Universal’s newest theme park is already facing a wave of criticism.
Before Universal Kids Resort officially opens on July 1, select guests and members of the media have spent the past few days sharing their first impressions online. Instead of talking about rides or character experiences, much of the conversation has focused on the park’s appearance.
Photos from the previews have spread rapidly across X, where guests have questioned the amount of concrete, sparse landscaping, and limited shade throughout the resort.
One described it as “the world’s first combination Amazon fulfillment center theme park.”
This isn’t concept art.
This is real life.
This is UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT.
This isn’t concept art.
This is real life.
This is UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT. pic.twitter.com/l5bMskS2yd
— Nick Hutson (@NickHutsonMusic) June 19, 2026
Another visitor wrote, “I don’t see what the hate is. It’s clearly well themed and that theme is a maximum security prison in Texas.”
Others questioned whether parts of the resort had even been finished.
“I mean….. surely it’s not done, right?” one guest wrote.
Universal Takes a Different Approach
The backlash comes as Universal prepares to debut a very different kind of theme park.
Located in Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Resort is the company’s first park designed entirely around children ages 3 to 8. Rather than major roller coasters, it features smaller rides, interactive play areas, character encounters, live entertainment, and a 300-room themed hotel.
I mean….. *surely* it’s not done, right? https://t.co/86eyLVKVmF
— Luke Morris (@lukefmorris) June 19, 2026
Seven themed lands are based on DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon, and Jurassic World franchises, including Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and Jurassic World.
Universal says the resort blends “Universal Destinations & Experiences’ iconic brand of entertainment, adventure and fun” to “[bring] to life beloved characters and stories in ways that will just wow the youngest theme park goers in a totally inclusive way.”
Critics Praise Some Areas, But Say Much of the Park Falls Short
Not every review has been negative.
Theme Park Insider highlighted Puss in Boots Del Mar as the strongest land and said the Jurassic World area was also successful. The publication was far less impressed with the remainder of the park, concluding that “the rest of the park is rather dire” with “barren concrete stretches as far as the eye can see.”
It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time https://t.co/WpgwZz5coO
— Chris Youngman © (@AlsikkanTV) June 19, 2026
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After has drawn some of the harshest reactions.
Guests compared it to “the landscaping outside of a McDonald’s: The Ride,” “the landscape section of a garden center with cartoon cutouts,” and “a cheap apple orchard attraction that you ride for free.”
Another recurring complaint has been the lack of shade.
Frisco regularly experiences intense summer temperatures, yet preview guests noted relatively few trees and covered areas. Some questioned why more protection from the heat wasn’t included, especially since the park is expected to close during colder months.
Man, this looks bad.
“KIDS DON’T CARE!!! IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE EPIC UNIVERSE!!!”
I’m comparing it to Legoland, which blows this out of the water.
“SHUT UP, THE KIDS LIKE IT!!!”
Yeah, kids also like brainrot slop on YouTube, doesn’t mean I don’t think they deserve better.
Man, this looks bad.
“KIDS DON’T CARE!!! IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE EPIC UNIVERSE!!!”
I’m comparing it to Legoland, which blows this out of the water.
“SHUT UP, THE KIDS LIKE IT!!!”
Yeah, kids also like brainrot slop on YouTube, doesn’t mean I don’t think they deserve better.
— Chandler Desrochers (@SunnylandProds) June 19, 2026
The comparisons have inevitably turned toward Epic Universe. Universal’s newest park in Orlando received praise for its lush landscaping and immersive design after opening in 2025, leading some fans to question why the company’s newest resort feels so different.
One guest summed up the mood online with a single post: “It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time.”
Universal Kids Resort officially opens July 1, when thousands more guests will have the opportunity to decide whether those early reactions reflect the finished product.
What do you think of the first look at Universal Kids Resort?
