My 10 year old daughter and I had the pleasure of attending a preview of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas before it opened to the public.
This is not a sales pitch from your travel advisor. This is as a practical planning guide filled with the things I noticed, the questions I had, and the details I think families will appreciate knowing before they visit.
⸻
At a Glance
- Standard Parking: $20
- Preferred Parking: $30
- Double stroller rental (only doubles available for rent): $15 per day
- Wagons ARE allowed
- Guests under 2 years old are admitted free.
- Guests staying at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel receive Early Park Admission.
- Professional photos (by Universal team members at character meets and throughout the park) are $14.99 each or $50 for your entire day’s photos (prices subject to change).
- There is currently no Express Pass.
- There are no single rider lines.
- There is currently no official Universal Kids Resort app.
- Guests may leave and re-enter the park the same day with valid admission.
⸻
Who Is Universal Kids Resort For?Universal Kids Resort is exactly what its name suggests: a theme park designed specifically for families with young children. (I know this seems redundant but some initial reviews and big internet feelings in comment sections suggest otherwise)
I think this park is at its best for families with toddlers through elementary-aged children. There are attractions and splash pads designed specifically for little ones, while older elementary-aged kids still have plenty to enjoy between the rides, larger splash areas, interactive play spaces, shows, and character experiences.
My daughter is 10 years old, and our family spends a lot of time at Walt Disney World, she rides all of the large rides there, and she is not a current fan of any of the characters featured at Universal Kids, so our family is not exactly the target audience for this park. Even so, she had a great time and mentioned wanting to return to stay in the hotel sometime soon because the theming looks cute.
The rides are not designed to be thrilling, and that is exactly the point. This park was built for younger guests, and I think it succeeds when you evaluate it through that lens.
If you enjoy visiting larger theme parks as an adult without children, I would set different expectations. Personally, I would not recommend Universal Kids Resort as an adult-only destination at all. The attractions and experiences are intentionally centered around families with young children, and I think that is what makes this park special.
⸻
My Recommended ItineraryCould you see everything in one day? Absolutely.
Would I recommend rushing through it? Probably not.
If I were planning my own trip, I would book a two-night stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel and purchase the 1½-day ticket.
That allows you to check into your hotel, enter the park beginning at 2:00 p.m. on your arrival day, explore the park for the evening, enjoy the resort pool, then spend your second day taking your time through the park. Since the hotel is just steps away, you also have the flexibility to head back for a midday break before returning later in the evening.
Personally, I don't consider this a 'fly to' destination unless you are planning to visit other attractions in the Frisco/Dallas area (and there are a lot of family friendly attractions in the area!)
I think Universal Kids Resort is a great destination for a quick 2-3 day trip for guests within 'road trip' distance. If you don't know me, just know that this is coming from someone who regularly flies to the Orlando area parks myself for 2-3 nights for fun or special events so I am not anti-flight if the destination matches the effort. If this description doesn't make sense, I'm sorry- it does in my head.
Now Lets Get to the Actual Tips:
⸻
ParkingStandard parking costs
$20, while Preferred Parking costs
$30.
After visiting, I personally do not think Preferred Parking is necessary for most guests. The parking lot is compact enough that I would save the extra $10 and choose standard parking.
⸻
SecurityEvery guest passes through a security checkpoint before entering the park.
Bags are screened using airport-style scanners before guests walk through security screening/metal detectors. I also noticed security personnel throughout the park, and the entry process was efficient during my visit.
⸻
Staying ComfortableOne thing that genuinely surprised me because of initial reviews stating otherwise was the amount of shade throughout the park. There are plenty of shaded areas to help families cool off during hot Texas afternoons.
If you purchase a refillable souvenir mug, refill stations are conveniently located all throughout the park. If you bring your own reusable water bottle, you can also fill it with complimentary water at those stations.
If you are visiting during the summer, keep in mind that extreme heat can cause phones and even portable chargers to overheat. Mine stopped charging until everything cooled down, so it is something worth planning for if you expect to take a lot of photos or videos.
⸻
Professional Photos
Universal photographers are located throughout the park.
If you would like professional photos, pick up a Photo Card and have it scanned at each photographer location throughout the day. Before leaving, stop by Gabby’s Playhouse to review your photos and decide whether you would like to purchase them.
Current pricing (subject to change):
- Individual photos: $14.99 each
- Entire day’s photos: $50
⸻
Ride InformationGood to Know Before You Ride
- Every rider must occupy their own seat. Lap sitting is not permitted on any attraction.
