Mickey better watch out: Universal theme parks around the world are in the midst of a period of unprecedented growth. In 2021, Universal Studios Japan opened Super Nintendo World, the world’s first theme park land dedicated to Mario, Luigi and their gang of pals.
The second Super Nintendo World, and the first in the U.S., is set to officially open at Universal Studios Hollywood in March. In Florida, Universal Orlando is building its own version of Super Nintendo World inside an entirely new theme park called Epic Universe, just down the road from its existing properties. You’d think Universal would have its hands full building an entirely new theme park in Central Florida and opening all those other things. You’d be wrong.
Universal Parks & Resorts announced Jan. 11 that it plans to also build an all-new park in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The proposed park will be “specifically designed for families with young children,” according to a press release.
Universal shared in the press release that the park “will be full of family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise and fun food and beverage venues.” Universal also has plans for a themed hotel adjacent to the park.
Universal’s focus on attracting families with younger kids to this new Texas park gives preference to a demographic somewhat excluded from the epic coasters and thrill rides that dominate at Universal’s other parks. Also, geographically, building in Texas means this park sits squarely between its Florida and California park juggernauts.
Concept art released by Universal shows a whimsical design with lush gardens, multiple play areas, a splash pad and a collection of land- and water-based rides that look fun and exciting without being too thrilling for young children.
Universal acquired just less than 100 acres of land to build the proposed park, meaning this family-friendly resort will have a much smaller footprint than Universal’s resorts in Florida and California. Universal Orlando, for example, covers more than 500 acres in Central Florida.
The smaller size adds to the park’s family-friendly nature. Families with young children often can’t (or don’t want to) do morning-to-night, weeklong theme park vacations. Rather, they normally spend half the day at the park and then head back to the hotel for a nap and a swim. This way, they can visit the parks every day without being zonked out.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Jeff Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” Page Thompson, president of new ventures for Universal Parks & Resorts, said in the press release.
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An opening date and more details about the project will be revealed later.
This development continues the trend of Universal making big, bold moves to increase the attendance and visit duration at its existing parks. Now, it’s also ushering in its next generation of superfans with this kid-friendly concept.
From new lands to new hotels and attractions to entirely new theme parks, Universal’s movie-based resorts are poised to be superstars in the world of theme parks.
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