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4 Innovative Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2026

NBCUniversal is expanding its theme park portfolio worldwide by introducing thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and entirely new theme parks and resorts. Discover some of the most eagerly awaited projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences will unveil in 2026.

December 15, 2025

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, TX

Universal Kids Resort is an all-new theme park that inspires the unbridled creativity of kids through play, discovery and imagination in a way that engages the whole family. Opening 2026 in Frisco, Texas, this first-of-a-kind resort is specifically designed and developed for families with young children.

Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed lands including DreamWorks' Shrek's Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination's Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks' TrollsFest, DreamWorks' Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity.

In addition to the park's many play areas, Universal Kids Resort features multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect. These carefully crafted spaces invite guests to explore through touch, sound, and color in calming, nature-inspired settings -creating moments of balance within a day full of play.

As a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park, Universal Kids Resort Hotel was designed with families in mind. The vibrant on-site 300-room hotel will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.

Learn more here.

"Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create – designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories. It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal's signature storytelling to families close to home."

— Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute

On February 14, 2026, The Franklin Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal will debut Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition. The all-new exhibition takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment through the lens of some of Universal Destinations & Experiences' most iconic, fan-favorite attractions, including Jaws, Illumination's Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and more.

Created by The Franklin Institute in collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences and the award-winning creative design firm MDSX, the first-of-its-kind exhibition offers an immersive exploration into the storytelling, innovation, and world-building of Universal's legendary creations, from The World-Famous Studio Tour to the all-new Universal Epic Universe, bringing the thrilling world of theme parks to life and connecting science and technology to some of the most epic experiences in themed entertainment.

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute

From animatronics, robotics, and ride design to costuming and special effects, guests will experience the artistry, innovation, and technology that transform ideas into groundbreaking global attractions across eight themed galleries, including "An Unconventional Spirit," "Storytelling & Wonder," "Technology & Innovation," "Thrills & the Rush of Adrenaline," "Scares & Horror," "Big, Bold & Entertaining," "Authentic & Immersive," and "The Creative in You!"

Tickets are now on sale here.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood's first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, will join the theme park family in 2026.

This innovative roller coaster, conceived to immerse guests within Universal Pictures' exhilarating Fast & Furious universe, features groundbreaking technology designed to create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films, including Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger.

The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences' decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of contemporary roller coasters across its global theme parks.

"As a premier entertainment theme park destination with a rich history in immersing guests in incredible rides based on today's most inspiring movie, television and gaming properties, we are excited to introduce our very first, high-speed outdoor roller coaster. As Universal Studios Hollywood continues to evolve, the arrival of 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' will be a powerful game changer that will infuse a new level of thrill into our already dynamic theme park, and we look forward to welcoming guests when it races onto the scene in 2026."

— Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood

Stay up to date with the latest information about the roller coaster here.

Return of Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

In Spring 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood invites fans back to Universal Fan Fest Nights as the theme park prepares for exciting and immersive pop culture, in-world experiences featuring a slate of all-new and returning adventures, including Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters.

Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the exhilarating world of fandom through immersive and interactive in-world experiences created by the theme park's renowned and highly creative entertainment team in collaboration with esteemed industry experts.

Universal Fan Fest Nights begins on Thursday, April 23, and continues select nights through Saturday, May 16, 2026. Event dates are: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 15-16.

Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

The imaginative in-world experiences and an array of interactive activations will take place throughout the theme park, including live entertainment, cosplay and photo opportunities.

Fans also can savor an enticing menu of themed foods, plus new merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware and accessories, will be available for guests and fans to display their fandom during the event and beyond.

Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 included experiences inspired by Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and more.

More information about this unique, breakthrough themed event will be shared soon here.

An Exciting 2026 and Beyond

Universal Destinations & Experiences is developing unique, innovative concepts and creative experiences designed to bring the Universal brand to new audiences, in new markets, and on new platforms. In addition to the slate of 2026 offerings, the company has announced further expansions, including its second permanent horror experience, Universal Horror Unleashed, in Chicago, as well as its intent to build an all-new theme park destination in the United Kingdom.