- Children below the listed Independent Rider Height must ride with a supervising companion.
- Most attractions allow children as young as 36 inches (some as short as 30 inches and 1-2 with no height requirement) to ride.
- Several attractions include advisory signage indicating that guests with certain body types or taller statures may not fit comfortably within the ride restraints.
- I noticed very few test seats throughout the park.
- Modified seating is available on Pteranodon Drop and designated seating within Jurassic World Adventure Camp.
⸻
Ride Guide
-Trolls Fest-
Rhonda’s Trolls Fest ExpressA short, family-friendly roller coaster that is a great first coaster for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Hair in the CloudsA gentle balloon ride where guests slowly spin while floating high above the park, offering some surprisingly great views.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Shrek’s Swamp-
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ever Ogre AfterA slow-moving family ride that takes guests on a fun journey through Shrek’s world.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: 30 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Puss in BootsSwinging Fiesta Over Del MarA classic spinning swing ride that gently lifts guests into the air while offering views across the land.
Thrill Level: Moderate
- Minimum Height: 42 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
-Jurassic World Adventure-
Cretaceous CoasterThe most thrilling attraction in the park while still being a very approachable family coaster.
Thrill Level: Most Thrilling
- Minimum Height: 39 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mr. DNA’s Double Helix SpinA unique family attraction featuring rotating gondolas that travel around a vertical track while gently spinning, giving riders elevated views of the park.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: None
- Independent Rider Height: 53 inches
Pteranodon DropA family-friendly drop tower that provides gentle thrills for younger riders.
Thrill Level: Moderate
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
- Modified seating available
⸻
-SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom-
Jellyfish JamboreeA gentle aerial ride where guests control how high their jellyfish floats while circling overhead.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: None
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Barnacle BusA family ride that swings back and forth while gently rotating. It offers just enough movement to feel exciting for younger children without being overly intense.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: 30 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bobbing BarrelsA spinning water attraction where both riders and guests standing nearby can spray each other with water. Expect to get wet whether you are riding or simply watching.
Thrill Level: Moderate
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Mrs. Puff’s Boating SchoolA gentle family ride that glides along in a circle while bobbing up and down to simulate riding over ocean waves.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Maximum Height: 77 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
MinionsBello Bay CruiseA family raft ride that will leave most guests completely soaked. If you would rather not spend the rest of your day wet, consider saving this attraction until later in your visit.
Thrill Level: Moderate
- Minimum Height: 40 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
Bello Bay Golf Cart DerbyColorful golf carts weave around the course while each vehicle spins independently, creating the illusion that you are dodging the other drivers. It is a fun, whimsical ride that the whole family can enjoy.
Thrill Level: Gentle
- Minimum Height: 36 inches
- Independent Rider Height: 48 inches
⸻
Things That Surprised Me
- There is so much more shade throughout the park than I expected.
- The park is much more compact in person than I anticipated. It is very easy to navigate but each land still feels a pretty spacious
- Bello Bay Cruise will absolutely leave you soaked.
- Speaking of water- watch your eyes when riding Bobbing Barrels! Guests standing outside the ride can shoot you with water (you get to shoot them also!) and the water cannons shoot directly into some guests faces. I saw a lot of guests spending most of the ride covering their eyes instead of being able to just enjoy the ride
- Complimentary water is very easy to find throughout the park.
- The ride restraint signage surprised me, I did expect this park to be more size inclusive considering families will be riding most rides together.
- The park *truly* feels designed around younger families, and I mean that as a compliment. Even the toilets have special seats for young children! Please don't fully trust the initial reviews from anyone who visited a media day without children- this park has to be experienced through the eyes of a little one to appreciate it and every single family we came across was having fun
⸻
Final ThoughtsUniversal Kids Resort is not trying to be Universal Orlando, and I do not think it should be judged as though it is.
Instead, it succeeds by creating a destination where younger children are the focus. If your family has toddlers or elementary-aged kids, I think you will find plenty to enjoy here.
The best advice I will give is to slow down, embrace the pace, and enjoy it for exactly what it was designed to be:
a theme park created with kids at the center of the experience. My name is Chali Francis, I am an Oklahoma based travel advisor with Vincent Vacations who specializes Disney and Universal destinations. If you are considering a trip and would like someone in your corner to help you decide the best options for your destination tailored to *your* family- reach out! I would love to help!
.jpg){kind=logo}
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
Screenshot[/caption]
