All photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
One of the biggest challenges Universal had when it announced Universal Kids Resort for Frisco, Texas, in January of 2023 was conveying that it was not a Universal Studios park. With its opening on July 1, part of that stigma remains.
Anyone heading to the new theme park needs to extinguish any notions of an Orlando-esque vacation park. Universal was creating something new. The main mission: design a park for kids ages 3 to 8 using the Universal intellectual properties. And they have done just that. Universal Kids Resort features countless ways for children to play — if they have any energy left. After hours in the park, it would be a miracle. In addition to rides, there are numerous play structures where they can run, climb, crawl, splash and tire themselves out.
A Trolls show is akin to a kindergarten rave. That space and all the restaurants are air-conditioned. Otherwise, the park is exposed to Texas’ heat. However, water playscapes and attractions can cool visitors off too.
Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is a mild ride, making for a good “first” ride for kids.
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For coaster enthusiasts, it won’t be high on lists. Nor was it ever intended to be. Two roller coasters offer “first” coaster experiences. Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express, manufactured by Zierer, is the shortest of the two. A couple of spiraling elements and children are introduced to speedy tummy tickles. For adults, it is easy to accompany them. For enthusiasts, it’s a credit.
Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, manufactured by Mack Rides, is a kid-appropriate thrilling coaster experience.
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Cretaceous Coaster is the longer, faster and more daring of the two in the park.
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The bigger coaster — and a nice one — is Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster. With a mouthful of a moniker, the coaster by Mack Rides is a Youngstar model, but it features enough length, speed and forces to be a solid coaster ride to introduce kids to what thrills await when they grow into larger rides.
Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin is a first for the U.S.; rides are geared to kids ages 3 to 8.
Beyond the coasters, there are a handful of rides that are rather notable. The longest in terms of ride time is most likely Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin. This Ferris-wheel-on-a-column contraption can be found in scattered places in Europe, but it is new for North America. The bottom wheel loads and unloads while the upper wheel continues to rotate. It’s just unusual enough to make it a standout ride.
The park’s raft ride is the most thrilling as it delivers a lot of spinning, bumping and a whirlpool spiral into a tunnel.
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The raft ride, Bello Bay Cruise, is a rare Hafema raft ride, which also offers a long ride. Enthusiasts will dig seeing the whirlpool element. Rafts spiral inward before being sucked into a tunneled drop. It’s really thrilling and probably the most frightening among the offerings at the park because of its unpredictable nature.
In addition to rides, splashpads and play structures are plentiful, as are fun experiences and character meet-and-greets.
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Various flat rides are decorated to their respective areas, and a play structure (wet or dry) can be found in most themed lands of the park.
Making it a resort is the hotel that stretches over the entrance to the park. Guests walk below guest rooms to begin their day. Inside the hotel, the décor is a color overload as if a bag of Skittles or a box of crayons exploded into a cavalcade of squares, ovals and circles. It may be a bit much for adults, but they know it is all about the kids.
Some online reviews of Universal Kids Resort seem unnecessarily harsh, but this stems from preconceived ideas that are generated when the Universal name is at the top. It’s a kids’ park, so it is not going to be executed at an Orlando level. The word “immersive” doesn’t really apply. “Fun” does. Sure, a little more theming could help, but little ones typically don’t judge. Kids enjoying their first park should have a thrilling time. If guests go in with the idea that it is for young children, then all else works itself out.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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