Talk about out of nowhere! Today Universal Parks and Resorts have announced not one, but two new projects coming to new regions in the United States. The new projects will be smaller than the flagship parks in Orlando and Hollywood, and will cater to different audiences than the two main parks.
Universal Kids Resort
Located in Frisco, Texas, just outside of Dallas, the new 97 acre resort will feature Universals signature immersive experiences, iconic characters and family friendly fun. Thee new proposed resort will have enough room for expansions and a themed resort.
“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.”
“Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has been recognized as a great place to plant professional roots and raise a family,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “This new Universal concept will continue to enhance our tax base, expand employment opportunities and bring even more fun to Frisco benefiting our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
There are currently no announcements as far as dates or attractions, but details will be shared as we get them.
The park is being designed specifically for younger audiences, but officials say that you can expect the same quality out of it, that you do from the California and Florida parks, all while catering to a more regional market.
Horror Year Round in Vegas
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the poor souls have no idea what they’re in for as Universal announced a new year round haunted attraction that will open in the Area 15 district, which already houses huge immersive experiences like Meow Wolfs Omega Mart.
With a variety of unique, immersive, fantastic horror-centric experiences that surround high energy food and beverage spaces by day turned haunting bars and eateries by night, the new concept marks the first time Universal has created a permanent horror experience beyond its theme parks. It will deliver on the thrills and frights its horror fans have come to love and excite anyone looking for a new level of experiential entertainment. The space will also feature a continuously updated experience, must see seasonal events, and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
“Universal is known for our ability to deliver original, highly-themed and terrifying horror entertainment experiences for millions of fans every year,” said Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We are excited to give our global fanbase yet another way to get scared and have fun with fear in the heart of Las Vegas, the perfect place for this type of unique concept.”
The new haunt experience will anchor a new 20 acre expansion of the immersive Area15, and will feature roughly 110,000 square feet of space aimed at new horror experiences.
“AREA15 curates a constellation of best-in-class experiences. Universal’s never-been-done-before concept will be a perfect fit because our guests know they can expect fresh, exciting entertainment at AREA15,” said Winston Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, AREA15. “We are enormously gratified to have an extraordinary company like Universal as our partner as we embark on the next phase of growth for AREA15.”
“Las Vegas is an entertainment destination unlike any other – and we are thrilled to welcome Universal to our city,” said City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. “The Universal experience will bring exactly the kind of high-quality, exciting entertainment our city, our visitors and our residents want.”
“Las Vegas is a vibrant community and increasingly known internationally for the creative arts experiences that we offer,” said City of Las Vegas Councilwoman Olivia Diaz. “Universal’s decision to anchor their next innovative creation in the city is exciting news for my residents and visitors alike. The job opportunities will be invaluable for our community, especially for those interested in the entertainment industry.”
With a big arena like Vegas, you can bet that we will see huge names, as well as original content created for the new attraction. There’s also mentions of seasonal events, and ever changing haunts. The concept art also shows off a familiar icon, clowning around, so it’s safe to say that Universal will spread their signature brand of fear throughout Vegas.
Stay tuned for more on this project as it unfolds.