A New Destination is Coming For Central Florida’s Crown

For decades, Central Florida was the theme park capital of North America. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando attract millions of visitors to the Sunshine State, sparked by the attractions and to escape the nasty northern weather.

Related: While Disney Dwadles, Universal Announces Opening Date for Another New Theme Park

Both Universal Studios Orlando and Disney World are bringing major new attractions to Central Florida to keep visitors coming. Walt Disney World announced dozens of new attractions for the park, while Universal Orlando has Epic Universe coming next week.

However, while these two theme park giants fight for supremacy in the Florida sunshine, they ignore a consumer trend that could hurt their business model.

With rising inflation and the cost of everyday goods, guests are choosing regional theme parks that don’t require a plane ticket or a hotel room. Instead, they can visit these same parks multiple times during summer with a short car ride.

Universal Parks has recognized this changing trend, while Disney continues to hold onto its two American parks in Florida and Southern California. However, a new theme park capital has emerged over the past few years with this new regional trend.

North Texas is now leading the way in new park construction, with two new family-themed parks opening in the next few years, in addition to Six Flags Over Texas, which has been a North Texas staple since 1961.

The Universal Kids Resort, a new type of resort catering specifically to young children and their families, will be located in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas. Much like the work that continues at Universal Epic Universe, the Universal Kids Resort has an opening date, and it’s ahead of schedule. Rumors started floating that the Universal Kids Park will open in Frisco, Texas, on May 15, 2026.

Universal Kids Resort construction should be complete by May 15, 2026. Most area schools will go on summer break the following week. https://t.co/CeALZiCnER

— Diservations (@diservations) May 3, 2024

Meanwhile, a new Peppa Pig theme park will open in North Richlands Hills, Texas, northeast of Fort Worth. It was initially scheduled to open later this year but has been delayed to 2025.

These two new parks will join Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, close to where the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers play.

Unlike their counterparts in Central Florida, these three theme parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities combined with year-round professional sports and the attractions of Dallas. There is also a massive amount of space for other theme parks, entertainment complexes, and dining options.

So, while Disney World and Universal fight for Central Florida, Universal already has its foot in the door in America’s newest theme park hot spot.

What do you think of Texas as America’s latest theme park hot spot?