Universal Studios is a name known to millions worldwide for its legendary theme parks. In the United States, they operate Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, as well as theme parks in Japan, Beijing, and Singapore. Last year, the company impressed everyone with the incredible attention to detail and scale on display at its newest park in Orlando, Epic Universe.
Now, Universal is preparing to open another theme park—Universal Kids Resort. Scheduled to open on July 1, 2026, this park is unlike any other for one key reason: it's completely kid-focused. From the franchises and attractions featured to small touches like friendly and helpful staff and eye-level signage, Universal Studios hopes families will enjoy their vacations here.
The Direct was invited to Frisco, Texas, home of Universal Kids Resort, to get a sneak preview of the theme park ahead of its official grand opening.
Wreak havoc with Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
Sowing chaos under the sun
The "Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club" zone was perhaps the most themed of all the zones at Universal Kids Resort, and it was clear someone had a lot of fun planning all the hilarious antics guests would witness. Dozens of life-size minion statues were installed there, depicting a variety of wacky scenarios, mostly centered on the rivalry between the yellow and purple minions.
The main attraction at Bello Bay Club is the Bello Bay Cruise, a rafting experience that puts participants right in the middle of a battle between yellow and purple minions on all sides. Another attraction at the same park is the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby, a minion-themed ride that sends golf games spiraling out of control—a classic children's ride with spinning elements.
For food, visitors can stop by the Boutique and Bites shop, which also sells souvenirs. The selection includes treats like pineapple and grape smoothies, banana-grape popcorn, and a macaroni and cheese cone.
The area contains several playgrounds for children, similar to those you might see in a water park, with fountains and water attractions.
Visit Shrek's swamp to hear a fairy tale story.
Are you religious?
The main attraction of Shrek's Swamp is the "Shrek & Fiona: Happy Ending Dive" ride. This ride takes visitors on a Shrek-themed ride along a track featuring various images illustrating key moments from the films, while a voiceover quickly recounts the origins of Shrek and Fiona.
Kids will be thrilled to know they can meet Fiona and Shrek in person and have the chance to interact with them they've always dreamed of.
Then there are two play areas. The first is "Shrek's Swamp Splash," an interactive dry play area for those who don't want to worry about drying off. And for those who miss getting splashed with water, there's "Shrek's Swamp Splash & Crash," a children's play area that lives up to its name—where you can get completely drenched thanks to a bucket of water that slowly fills and spills onto those below every few minutes.
If you're feeling hungry, be sure to stop by Swamp Snacks, where you can pick up a Shrek-shaped pretzel or Donkey's Cookies 'n' Cream Waffle.
Stop by Puss In Boots' Del Mar and order the Tres Leches dessert.
The area is filled with fun Spanish motifs and colorful art.
The first thing you'll notice upon entering Del Mar are the cute images of Puss in Boots and his friends on various buildings and signs. The Spanish theme is evident and can be seen throughout the area, and carnival games add a touch of flair.
The first thing visitors notice is the "Swings Over Del Mar," a typical carousel with swinging seats. The colors and design of the ride itself are very vibrant and will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention. For show-seekers, there's a large stage where parkgoers are treated to a fun puppet show called "The Day Mama Luna Adopts a Kitty.".
The main place to eat was the Mexican restaurant Comidas y Leche, which served dishes like the Humpty Dumpty chicken quesadilla, elotes, tres leches, and the sweet drink "Shoemaker's Candy." Next door was the candy store Tienda del Dulces, where you could find even more sweets if tres leches wasn't enough.
Meet the raptor in Jurassic Park.
Welcome to Jurassic World!
It wouldn't be a Universal park without a visit to Jurassic Park. One of the main attractions of Jurassic World: Adventure Camp is the chance to meet Tango, a baby raptor whose trainer will tell you all about him and maybe even let you pet him.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp features a small roller coaster called the Cretaceous Coaster, where visitors must find the missing dinosaur Bumpy.
There are two other rides in the area, including the Pteranodrop (a gentle drop ride) and Mr. DNA's Double-Helix Spin, an interesting combination of a teacup ride and a Ferris wheel.
There are also regular playgrounds, some of which are themed after dinosaurs, like a stegosaurus. Furthermore, there's the park's largest playground, where you can climb rope structures high in the sky.
For a snack, adventurers can take a break from the sun in the Jurassic Park dining room and enjoy Mego's Dinosaur Nuggets, an empanada hot dog, a Meat Bowl, a Chicken Bowl, or a berry refresher.
Visit Goofy Goobers in Bikini Bottom.
Revived weirdos and idiots
SpongeBob SquarePants is a staple of everyone's childhood, so it's no surprise that Bikini Bottom is a popular destination at Universal Kids Resort.
The first attraction you'll likely see is the "Jellyfish Fields Jamboree"—a floating, rotating ride that simulates jellyfishing with SpongeBob himself. Then there's the "Barnacle Bus," where kids ride the aforementioned bus as it curves back and forth (like a simplified version of a circus pirate ship).
Then there's "Bouncing Barrels," another spinning ride where everyone can shoot each other with water guns alongside giant versions of Patrick and Sandy. Finally, there's "Mrs. Puff's Boating School," another spinning ride that also goes up in the air.
There are two play areas here: Mussel Beach and Pineapple Paradise, and, surprisingly, both will leave you soaking wet.
Bikini Bottom also has a character meet-and-greet area where you can interact with SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward, and Sandy Cheeks.
The park has recreated the iconic Goofy Goober's cafe, which offered treats such as the Triple Berry Gooberberry Sundae, Double Chocolate Molar Blast, Mr. Razzleberry Sundae, Pineapple Soda, Goofy Gooburger, Chum Bucket Chicken Nuggets, and the Aye Aye Chicken Sandwich.
Trollfest Party with Poppy!
Have you always dreamed of becoming one with the glitter?
TrollsFest is the second themed area, offering a kid-friendly roller coaster ride where visitors can board an armadillo bus and ride around the area with Branch and Poppy.
Spinning rides are all the rage right now, and TrollsFest offers another one: Hair in the Clouds, a hot air balloon ride that takes passengers skyward in a spinning circle.
At Trolls Eatz, visitors can enjoy a variety of treats, including Poppy cake, Queen Barb's red velvet Rock 'n' Roll cookies, and Lonesome Flats cavatappi Alfredo sauce. Soft-serve ice cream is also available at BroZone Cones.
TrollsFest features another character encounter with Poppy and her friends, as well as a dance show featuring King Trollex. Like Puss in Boots, TrollsFest also features its own stage show, the "Trolls Concert Countdown.".