Universal Kids Resort - Frisco, Texas

[Evan]

They can’t built indoor rides.

I thought the city said that wasn't true? They just can't build mega e-tickets or something?

(Also, why is this even a restriction?)

 

[Jake S]

It is just not a good looking park. Trees will definitely help, but it's not just lack of vegetation. Celestial Park is beautiful and will continue to develop into a more pleasant space to hang out when trees grow in. I just don't see that happening here. There are multiple attractions (Shrek, Minions rafts) that have you spending a lot of time looking at bare walls.

Before they let us into the park, they said something to the effect of this being a gateway to the immersive themed environments Universal is known for. If that was the goal, they failed. There's nothing in this park that would make me think I've gotta see what else Universal has cooking.

The type of theming and vibe they have here reminds me a lot of the Nickelodeon Universe park at Mall of America. That is ... not a compliment.

 

[Evan]

It is just not a good looking park. Trees will definitely help, but it's not just lack of vegetation. Celestial Park is beautiful and will continue to develop into a more pleasant space to hang out when trees grow in. I just don't see that happening here. There are multiple attractions (Shrek, Minions rafts) that have you spending a lot of time looking at bare walls.

Before they let us into the park, they said something to the effect of this being a gateway to the immersive themed environments Universal is known for. If that was the goal, they failed. There's nothing in this park that would make me think I've gotta see what else Universal has cooking.

The type of theming and vibe they have here reminds me a lot of the Nickelodeon Universe park at Mall of America. That is ... not a compliment.

And even without the tree growth, Celestial Park has beautiful gardens, waterways, gathering spaces, and ornate buildings.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

The problem is its main competition is supposed to be parks like Legoland—as it’s not meant to be on the level of a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando theme park—and yet it doesn’t even look as good as Legoland.

It looks like sesame place.

Yes, precisely what Joe said. It looks like a spitting image of how Sesame Place Philadelphia looks lol. Incredibly light theming outside of a few select small areas.


My biggest disappointment is that the Triple Gooberberry Sunrise is just a plasic holder with a cup of ice cream in it.

 

[Evan]

The problem is its main competition is supposed to be parks like Legoland—as it’s not meant to be on the level of a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando theme park—and yet it doesn’t even look as good as Legoland.

I don’t understand this mindset from an industry leader like Universal?

Do they not have the means to build a smaller scale park, for the Legoland demo, but up to the standard they have set the last two decades?

Why can’t it be at the level of their other theme parks, just smaller in size, and built for kids first?

 

[TexasMidway]

Living in Frisco, I've heard from a few residents about how big an eyesore the hotel is. I really hate being negative, but everything just seems tacky and cheaply built. It’s frustrating that the same ride models this park has installed have been presented with MUCH stronger theming at other parks.

For example, in Universal Studios Florida, there's a full-scale replica of Shrek's Hut. In Frisco...it's a cutout.

Is this more of a budget or execution problem?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I don’t understand this mindset from an industry leader like Universal?

Do they not have the means to build a smaller scale park, for the Legoland demo, but up to the standard they have set the last two decades?

Why can’t it be at the level of their other theme parks, just smaller in size, and built for kids first?

Why doesn’t horror unleashed have a ride?

It’s a different product than the main parks. Once you remember that it falls better into place.

 

[Evan]

Why doesn’t horror unleashed have a ride?

It’s a different product than the main parks. Once you remember that it falls better into place.

That feels like an apples to oranges comparison.

This would as if Horror Unleashed opened and had zero scares. Just completely departed from the well known Halloween Horror Night formula entirely.

There’s zero excuse for a huge, wealthy company like Universal (Comcast) putting out something (which they still call “a theme park”) like this.

It is what it is, but I don’t foresee this park standing the test of time. I’m sure kids will love it.

 

[KentNelson]

Puss in Boots restaurant "Comidas y Leche" sounds in Spanish terribly unapropiated for a kids theme park. It seems as if somebody had trolled them.

 

[Cwoolboy]

I agree that the theming is absolutely lacking. The little theming there is is pretty decent in my opinion, but there definitely should be more. From the videos I've seen, I'll say it looks like Bobbing Barrells is going to be a sizable win due to the interactive element added (People watching vs people riding) , and most of the food options sound tasty.

 

[rabbitsmoon]

I'll give them this: they have truly perfected the art of making Minion statues. You could plop those in a parking lot and it would be delightful.

Speaking of parking lots... who was it that said Celestial Park would look much more elevated if they'd chosen a different material for the walkways? Seems like there's a loooot of concrete in this place.

 

[Brian G.]

It's fine though, kids will love it

Regardless of what will come out of this discussion, this is all that matters. I have thoughts on both sides, but my 3 YO is like a kid in a candy store and is having a blast.

