Mattel Adventure Park opening date delayed again, this time to 2025
Mattel Adventure Park near Phoenix, Ariz. has delayed its opening date. The new theme park will include Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas rides.
Opening delayed for Phoenix’s Mattel Adventure Park
This Barbie is delayed. Mattel Adventure Park is now planning on a 2025 opening date, a bump from its previously announced “late 2024” unveiling, park personnel confirmed to local stations 12News and ABC15.
The new theme park will be located in Glendale, Ariz. near Phoenix as part of a new complex called VAI Resort, which will also include swimming, shopping, and spa activities, as well as hotel accommodations. The expanding scope of this resort property is reportedly the reason for Mattel Adventure Park’s opening delay.
VAI Resort has greatly expanded its initial vision for the Glendale property. These vast expansions impact hospitality, dining, and other entertainment offerings and remain under construction. Mattel Adventure Park is a key anchor tenant of the resort. To ensure the best experience for our guests, Mattel Adventure Park will open in 2025 as part of VAI Resort’s phase one opening. Updates can be found on matteladventurepark.com as they become available.
Mattel Adventure Park representative, to 12News and ABC15
When the park was first announced in 2021, it eyed a 2022 grand opening; later, a 2023 completion, then 2024, and now 2025.
Mattel Adventure Park will spotlight attractions focused on the toy company’s brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends. Among the previously announced rides are Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride, Barbie Flying Theater, and Thomas & Friends Adventure Train Treasure.
The park is a collaboration between Mattel and Epic Resort Destinations. A second Mattel Adventure Park is currently planned for near Kansas City, Mo., announced earlier this year with a projected 2026 opening.
Attraction delays nationwide
The news of Mattel Adventure Park’s opening delay follows a number of other recent delays of parks and attractions nationwide: Universal Terra Luna Resort in Orlando, Fla. (delayed one month to March 25, 2025); Blue Man Group in Orlando (delayed several months to April 3, 2025); and American Heartland Theme Park near Vinita, Okla. (delayed at least three years, likely opening in 2029 at the soonest).
Sneak peek of Mattel Adventure Park attractions
Check out some of the ride vehicles coming to Mattel Adventure Park in these videos of ours from previous IAAPA Expos:
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