opened from around $200 a night for a standard room, rising to over $400 for a family suite, and they move with demand like any Universal hotel. RateCoaster tracks the hotel's nightly rate alongside the Orlando hotels. Select the Frisco destination on the hotel calendar to see the next year of prices and to spot the cheaper nights.
Staying on site is a convenience here more than a necessity. Frisco has many ordinary hotels within a short drive, and for a one-day visit by a family that lives in the region, no hotel is needed at all. The on-site hotel earns its price on a two-day visit with small children, where being able to walk back for a nap or a swim changes the day.
How long to stay
One full day is enough for most families to ride what their children want to ride, see a show and spend time in the playgrounds. Two days allows a slower pace, repeat rides, and a morning-and-evening pattern with a hotel break in the middle, which suits children under five.
If you are travelling from outside the region and staying overnight anyway, compare the two-day ticket with two one-day tickets for your dates. Multi-day tickets at Universal parks normally cost less per day.
Frisco or Orlando?
The two are different trips, and the right one depends on the ages in your party.
- All children under about seven: Kids Resort is built for exactly this group. Nearly everything is rideable, and nobody is turned away at a height stick.
- A mix of young children and children over nine: Orlando. The older ones will find Kids Resort too gentle, and the Orlando parks have areas for the younger ones.
- Within a day's drive of Dallas: Kids Resort is an easy weekend that costs a fraction of an Orlando trip.
- Flying either way: the cost gap narrows once flights are included, and Orlando offers several days of parks for the journey.
- Fans of Harry Potter or Nintendo: those lands are only in Orlando and Hollywood.
Many families will do both, a few years apart. Kids Resort works well as a first theme park, and it gives a good idea of how a child copes with queues, noise and a long day before committing to a week in Florida.
Practical notes
North Texas summers are very hot. From June to September, plan for an early start, a long indoor or pool break in the afternoon and a return in the evening. The water play areas are popular, so pack a change of clothes. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit.
As with any new park, details are still settling in its first year. Check Universal Kids Resort's official site for current hours, height requirements and ticket options before you book.
Common questions
When did Universal Kids Resort open?
Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco, Texas, on July 1, 2026.
What ages is Universal Kids Resort for?
It is designed for families with young children, roughly ages three to nine. Rides and play areas are scaled for that group.
How many days do you need at Universal Kids Resort?
One day is enough for most families. Two days suits families with children under five or those travelling from further away.
Does Universal Kids Resort have a hotel?
Yes. Universal Kids Resort Hotel has 300 rooms at the park entrance, each with bunk beds, including family suites that sleep up to six.