Universal’s new ‘Jurassic World’ theme park land | Rides, concept art
Universal’s new “Jurassic World” theme park land opens later this year with family-friendly rides based on the popular film and television franchise.
The land’s official name is “Jurassic World Adventure Camp,” and it will open sometime in 2026 at the new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, near Dallas.
The park, first announced in early 2023, will focus on family-friendly attractions rather than the thrill rides Universal’s other parks are known for. Besides “Jurassic World,” other lands will be based on “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Minions,” “Shrek,” and other familiar franchises (see the full list of lands below).
A specific opening date for Universal Kids has not been announced other than “2026.”
Rides in Jurassic World Adventure Camp
Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster is a family-friendly outdoor roller coaster (read: VelociCoaster this is not). Its backstory involves riders going on a mission to find Bumpy, a baby Ankylosaurus. Cretaceous Coaster has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches.
Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin will gently spin its rider vehicles around a tall pole. The ride is named after Mr. DNA, the animated character from John Hammond’s instructional video in the original “Jurassic Park” movie.
Pteranodrop is a kiddie version of a drop tower.
Live entertainment
“Jurassic World: Hatch Dispatch!” is a live show. Here’s Universal’s official description for the production:
Jurassic World Adventure Camp’s Dr. Kai has baby Raptor eggs ready to hatch. Grab your front-row seat to the excitement. Get ready to meet the newest member of the Jurassic World family while learning all about the stages of hatching this baby dinosaur.
Guests will also get to meet a cute baby raptor. In an example of the different approach of the Universal Kids theme park compared to other Universal parks, the baby raptor meet & greets is a stark contrast to the terrifying encounter with a full-grown raptor at Islands of Adventure.
Themed areas
Jurassic World Lookout Towers is a play area traversing up and around Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Concept art depicts rope bridges crossing above pedestrian walkways.
Paddock Play is another themed zone within Jurassic World Adventure Camp, but Universal has not shared concept art or details about it just yet.
Restaurant & shop
Jurassic World Adventure Camp at Universal Kids will include a restaurant named Jurassic World Canteen. Universal has not revealed the menu for this eatery yet.
Jurassic World Outfitters will be the land’s gift shop, selling toys and apparel geared toward young fans of Universal’s dino franchise.
‘Jurassic World’ in other theme parks
Jurassic World Adventure Camp is far from the first time the “Jurassic Park” or “Jurassic World” franchise has been utilized in a Universal theme park. An indoor/outdoor boat thrill ride, in which riders come face to face with a T-rex, exists in various forms at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Japan.
In terms of roller coasters, Islands of Adventure has Jurassic World VelociCoaster while Universal Studios Japan has The Flying Dinosaur, both thrilling in their own right. Islands of Adventure also has Pteranodon Flyers, a very gentle suspended coaster (and really only a coaster by definition; there are no drops).
Photo by Blake Taylor
Jurassic World Adventure at Universal Studios Beijing uses a ride system similar to Islands of Adventure’s Spider-Man ride for an indoor dinosaur escapade with large animatronics.
Universal Studios Singapore employs a white rapids ride system for Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
All the lands of Universal Kids theme park
Jurassic World Adventure Camp is just one of seven lands within the Universal Kids theme park. The others are:
- Isle of Curiosity featuring Gabby’s Dollhouse
- Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
- Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions – Bello Bay Club
- DreamWorks’ Puss In Boots Del Mar
- DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
- DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
For an idea of the type of kid-friendly attractions and theming to expect at Universal Kids, enjoy our walk-through of DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida:
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Gotta be honest, I was skeptical at first, but I think this shaping up to be a pretty good park.