Families and theme park enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting new destination! Universal Parks & Resorts is set to open a brand-new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, just outside of Dallas. This innovative and family-friendly resort promises to deliver an unforgettable experience tailored especially for younger guests and their families. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming attraction and why it should be at the top of your travel list.

A New Kind of Universal ExperienceUniversal
​Parks & Resorts has long been known for its thrilling rides, immersive environments, and beloved movie-themed attractions. With the new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, the focus shifts to creating a magical experience specifically designed for families with young children. This unique resort will offer age-appropriate entertainment, interactive attractions, and engaging activities that cater to the youngest of adventurers.

Fun-Filled Attractions
The Universal Kids Resort will feature a variety of attractions and rides inspired by popular children’s franchises. While the exact lineup of attractions is still under wraps, you can expect to see favorites from Universal's rich library of kid-friendly properties. From gentle rides perfect for preschoolers to interactive play areas that spark imagination, every detail is designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young guests.

Themed Lands and Interactive Experiences
One of the highlights of the new resort will be its themed lands, each dedicated to different Universal properties and characters that kids love. These immersive areas will bring to life the magical worlds of beloved stories, allowing children to step into their favorite adventures. Expect interactive experiences where kids can meet and greet their favorite characters, participate in fun activities, and even become part of the story.

Family-Friendly Amenities
Understanding the needs of families, the resort will be equipped with a range of family-friendly amenities. Comfortable accommodations will offer themed rooms that extend the park's magic into your overnight stay. Dining options will cater to all tastes, with a focus on nutritious and kid-friendly meals. Additionally, thoughtful conveniences like stroller rentals, baby care centers, and shaded rest areas will ensure a stress-free experience for parents and guardians.

Educational and Enriching Activities
Universal Kids Resort aims to combine fun with learning through a variety of educational and enriching activities. Kids will have the opportunity to engage in creative workshops, interactive storytelling sessions, and science-themed attractions that make learning an adventure. These experiences are designed to stimulate young minds and inspire curiosity, blending entertainment with education seamlessly.

Easy Access and Prime Location
Situated in Frisco, Texas, just a short drive from Dallas, the resort's location is perfect for both local families and visitors from afar. Frisco is a rapidly growing area known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for Universal's newest venture. The resort will be easily accessible from major highways and close to other local attractions, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable visit.

Grand Opening Anticipation
The excitement for the Universal Kids Resort is building, with families eagerly awaiting its grand opening. While the exact opening date has yet to be announced, construction is well underway, and the resort is expected to welcome its first guests soon. Stay tuned to Universal Parks & Resorts' official channels for the latest updates and opening announcements.

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www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStop for more info!

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion has long been a beloved staple for thrill-seekers and ghost-story enthusiasts alike. This iconic attraction, shrouded in mystery and filled with spectral charm, is getting an exciting makeover, and we can't wait to share the details with you.
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Local legend suggests that the grand manor, now known as the Haunted Mansion, was originally built by a prosperous sea captain. Stories say the captain mysteriously vanished, leaving the mansion to be inhabited by happy haunts. To this day, the mansion’s dedicated staff faithfully maintain the eerie, yet oddly welcoming, haunting grounds.

As part of the renovation, Disneyland is expanding the queue, inviting guests to delve deeper into the mansion's storied past. This new queue will feature enchanting gardens inspired by some of the mansion's most infamous residents. Imagine wandering through lush landscapes that echo the elegance and mystery of Master Gracey, the enigmatic charm of Madame Leota, and the curious allure of the one-eyed cat.
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Each garden will be meticulously designed to reflect the unique personalities and histories of these beloved characters. You'll find yourself immersed in an atmospheric prelude to the ghostly adventures that await inside the mansion. Whether it's the haunting beauty of Master Gracey's garden or the mystical elements surrounding Madame Leota, every corner will be rich with detail and lore.

And the excitement doesn't end there. As you exit the Haunted Mansion, you'll now find a brand new Madame Leota gift shop. This shop promises to be a treasure trove of eerie delights, offering everything from spooky souvenirs to enchanting trinkets that pay homage to the Haunted Mansion's storied past. Whether you're looking for a unique keepsake or a gift for a fellow ghost aficionado, Madame Leota's shop will have something to captivate every visitor.
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So, get ready for an even more immersive experience at the Haunted Mansion. The expanded queue and the new Madame Leota gift shop are set to open soon, adding new layers of intrigue and excitement to this timeless attraction. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and prepare to be enchanted by the history, mystery, and magic of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion like never before.

As the curtains rise on Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas' latest production, "On Golden Pond," directed by the seasoned Michael Serrecchia, audiences are treated to an enchanting journey into the depths of family, aging, and the bonds that withstand the test of time. With the play's opening night receiving resounding applause, it's no wonder that the production is already garnering rave reviews.
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Running until March 18 at the Irving Arts Center, "On Golden Pond" has captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts with its poignant storytelling and exceptional performances. Under the skilled direction of Michael Serrecchia, this timeless classic has been rejuvenated, breathing new life into Ernest Thompson's beloved script.

In a recent review, Dallas Theatre Journal's own critic remarked, "Director Michael Serrecchia has assembled a very talented crew of designers to support his talented cast. Scenic Designer/Set Dresser Joseph Cummings and Master Carpenter Ellie Wyatt have created the cozy summer cottage we all would like to find on rental sites. Nestled among trees that swayed, the sweet cottage faced the lake. This smart choice let the audience be part of saying hello and goodbye to the loons."

Click here to read the full review.

As "On Golden Pond" continues its run at the Irving Arts Center, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to seize the opportunity to witness this captivating production firsthand. With its timeless themes and stellar execution, it's a theatrical experience that promises to linger in the hearts and minds of audiences long after the final curtain call.

The wait is finally over! MainStage Irving-Las Colinas proudly presents the opening of "On Golden Pond," a heartwarming tale of family, love, and the passage of time. Directed by Michael Serrecchia and featuring a detailed set design by Joseph Cummings, this production promises to be a highlight of the season.

Be sure to secure your tickets for this unforgettable journey into the heart of Golden Pond. Whether you're a longtime fan of the play or experiencing it for the first time, you won't want to miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in its timeless charm and beauty.
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While you're here, take a moment to browse through the images below, offering a glimpse into the world of "On Golden Pond" and the talent and dedication of the cast and crew. From the rustic elegance of the lakeside cottage to the heartfelt performances that bring the story to life, each photo captures a moment of magic that awaits you on stage. So don't delay—reserve your seats today and prepare to be swept away by the enchantment of "On Golden Pond." We can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. See you at the theater!

​Running through May 18th 2024.
Click on the link to get your tickets!
tickets.irvingartscenter.com/MILC/Online/default.asp

Cast:
Norman Thayer – Evan Faris
Ethel Thayer – Mary Margaret Pyeatt
Charlie Martin – Jake Shanahan
Chelsea Thayer Wayne – Dayna Fries
Billy Ray – Wyatt Hartz
Bill Ray – Ehren Hartz
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Creative Team:
Director – Michael Serrecchia
Stage Manager – Cathy Parks Bardin
Lighting Designer – Elizabeth Ross
Scenic Designer/Set Dresser – Joseph Cummings
Master Carpenter – Ellie Wyatt
Sound Designer – Rich Frohlich
Costume Designer - Michael A. Robinson/Dallas Costume Shoppe
Admin producer/Properties Designer – Jill Stephens
Sound Operator – Tully Hall
Light Board Operator – Eric Ryan
Tech producer – Rob Stephens

​Photography by Kris Ikejiri