The Tom Anstey Column


www.parkworld-online.com


Reshaping the market


Universal's first park designed specifically for families with young children is open, and it’s already changing the game. Tom Anstey explores how Universal Kids Resort has approached this new development and exactly why it matters for major theme park operators worldwide…


U niversal has done it again.


It was just a few months ago that it opened Horror Unleashed, with the new attraction redefining what a horror experience can be. Now it’s done something equally significant for the children’s theme park market. Of course, Universal has always catered to


children. Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando Resort immediately springs to mind. However, across most of its portfolio, adults and teenagers have traditionally been the primary audience. While younger guests can enjoy much of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for example, many of the headline attractions remain geared towards older


visitors. It has been high-spending adults reliving their childhoods who have largely driven Universal's strategy.


But now that changes following the grand opening


of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas - a park designed specifically for young children aged three to eight and their families. Announced three years ago, the resort features


seven themed lands celebrating major family-friendly IP, including Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots and Gabby's Dollhouse.


Complete with a 300-room hotel, the resort represents another strategic shift for Universal, following the launch of Horror Unleashed. Rather than simply expanding its existing destination resorts, the company is now creating purpose-built experiences for clearly defined audiences.


20 SUMMER PART TWO 2026


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