Artist rendering via Universal Kids Resort
Audio By Carbonatix
The long-awaited NBCUniversal theme park in Frisco just got a major update: a new rendering of its map revealed the park’s TV and movie-themed lands.
The seven areas include rides and attractions inspired by Shrek, SpongeBob, Minions, Puss in Boots, Jurassic Park and Trolls, plus something called the “Isle of Curiosity.” Additionally, a 300-room hotel will serve as the park’s entry point.
According to the park’s website, the concept is meant to “inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through play, discovery and imagination in a way that engages the whole family.”
In Shrek’s Swamp, which the park describes as a “waterlogged paradise,” you’ll be able to revisit the titular character’s enchanting love story on Shrek and Fiona’s Happily Ever Ogre ride and make a mess (it’s what he would want) with Shrek’s Splash and Smash. Of course, Shrek and Fiona will also be wandering the swamp for photos and meet-and-greets.
The Shrek cinematic universe doesn’t stop there, though. Puss in Boots also has his own dedicated land — Puss in Boots Del Mar promises “feline fun for everyone,” with festive foods, an interactive play area and Mama Luna’s Puppet Show. There’s also supposed to be a sensory garden to recharge, which is likely to become the dad equivalent of the boyfriend couch. The suave Spanish cat himself will be on hand (paw?) for meet-and-greets, as well.
Over in Jurassic World Adventure Camp, a land of prehistoric play promises the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster and Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin rides. Kids can also explore a sensory garden, dinosaur paddock and scale the netted bridges between the Lookout Towers.
Who lives in a pineapple in… Frisco? Soon to be SpongeBob SquarePants. The goofiest of goobers can join Squidward Tentacles, Patrick Star and our fellow Texan, Sandy Cheeks, for a slate of nautical adventures in Bikini Bottom. Iconic scenes from the show — Mussel Beach, Jellyfish Field and Ms. Puff’s Boating School — will be recreated for what we’re sure can best be described as F-U-N.
The splashy attractions continue over in the Minions’ Bello Bay Club, where yellow minions try to capture their chaotic purple counterparts on water-focused rides.
Austin may have Austin City Limits, but we’ll have TrollsFest. Characters like Queen Poppy and Branch will host singing and dancing parties in between exploring experiences like Poppy’s Playland and the Trolls Critter Crawl. BroZone Cones (which, from our understanding, are vibrant ice cream cones? Forgive us, this one was after our time) will be available for a sweet treat to cool off with.
Finally, the Isle of Curiosity, located near the park’s entry, is set to offer a “playtopia designed for kids to freely roam and play alongside their favorite characters.” Gabby of Gabby’s Dollhouse will be present as part of the welcoming committee — not quite the pink-clad doll we initially assumed, but probably just as fun if you’re a kid.
Universal Kids Resort is expected to open sometime in 2026. We’ll keep you updated.
