Kristin Smith / NBC Universal
Universal Kids Resort isn't Universal Orlando, and that's exactly the point.
Instead of towering thrill rides and all-day marathons, Universal's newest theme park is built for younger kids and the families chasing first roller coasters, splash-pad giggles, character hugs, and the inevitable "five more minutes" before heading home. It's a place where more intimately-sized attractions, interactive play areas, and familiar faces from Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, Minions and more create the kinds of moments children will talk about long after the vacation ends.
After spending a day exploring the park, we realized the best way to understand Universal Kids Resort isn't by listing every ride or attraction, but by recognizing the moments families will actually remember.
A quick note: this is an outdoor Texas theme park, and summer heat is part of the experience. Bring sunscreen (then reapply it), comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle. Shade is still limited in several areas, and the park's wide concrete walkways can make the afternoon sun feel especially intense. Planning a few indoor attractions or splash-zone breaks throughout the day will make for a much more comfortable visit.
So, because every theme park deserves a few superlatives, we present the inaugural Universal Kids Resort Awards.
Kristin Smith / NBC Universal
BEST FIRST COASTER
Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster
Every kid remembers their first roller coaster. Universal wisely keeps this one exciting without crossing into intimidating territory. It's a fast coaster with just enough dinosaur-fueled adventure to leave an impression — and maybe convince a few future thrill-seekers they're ready for bigger rides someday.
Be warned – this is a 30-second ride, but it’s faster than you think. Leave your phone, wallet, and keys with a non-rider.
MOST LIKELY TO CREATE A SOUVENIR REQUEST
The Universal Kids Resort Store
Parents, consider yourselves warned. Located in the Isle of Curiosity, the flagship store gathers merchandise from all seven lands under one roof. Plush dinosaurs, Minions gear, Trolls accessories, and plenty of character-themed treasures will test even the strongest family budget.
And like much of the park, it’s designed for volume — which means prices across food, drinks, and souvenirs lean theme-park standard. It adds up quickly, especially for families planning a full day.
MOST UNEXPECTED PARENT FAVORITE
Shrek's Swamp
On paper, a giant swamp doesn't sound like the place adults would gravitate toward. In reality, the land's surprisingly charming atmosphere — including an easy train ride around a Shrek-themed track — make it one of the most enjoyable areas in the park. The big green guy has spent two decades proving he's more than an ogre. This land continues the trend.
It also happens to offer a bit of breathing room compared to some of the more exposed walkways elsewhere, which parents will appreciate once the sun is fully overhead.
BEST PLACE TO COOL OFF
SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Texas summers don't play around, and neither does Bikini Bottom. This section of the park quickly earns its reputation as the unofficial afternoon headquarters with its wet-and-dry play areas. If your family's energy starts melting faster than an ice cream cone, this is where you'll want to be. There’s even a ride that encourages shooting water guns at each other.
It’s one of the few places where getting soaked feels less like a risk and more like a strategy.
MOST LIKELY TO REQUIRE A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
In theory, you can make it through the area dry. In reality, the bumpy boat ride makes that outcome highly unlikely, as even those who don’t get on the ride are at risk of a splash zone surprise. There’s also a golf cart-style ride, open play areas, and the constant laugh of Minions echoing through speakers, which is either chaotic or perfect depending on your tolerance for the yellow pals.
Kristin Smith / NBC Universal
MOST LIKELY TO HEAR "FIVE MORE MINUTES"
TrollsFest
Parents know those three words are rarely followed by only five minutes. Between the bright colors, music, dancing, and open play opportunities, TrollsFest has a way of convincing kids they're not quite ready to leave. Shows with Queen Poppy run once an hour, too, so consider this your official warning.
BEST STAYCATION UPGRADE
Universal Kids Resort Hotel
The biggest surprise may be how much easier the experience becomes with an overnight stay. Located steps from the park entrance, the 300-room hotel transforms what could be a rushed day trip into a relaxed family getaway. Bunk beds, a pool, a game room and, most importantly, easy access to the park make it feel like part of the attraction rather than simply a place to sleep.
THE OVERALL WINNER
The Kid-First Experience
The real achievement isn't a ride, a store, or a themed land. It's the fact that Universal built a park where a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old can want the same thing at the same time. That's harder than it sounds — most theme parks solve for age gaps by giving everyone something separate to do. Here, the water guns in Bikini Bottom land the same way for a toddler soaking her socks by accident and a preteen trying to out-aim his sister. While the park certainly skews younger, it's built less around separating age groups and more around what makes any kid want to do something instead of watch it.