- The new concept will focus on families and children as the number of households continues to grow in North Texas.
Universal Parks & Resorts and the City of Frisco announced Wednesday that the fast-growing Collin County city will be home to a one-of-a-kind theme park, specifically designed for families and young children.
A release by the city says the park will feature themed lands, Universal’s brand, and characters in “ways that will wow even the youngest theme park goers.”
“The proposed park will be designed to be more intimate and engaging for younger audiences and will be sized for a regional audience,” Frisco city officials said in a release. “It will be full of family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise, and fun food and beverage venues. Although smaller in size, it will still carry the same quality as Universal’s other larger resort destinations.”
The park is proposed for a 97-acre plot of the Fields development along the Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway. Universal has also proposed plans for an adjacent themed hotel and room for expansion.
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said Universal “searched the world” for the best place to launch its new theme park concept and chose Frisco based on its “reputation for being family-friendly” and experience working with the best brands in the world.
7 Million People Already Visit Frisco Every Year
“It is heartwarming to know families will bring their children and grandchildren here for generations and make forever memories. It will also be a big economic win for the city and to continue to expand the 7 million visitors we currently have annually,” Cheney said.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the City of Frisco and Mayor Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” said Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country.”
According to media reports, the proposed park will be just one-fourth of the size of Universal’s main parks in Orlando and Los Angeles.
Naturally, the park has huge implications for the explosive growth the area has seen, creating jobs, commerce, and more home buyers. Jerry Mooty, CEO of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate said “Frisco’s boom continues” as it shows the strength of the city’s brand.
“Not only is Universal Studios an incredible amenity for residents but it’s an indicator and predictor. It indicates the strength of the Frisco brand for Universal Studios to select our city. It’s a predictor of sustainability for Frisco,” said Mooty, who recently opened an @properties office near Frisco’s The Star. “Universal Studios brings tourism dollars which supports public safety, roads and infrastructure, parks and public amenities. These elements are what attracts new residents and corporate relocations.”