If you’ve been keeping an eye on Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, things are moving fast. Every update makes the resort feel more “real,” and this month we’ve got some big highlights—everything from hotel murals and pool progress to major ride installations across the park’s IP-themed lands. With opening day just months away, the excitement is building.
To really get a feel for how far things have come, check out the latest construction video from Theme Park HD right here:
Hotel and Entrance Progress
Driving along the Dallas North Tollway, you can’t miss the east wing of the resort hotel. Fresh paint is already adding bold pops of color, and once the main entrance gets its finishing touches, this hotel will truly stand out on the skyline.
Reservations will go live before the end of 2025, with the first phase opening at 300 private rooms. Each corner of the hotel will feature large IP-themed murals, acting like giant billboards that can be seen from the road. Around the pool, infrastructure is shaping up with piping in place, though the pool itself is still in excavation mode.
Inside, progress ties into one of the resort’s major kids’ brands—Gabby’s Dollhouse, which is expected to blend retail with an interactive courtyard play space. Think American Girl store, but with DreamWorks’ colorful spin.
SpongeBob SquarePants Area
The SpongeBob land is starting to come alive with several ride installations. Crews are preparing for the Zierer roundabout ride, with anchor points already set. Over at the rock and tug ride, the colored roof panels are in place, and the rest of the ride is waiting in storage.
The dual spin Water Mania attraction is moving along with queue covers going up, while the Zamperla Aerojet ride remains in a holding pattern. It’s a land slowly but surely filling in with family favorites.
Jurassic World Land
Easily one of the most anticipated sections of the park, the Jurassic area has big updates. The Cretaceous Coaster station is under heavy construction, with load platforms and carriage house work underway. Safety fencing and themed landscaping are coming soon—trees of all shapes and sizes are on site.
Another highlight is a large indoor dinosaur attraction, now taking shape, paired with a smaller structure that will host dino meet-and-greets. Meanwhile, the Metabola Emilyn Flying Wheels ride is seeing noticeable improvements to its queue, and the dual Zierer jumping towers now have ride seats delivered, though one tower is still in storage.
Minions Land
Anchoring the Minions land is the Haima Wild Raft, the park’s biggest ride. Construction is focused on the loading and unloading station, where conveyor belts will move massive rafts into the water.
Nearby, the Imperial Demolition Derby dual ride has transitioned from the storage lot to installation, with capacity for nearly 500 riders an hour. Combined with play areas, meet-and-greets, and the overall wacky Minions aesthetic, this area is shaping up to be one of the most fun spots in the resort.
Puss in Boots Land
This land feels like a storybook carnival come to life. Expect cat adoption tie-ins, character greetings, carnival games, and the Flying Carousel Swings, which are now installed and ready to wow.
Food is also a highlight—yes, Universal will bring over fan-favorite snacks from Orlando, including strexels and swamp dogs. The Splash and Mash wet/dry play area is taking shape here too, providing a mix of sensory play and one anchor ride.
Also under construction: the Strike Swamp Cart Speedway, a kid-friendly Zamperla Rail Ride.
Trolls Land
If color is your thing, Trolls Land won’t disappoint. Building exteriors and concession stands are being painted in bright hues, and the Samba Tower 8 ride operator house is complete. The Trollfest Express mini train ride is nearly ready too, just waiting on its roof installation.
Map-Style Breakdown: The Resort at a Glance
To help picture how this all comes together, here’s a quick land-by-land layout of Universal Kids Resort:
- Entrance & Hotel – Colorful resort hotel with Gabby’s Dollhouse retail/play courtyard.
- SpongeBob SquarePants – Roundabout ride, rock & tug, Water Mania, Aerojet ride.
- Jurassic World – Cretaceous Coaster, indoor dinosaur dark ride, flying wheels, jumping towers, dino meet-and-greet.
- Minions Land – Haima Wild Raft (park’s largest ride), demolition derby turntables, play zones, and character areas.
- Puss in Boots – Flying carousel swings, carnival games, snack stands, cat adoption tie-in, Strike Swamp Cart Speedway.
- Trolls Land – Samba Tower, Trollfest Express mini train, concession stands, and vibrant theming.
Think of it like a hub-and-spoke design, with each IP world branching off to immerse families in its own universe.
What’s Opening When: Key Timeline
For fans planning ahead, here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect as we count down to opening day:
- Late 2025 – Hotel reservations open to the public.
- Early 2026 – Ride testing and employee training begins across all lands.
- Spring 2026 – Soft openings and media previews (likely staggered by land).
- Summer 2026 – Grand Opening of Universal Kids Resort, with all lands, rides, and hotel amenities ready for families.
Final Thoughts
It’s wild to think that just months ago, much of this site was storage lots and dirt piles. Now we’re seeing hotel murals, ride installations, and themed lands that are beginning to tell the story of what Universal Kids Resort will be.
With less than a year to go before opening, the pressure is on. Universal is blending its most popular family IPs into a first-of-its-kind destination, and judging by what we’re seeing in Frisco, this is going to be a must-visit resort for families.
Stay tuned—because if this update is any sign, the next few months are going to be packed with even more exciting reveals.