Universal Kids Resort - Frisco, Texas

[Jerroddragon]

I mean for me why I support something like a Movie, video game or event is to give them money and be like please make more products like this

If people here think this is the best Universal can do for a kids park then spread the word and support it, but I would not be interested in seeing more of this level of park. I think kids, families and theme park fans just deserve better

Like I could live with it being more like the art but even then look at how the hotel got downgraded and the final product. It's just not that well designed for anyone.


Lastly on the fact this for Kids and can't judge that's for me just a lazy excuse, I watch Bluely with no kids and love it, its because its a well done show that little kids love but so can adults. I like the Gabby Dollhouse film and Dogman but these were not made for "me" in mind either because both are well crafted and you can tell love was put into them to make them fun expediences

I've seen videos of this place and its just lacking in soooo many ways, I hope they improve it but as it is right now I just don't get why people want to defend this place like its the best or feels like any love went into this. Also as someone who just went to Dallas there is not a lack of things to do for as cheap if not cheaper with more of a value to them. But I think whether or not you compare this to other parks it just misses the mark

 

[Brian G.]

If people here think this is the best Universal can do for a kids park

Jerrod, this hasn't been part of the conversation... at all...

 

[Jerroddragon]

Jerrod, this hasn't been part of the conversation... at all...

I said IF people think this is the best, please defend this, support it and spread the world on why this is a great product.

The main point is is this what we want Universal to keep investing in, parks like these I'm saying I don't want them to if this is the effort they are going to put in them and why I'm not the "key demo". I'll do to any theme park and can enjoy it especially when I see passion, or creative ways they work around what they have.

This is the conversation, I want to have is is this a good product and from all I can see its just lacking, and needs lots of love to get to where it needs to be for the prices on higher end days especially

 

[Brian G.]

I said IF people think this is the best, please defend this, support it and spread the world on why this is a great product.

The main point is is this what we want Universal to keep investing in, parks like these I'm saying I don't want them to if this is the effort they are going to put in them and why I'm not the "key demo". I'll do to any theme park and can enjoy it especially when I see passion, or creative ways they work around what they have.

This is the conversation, I want to have is is this a good product and from all I can see its just lacking, and needs lots of love to get to where it needs to be for the prices on higher end days especially

Right, Jerrod. I feel like you're arguing against a position that hardly anyone is taking.

Honestly, I don't think everyone's opinions are that far apart. Most people agree there are shortcomings. We just don't all agree on which ones matter the most.

That's why I keep saying the bones are good. Whether that's enough for you right now is where people start to split.

It almost feels like the pitchforks are out to the point where if you're not just as mad as everyone else, people assume you're defending the park.

Personally, I'd rather criticize what's actually in front of us than invent reasons to be even more upset. There's already enough to talk about without creating a narrative.

 

[Andysol]

Genuinely asking: has there been any coverage from local TX folks? I know I saw Local News there, but I obviously am in the dark for who reps the TX blogger bubble.

Others answered already, but as they said- just mom bloggers. I know @PurpleFrog keeps her ears in that circle much more than me. But that’s what I’ve generally seen from the universal kids Facebook pages. Which allow for much more “spin” to be made for any of the reviews as it’s a more personal setting vs vloggers just yapping into a camera.

Opening it up to any national exposure wasn’t wise, in hindsight. It would still get plenty of knocks on the forums, but not nearly to the extent it did on the socials where non-theme park vloggers have jumped on the bandwagon for the clicks and audience expansion.

Guys like @Diservations are clearly going to have some bias towards liking it just like I have, as we’ve watched it go up from day one and folks that followed his content religiously will feel the same just due to excitement. And considering he’s feet on the ground; I’m looking forward to what universal may or may not do prior to July 1. Because I think they’re still going to be working on it; particularly this winter with the long seasonal closure.

 

[devinp267]

I can’t believe people are freaking out over this, I NEVER checked this thread because I knew what it was going to be, I think you can call this the EPIC effect, that is where people’s expectations are stemming from and all it took was research to manage them

 

[Jake S]

I can’t believe people are freaking out over this, I NEVER checked this thread because I knew what it was going to be, I think you can call this the EPIC effect, that is where people’s expectations are stemming from and all it took was research to manage them

I don’t know if anyone is freaking out, at least not in this thread. But uh, if your expectations were always “this is going to be crummy and budget cut halfway to hell,” congratulations?