So do I argue whether or not I agree with any take on here or relish in the fact in what the park is aiming to do?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Regardless of what will come out of this discussion, this is all that matters. I have thoughts on both sides, but my 3 YO is like a kid in a candy store and is having a blast.

So do I argue whether or not I agree with any take on here or relish in the fact in what the park is aiming to do?

I also want to add on that elaborate and huge attractions like in the Studios class parks can be overwhelming for young kids. It's not "they're stupid they'll like anything", it's "this can be intimidating and we want to make something welcoming".

That feels like an apples to oranges comparison.

This would as if Horror Unleashed opened and had zero scares. Just completely departed from the well known Halloween Horror Night formula entirely.

There’s zero excuse for a huge, wealthy company like Universal (Comcast) putting out something (which they still call “a theme park”) like this.

It is what it is, but I don’t foresee this park standing the test of time. I’m sure kids will love it.

The point is it's not a Studios park so don't treat it as such.

Here's what Universal did. They wanted to expand their entertainment business so they looked at a bunch of other offerings from other companies: small kids parts, regional entertainment centers, cruises, more intl parks, etc. They made some choices and this was one of them. During marketing they figured they probably realized that PRICE is a major factor in this sort of venture and decided to make the gate price affordable. So they then priced out the park as such to keep costs down - less intricate details that need to be maintained, easier rides to operate and fix, and a smaller park. Epic Universe on July 11th costs $180, UKR costs $74. Your proposal of "Why can’t it be at the level of their other theme parks, just smaller in size, and built for kids first?" is because they can't afford to build or run it with the pricing they want to charge.

Now if this whole thing isn’t a hit with guests and closes then yeah they probably messed up. But I think folks are just looking to catastrophize.

And again, this park isn't meant for us (literally, you can't join the forum if you're under 13).

 

[Jake S]

A company like Universal has the talent and the resources to create a friendly, welcoming park that kids love that is also aesthetically pleasing, pleasant to visit in the summer, enjoyable for the parents or family accompanying the kid and up to Universal’s standards.

 

[Evan]

A company like Universal has the talent and the resources to create a friendly, welcoming park that kids love that is also aesthetically pleasing, pleasant to visit in the summer, enjoyable for the parents or family accompanying the kid and up to Universal’s standards.

They certainly should be held to a higher standard. And I don’t love the excuse “well… it’s for kids”.

But in the end, the market will decide. If they missed the mark, they will find out.

 

[Brian G.]

They certainly should be held to a higher standard. And I don’t love the excuse “well… it’s for kids”.

But in the end, the market will decide. If they missed the mark, they will find out.

Well, it is. That doesn’t mean there aren’t valid criticisms, either. It’s not meant to handwash any complaint, but the discussion should be a nuanced one.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

On the note of price, just looking at recent dates, UKR starts at 54 and goes up to 74. Legoland CA starts at 75 and goes up to 100. Legoland Florida starts at 69. And Legoland New York (which UKR is closest to in terms of theming quality), starts at 50.

Are we not allowed to post videos yet or something?

 

[PurpleFrog]

I haven’t been inside yet, so maybe my mind will change when I see how much concrete they have and how themed it is.

But right now, I’m just happy to live 30 minutes from a major theme park, something I didn’t think would happen ever. I never thought I would get to have an annual pass for a theme park. I never thought I’d get Dole whip without getting on an airplane. I never dreamed my daughter could grow up as a regular theme park visitor instead of an “every few years” trip.

She had the time of her life last month at the Peppa Pig park and I imagine this is (even at the worst) a small step up from that.

I think there might be a fair few local families who aren’t “theme park people” who feel the same.

We certainly can and should discuss the pros/cons/what went wrong but at the end of the day, I’m happy.

 

[TheGentTrent]

Why doesn’t horror unleashed have a ride?

It’s a different product than the main parks. Once you remember that it falls better into place.

I think the big problem here is that they built a hotel, so that raises expectations. Horror Unleashed is meant to be an add-on for the people who were already making trips to Vegas. Very few people are flying out just for that.

Adding a hotel means that Universal is counting on people to make a trip out to see this. I agree that people shouldn’t be judging this against the main parks, but there’s gotta be something to entice guests to stay and do more than one day.

As far as the “no indoor rides” thing is concerned, is there an actual source for that story? I’ve looked for it in the past and couldn’t find any such rule. If true, then that is a stupid regulation to put in place because that means this park is going to suffer on days with inclement weather.

 

[Brian G.]

As far as the “no indoor rides” thing is concerned, is there an actual source for that story? I’ve looked for it in the past and couldn’t find any such rule. If true, then that is a stupid regulation to put in place because that means this park is going to suffer on days with inclement weather.

It’s what I’ve heard as well, but have not been able to fully have verified.

With that said, there is nothing inside here. All “attractions” are outdoors, even the shows.