Universal Kids Resort - Frisco, Texas

[Andysol]

They can’t built indoor rides.

They are allowed to build dark rides. What mayor Cheney said originally was clarified by that same mayor a couple days later.

I fully believe that will be their first expansion - a JW dark ride in between JW and SpongeBob.

Then a water park. Then a new land in between JW and Del Mar.

Regardless of what will come out of this discussion, this is all that matters. I have thoughts on both sides, but my 3 YO is like a kid in a candy store and is having a blast.

So do I argue whether or not I agree with any take on here or relish in the fact in what the park is aiming to do?

If what they were aiming to do was be a successful regional park; as I’ve always said, they’ll do awesome.
I’m glad your kid is having a blast; but more than that, I’m glad you’re getting to see them enjoy it. It really is the best feeling.

But if the goal was to do that AND be a gateway for the parents to be appetized to see what the big de is in Orlando, they maybe should have spent another $100m on that budget…

 

[Amity6]

Even if it’s for kids it’s not up to their standards, it looks a tier below DreamWorks land.

 

[rabbitsmoon]

I wonder if we'll ever see a shift in the summer hours. 8-4 seems like a lot better schedule based on how the weather works around here.

I'm childless and more than once I've suggested an afternoon hangout spot to meet up with friends and their kids, only to be told that outdoor spot is a no-go at that time of day at this time of year.

And don't these kids wake you up at the crack of dawn anyway??

 

[Jake S]

I wonder if we'll ever see a shift in the summer hours. 8-4 seems like a lot better schedule based on how the weather works around here.

I believe they’re restricted here to not open until 10. Agreed, though, my daughter already has me up at 630. I’d rather get out and do this park before the sun has fully risen.

 

[rabbitsmoon]

I believe they’re restricted here to not open until 10. Agreed, though, my daughter already has me up at 630. I’d rather get out and do this park before the sun has fully risen.

Woof!

I'm an Austinite who already has plenty of bias against North Dallas (no offense if you live there-- there are wonderful Texans even our darkest corners). But man, it sounds like the neighborhood busybodies up in Frisco really handicapped Universal in more ways than I understood.

 

[Jake S]

For those interested, I’ve got a handful of videos from today — including this walking tour and the horrible, no good, very bad Shrek ride.

 

[Andysol]

I believe they’re restricted here to not open until 10. Agreed, though, my daughter already has me up at 630. I’d rather get out and do this park before the sun has fully risen.

Correct. Their hours are specifically made to not interfere with traffic. Could that change? For sure. But that was a stipulation to pass city council approval.

 

[BriefCasey]

My biggest disappointment is that the Triple Gooberberry Sunrise is just a plasic holder with a cup of ice cream in it.

I wanna mention that someone pointed out on social media that an actual recreation of this thing would sadly be impractical because it'd quickly melt in the Texas heat, and not to mention people's past recreations of this thing already had it falling apart as it was being finished up.

With that in mind, I can see why they took that approach instead. Though on a semi-unrelated note, I really am surprised they didn't go for putting the Krusty Krab into this park. Wasn't it in the concept art if I'm not mistaken?

 

[AustinT]

A company like Universal has the talent and the resources to create a friendly, welcoming park that kids love that is also aesthetically pleasing, pleasant to visit in the summer, enjoyable for the parents or family accompanying the kid and up to Universal’s standards.

My expectations were low, but holy smokes. Some pictures from some there now look downright depressing. I don't understand the argument from some that "it can be cheap and hideous as long as toddlers enjoy it!" because toddlers aren't deciding whether or not to travel there, aren't paying for things, and aren't going to be taking pictures or telling others about their experience there. This place should at least be aesthetically pleasing to be in for adults so it has positive word of mouth.

I've heard that no indoor ride rule rumor for awhile, but they couldn't even have thrown a canopy or some kid of shade structure over many of these flats? Those seats will be hot as hell baking in the sun all day.

 

[MikePat]

It’s what I’ve heard as well, but have not been able to fully have verified.

With that said, there is nothing inside here. All “attractions” are outdoors, even the shows.

Considering the park doesn't have much shade until the trees grow in, it's probably going to be miserable during Texas summers.

Though on a semi-unrelated note, I really am surprised they didn't go for putting the Krusty Krab into this park. Wasn't it in the concept art if I'm not mistaken?

 

[moth]

They are allowed to build dark rides. What mayor Cheney said originally was clarified by that same mayor a couple days later.

Can you clarify on this point?

 

[captainmoch]

I'm feeling myself getting heat stroke just watching these videos. I don't know how "parks in extraordinarily hot areas not having shade" continues to be an issue in the big '26.

 

[Andysol]

Can you clarify on this point?

Mayor Cheney originally had a list of bullet points right after announcement discussing what the park would have and what it wouldn’t have.

One of the bullets was “no dark rides”. This got all the news. He was asked about it and clarified this statement with “We are working with [Universal], and there will be indoor immersive rides and experiences. This references full dark thrill rides targeting teens and adults.” But everyone ignores that part.

Now obviously “indoor immersive rides and experiences” didn’t happen; but it wasn’t because of what was decided from the city council or mayor. That was Universal’s choice. Which I’m fine with. I think it will be a great and exciting addition. I’m just a little disappointed they didn’t throw a few more dollars towards immersion.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

For a company that designed Kung Fu Panda inside brilliantly in Beijing, it’s truly baffling how none of that design got brought to Orlando and Texas when building their newest parks.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

8-4 seems like a lot better schedule based on how the weather works around here.

8PM to 4AM, right? Right?

 

[UOR92]

8PM to 4AM, right? Right?

Finally. A theme park for introverts

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Finally. A theme park for introverts

More like "when it's dark and no sun".

 

[Andysol]

For a company that designed Kung Fu Panda inside brilliantly in Beijing, it’s truly baffling how none of that design got brought to Orlando and Texas when building their newest parks.

I thought the Kung Fu Panda area was nice but the ride was just ok. And I would have much preferred that budget go to theming.

I’ll say my last little bit about it and use Cakey’s Cupcakes at the front as an example.

The front facade looks great and will be perfect for Instagrammer and influencers angling their camera just right for a good picture. But there is a larger building and door right behind it which is also part of Cakey’s. Obvious. Unthemed. Ugly.

Will a kid care? Not one bit. Will most adults there notice? Nope. Will we notice? Absolutely- and complain obsessively.

But it’s just one of those little things where people say “it was well themed- amazing!” vs “it was cute- the kids loved it”. And that’s the difference between- do we book a trip to Orlando and stay at hard rock? Or do we book a trip to Disney and do a day at universal.

And I think the primary motivation is to be successful on its own. Which it will succeed at. But I don’t believe it will succeed in its secondary purpose of wanting to create excitement and anticipation to visit its Orlando resort.

 

[Hatetofly]

The problem is its main competition is supposed to be parks like Legoland—as it’s not meant to be on the level of a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando theme park—and yet it doesn’t even look as good as Legoland.

Legoland looks like Disney Sea compared to this place. And yeah it’s not supposed to be a destination park but again I believe there will be a certain level of minimum expectations that will be missed due to brand affiliation.

Also fwiw I’ve got 3 kids. 2 of the 3 would have loved this place at the appropriate age. So just to clarify the majority of small children will absolutely love this place and have a ball. But how the parents will be at the price point and overall quality of the product will be something to watch.

 

[Clive]

And I think the primary motivation is to be successful on its own. Which it will succeed at. But I don’t believe it will succeed in its secondary purpose of wanting to create excitement and anticipation to visit its Orlando resort.

I think this is probably true, though I do wonder how the lack of shade will impact word of mouth this summer.