 

[devinp267]

I don’t know if anyone is freaking out, at least not in this thread. But uh, if your expectations were always “this is going to be crummy and budget cut halfway to hell,” congratulations?

Don’t project your opinions on me please, Thanks

 

[Andysol]

Had a friend that just went to the preview. Grandma (a young 60), her son and DIL and their 3 kids (4, 2, infant).

Oldest was tall enough for JW coaster, middle tall enough for Trolls.

The exact demo they want- good money, young family, local in Prosper (just north of Frisco), buys souvenirs and freestyle cups, etc.

Had been to disney and universal both before a couple times (kids haven’t)- but they are by no means theme park aficionados.

Here is the review from a non-theme park normie grandma:

Asher is a huge rollercoaster fan!! Leo was not quite tall enough for the Jurassic blue one - which he was not happy about. It was a perfect day, hot, but had a little bit of a breeze. The splash areas were very fun. They did not want to leave.

Only negative, was it took them 40 mins to serve our lunch. We ordered a hot dog, Mac n cheese and 3 chicken bowls. I honestly think they lost our order. Still have some pre-opening issues at Jurassic canteen. But, food was good and hot when it finally came out. Other than that, it was a great day!
I asked about the theming:

Decorations were ok, could have been more 3D than just cutouts. But, for the ages that they are aiming for - it was great. Food was very good when we got it.

And… the most important part-

Asher said it was the best day of his life

—-

ETA- from the dad:

Man it was great!! The kids loved it.

Asher was belly laughing and screaming on the roller coaster! It was freaking awesome man!!! Think it might be one of his first core memories

I asked if he would go back:

Oh we will definitely go back! Moriah already looked into getting us passes but it said sold out.

Asked if he did minions:

We did the minion ride it was a lot of fun. They also have guns that people can shoot water at you as you go under bridges and stuff

We did some random roller coaster at first can’t remember name, then minions ride, then SpongeBob bus, bikini bottom splash pad, Jurassic park 9 times, some “Superman” ride, then Jurassic park again

Both of them specifically mentioned how great the team members were there as well. As in; over the top great.

——

If the kids give a “best day of my life” response, the parents will enjoy it regardless just to see their kids that happy. The sentiment seems to be similar to folks who have taken their kids in moms groups my wife is in as well. I don’t think we’ll be seeing this park on defunctland and instead see another one pop up in Park City or similar.

Never forget we aren’t the general public (for good or bad).

 

[Brian G.]

 

[PurpleFrog]

Was sent a long survey about my experience at UKR previews yesterday. Lots of questions about experience, theming, team members, food, and more. There was even a question about if I experienced “seasonal offerings” which is interesting for the future.

 

[Andysol]

There was even a question about if I experienced “seasonal offerings” which is interesting for the future.

Seasonal offerings, at minimum Halloween and Christmas, is a no brainer if they want to push APs.

Obviously Six Flags does. But does Peppa Pig, Sesame or Legoland?

 

[DOOMBOT]

Seasonal offerings, at minimum Halloween and Christmas, is a no brainer if they want to push APs.

Obviously Six Flags does. But does Peppa Pig, Sesame or Legoland?

Peppa Pig largely does not do seasonal events, but Legoland practically lives off of them. Not even just the standard Halloween / Holiday season events, but bespoke Spring / Summer events like Ninjago or Pirate Months, as well as plenty of additional Holidays like 4th of July, Kids New Years Eve, etc.

Less familiar with Sesame Place, but I do know they consistently have seasonal shows, M&G character outfits, and other offerings unique for Summer, Halloween, and Holidays.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

We did some random roller coaster at first can’t remember name,

I think this statement is honestly perfect to encapsulate the difference between the general public and the online theme park community lol

 

[Brian G.]

I'm sure we'll see the Halloween Minions we've been seeing at USH, or the Holiday get-up for Shrek & Friends, like the Holiday Parade at UO.

 

[PurpleFrog]

They should call it Halloween Haunt Nights haha HHN but not so scary

 

[Grabnar]

This is actually very cute and well done, I like these a lot.