Preview events are now underway at Universal's newest theme park – and reviews are brutal.
Universal has built its reputation on immersive worlds, from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Epic Universe. Its latest project takes a different approach, targeting younger children instead of thrill seekers with a park built around play, character encounters, and family attractions.
Universal Kids Resort opens July 1 in Frisco, Texas. The destination is the first Universal theme park designed entirely for children ages 3 to 8, replacing large roller coasters with interactive experiences, gentle rides, live entertainment, and a 300-room themed hotel.
The resort's seven lands draw from DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon, and Jurassic World. Guests can visit areas inspired by Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Jurassic World.
Preview events began this week, offering media and invited guests an early look before opening day. Instead of focusing on the attractions themselves, many early reactions centered on the park's design.
Concrete, Shade Become Biggest Talking Points
One of the most common complaints from early visitors has been the amount of exposed concrete throughout Universal Kids Resort.
Guests have argued that large sections of the park lack the immersive landscaping typically associated with Universal's theme parks. Photos shared online prompted comparisons to industrial spaces rather than themed environments.
This isn’t concept art.
This is real life.
This is UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT.
This isn’t concept art.
This is real life.
This is UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT. pic.twitter.com/l5bMskS2yd
— Nick Hutson (@NickHutsonMusic) June 19, 2026
One guest posted, “This isn’t concept art. This is real life. This is UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT.”
Another described it as “the world's first combination Amazon fulfillment center theme park.”
Former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull wrote, “3-8 year olds like ‘cute’ and this is not.”
3-8 year olds like ‘cute’ and this is not. #UniversalKids
3-8 year olds like ‘cute’ and this is not. #UniversalKids pic.twitter.com/lxflGJG69o
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) June 19, 2026
Perhaps the harshest comparison came from another visitor, who wrote, “I don't see what the hate is. It's clearly well themed and that theme is a maximum security prison in Texas.”
Theme Park Insider echoed some of those concerns after touring the park.
The publication singled out Puss in Boots Del Mar as the strongest area and said the Jurassic World land was also successful. However, it concluded that “the rest of the park is rather dire” with “barren concrete stretches as far as the eye can see.”
Another guest questioned whether construction had truly finished, posting, “I mean….. surely it’s not done, right?”
Guests Compare New Resort to Epic Universe
Shrek & Fiona's Happily Ogre After has become another frequent target of criticism.
Guests compared the attraction to “the landscaping outside of a McDonald's: The Ride,” “the landscape section of a garden center with cartoon cutouts,” and “a cheap apple orchard attraction that you ride for free.”
One social media user summed up the conversation by writing, “It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time.”
It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time
It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time https://t.co/WpgwZz5coO
— Chris Youngman © (@AlsikkanTV) June 19, 2026
Another major criticism has focused on the lack of shade throughout the park.
Frisco experiences long, hot summers, yet many preview guests said the resort includes relatively few mature trees or covered walkways. Several questioned why more protection from the Texas heat wasn't incorporated, particularly since Universal Kids Resort is expected to close for portions of the colder months.
The criticism has also invited comparisons to Epic Universe, which opened at Universal Orlando Resort in May 2025.
Although Epic Universe has experienced teething issues in terms of operational issues, the park received widespread praise for its detailed environments and landscaping, along with attractions such as Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Many fans have contrasted that level of immersion with what they say is a noticeably plainer design in Frisco.
I’ve only seen brief glimpses today but…. This really is the worst theme park developed by a major company in the modern era right? I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
I’ve only seen brief glimpses today but…. This really is the worst theme park developed by a major company in the modern era right? I can’t believe what I’m seeing. pic.twitter.com/Lw3mZ4C46a
— Mouskegamer 🦕 (@Mouskegamer) June 18, 2026
Universal has positioned the new resort differently from its other parks, emphasizing younger children over blockbuster thrill rides.
On its official website, Universal says the destination will blend “Universal Destinations & Experiences’ iconic brand of entertainment, adventure and fun” to “[bring] to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will just wow the youngest theme park goers in a totally inclusive way.”
Whether first impressions of Universal Kids Resort change once the park welcomes paying guests remains to be seen, but its preview period has already sparked one of the summer's most divisive theme park conversations – and led some to fear what its next park, Universal United Kingdom Resort, will look like.
Do you plan on visiting Universal Kids Resort?
