The grins of animated legends like Shrek and SpongeBob will soon tower over the Frisco skyline from Universal Kids Resort—but not everyone is smiling.
This week, Frisco’s City Council signed off on an eye-catching set of murals that will transform the upcoming Universal Kids Resort hotel into a towering canvas of color and characters. But behind the playful images of beloved animated stars lies a more serious storyline—one involving zoning laws, community pushback, and the future identity of a rapidly changing Texas suburb.
Is this colorful hotel design the charm offensive Universal needs to cool rising neighborhood tensions?
From Swamps to Sea: Murals Packed With Childhood Icons at This Universal Resort in Texas
According to visuals shared during a recent council meeting, two sides of the hotel will feature custom murals themed to Universal’s upcoming park lands. One face will highlight characters from Shrek and Minions, while the opposite side—facing inward toward the park—will feature SpongeBob SquarePants and Trolls.
Notable figures include:
-
Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots
-
Yellow and Purple Minions (a.k.a. the “Evil” Minion)
-
SpongeBob, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks
-
Poppy and Branch from Trolls
The art isn’t just decorative—it reflects specific themed zones within the park, like “Shrek’s Swamp,” “Minions vs. Minions,” “Bikini Bottom,” and “TrollsFest.”
Council also reviewed updated concept art for the hotel itself, which will be divided into bold color blocks—orange, yellow, green, purple, and pink—with windows in a variety of playful shapes. The design clearly aims to appeal to children and families… but it may be too bold for some.
A Neighborhood on Edge
While the murals may be whimsical, their placement is politically and socially strategic. The hotel’s front entrance will face Frisco’s Cobb Hill neighborhood, where residents have voiced serious concerns about the development since day one.
The Barg’N-Mart is taking shape in Universal Kids Resort’s SpongeBob land. (Arrow at the right side of the building. in In the background, the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coasters supports can be seen rising above the rooflines.) – @Aahs_n_Oohs on X
The Barg’N-Mart is taking shape in Universal Kids Resort’s SpongeBob land.
(Arrow at the right side of the building. in In the background, the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coasters supports can be seen rising above the rooflines.)
📷 @diservations https://t.co/YZz2bF9Oy8 pic.twitter.com/4xynItowFF— Aahs n Oohs (@Aahs_n_Oohs) June 19, 2025
Their worries? Increased traffic, potential noise pollution, and the long-term impact of a theme park being built so close to residential homes. Under Frisco’s development rules, any structure over 50 feet tall outside of the park must be reviewed and approved by the city—a process that’s brought every design element, including these murals, under scrutiny.
Despite the city council’s recent green light, not all locals are convinced. To them, a few coats of animated paint don’t erase the deeper changes coming to their once-quiet corner of North Texas.
Universal’s Vision for a Smaller-Scale Wonderland
Universal Parks & Resorts announced the Universal Kids Resort in January 2023 as a smaller-scale theme park designed for children and families. Since then, the company has released more detailed plans for six immersive themed lands plus a character experience hub featuring Gabby’s Dollhouse.
The six lands include:
-
Shrek’s Swamp
-
Minions vs. Minions
-
SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom
-
TrollsFest
-
Jurassic World (a dino-themed discovery zone)
-
Puss in Boots’ Del Mar (a carnival-style cat-themed area)
The hotel murals are more than decoration—they’re a preview of what’s to come. Each represents a slice of the magic that Universal is bringing to the Frisco community.
Universal Park Opening Nears, But Public Opinion Still Mixed
John Lettelleir, Director of Development Services for Frisco, confirmed that the park is currently slated to open sometime between April and June of 2026. Construction continues, and more details are expected in the coming months.
But as colorful characters begin to emerge on buildings and signs, the conversation surrounding Universal’s impact on Frisco is far from over.
Will the joy of Shrek and SpongeBob win out in the end—or will community concerns overshadow the magic?
