Previews for Universal’s newest theme park began this week, but many of the first guests came away disappointed.Universal Kids Resort marks a different approach for Universal. Located in Frisco, Texas, the park was designed specifically for families with children ages 3 to 8, replacing major thrill rides with smaller attractions, interactive play areas, character encounters, live entertainment, and a 300-room themed hotel.Credit: UniversalThe park features seven themed lands inspired by DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon, and Jurassic World, including areas based on Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and Jurassic World. Universal has described the resort as its first theme park built entirely around younger children and their families.While the park doesn’t officially open until July 1, media previews started this week – and the reviews and reactions aren’t exactly glowing.First Reactions Arrive For Universal Kids ResortOne of the most common complaints from Universal Kids Resort’s first guests is a severe lack of theming, with wide-open concrete spaces making up significant chunks of the 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, 2026On X, one guest described the park as “the world’s first combination Amazon fulfillment center theme park.”Another wrote, “I don’t see what the hate is. It’s clearly well themed and that theme is a maximum security prison in Texas.”Theme Park Insider noted that the Puss in Boots Del Mar area is the park’s standout, while the Jurassic World area is also passable. However, it concluded that “the rest of the park is rather dire” with “barren concrete stretches as far as the eye can see.”I mean….. *surely* it’s not done, right?I mean….. *surely* it’s not done, right? https://t.co/86eyLVKVmF— Luke Morris (@lukefmorris) June 19, 2026Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After has drawn particular ire online, with fans describing it as “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.”In general, guests have complained that the park looks unfinished and dims in comparison to more recent Universal offerings – specifically, Epic Universe, the newest park at Universal Orlando Resort. Opened in May 2025, the park has faced its share of growing pains, but has drawn consistent praise for immersive attractions like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and its attractive scenery.It’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real timeIt’s interesting seeing a future Defunctland episode happen in real time https://t.co/WpgwZz5coO— Chris Youngman © (@AlsikkanTV) June 19, 2026Another criticism centers on the lack of natural shade. Frisco is known for its hot summers, making the park’s limited tree cover a surprising design choice. With the resort scheduled to close repeatedly during the colder months, many guests have questioned why more protection from the Texas heat wasn’t built into the experience.On the park’s official website, it vows to blend “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.”What are your thoughts on the first look at Universal Kids Resort?The post Universal’s New Theme Park Slammed by Guests, Compared to a “Maximum Security Prison” appeared first on Inside the Magic.