Universal Kids Resort, a new theme park destination located in Frisco, Texas, has officially begun its casting process. The park is seeking actors to staff its various immersive attractions. This development precedes the park’s scheduled opening later in 2026.
The project spans 97 acres and is specifically engineered for families with young children. Unlike Universal’s larger destination parks in Orlando or Hollywood, the Frisco location prioritizes a smaller, more accessible footprint. It features a 300-room themed hotel, designed to serve as a hub for multi-day visits.
The park’s programming will center on intellectual properties under the Universal and DreamWorks animation umbrellas. Confirmed themes include characters from ‘Shrek,’ ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ ‘Minions,’ ‘Trolls,’ ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse,’ and ‘Jurassic World.’ The guest experience relies heavily on live interaction, which explains the current focus on hiring performance staff.
The economic impact of this site is significant for the North Texas region. Construction costs for similar mid-scale regional theme park projects typically range between $200 million and $400 million. By focusing on younger demographics, Universal aims to capture the suburban family market, providing an alternative to the high-intensity coaster-heavy parks in Arlington or San Antonio.
For job seekers, the hiring process will involve auditions for character performers and show personnel. These roles are critical to the park’s operational model, which relies on “meet and greets” and interactive shows rather than just mechanical rides. The density of these character-driven experiences will require a larger staff-to-guest ratio than standard amusement parks.
Industry analysts note that this specific “kids resort” format represents a diversification strategy for Universal. By planting a smaller footprint in a high-growth area like Frisco, the company reduces the barrier to entry for families who cannot afford a transcontinental trip to a major resort. The success of this facility will depend on its ability to maintain high engagement levels for children while justifying the cost of the attached hotel.
Prospective employees and families should expect more granular details regarding opening dates and ticket pricing as the resort nears its completion phase later this year. The hiring phase serves as one of the final milestones before the park enters its pre-opening operational testing.
