A Whole New Way to Shop: Retail Reimagined for Kids
Universal is gearing up to open its brand-new regional theme park, Universal Kids Resort, in Frisco, Texas on July 1, 2026. While Universal designed the park specifically for toddlers and elementary-aged kids, a major part of the theme park experience is the shopping. Universal Destinations and Experiences recently unveiled a first look at the highly themed retail locations and exclusive merchandise coming to the resort’s seven lands.
Unlike traditional gift shops that only sell generic souvenirs, these new stores function as interactive extensions of the stories themselves.
Explore the Land-by-Land Retail Lineup
Each of the seven lands will offer specialized shopping experiences with unique play elements:
- Isle of Curiosity: This welcoming gateway area hosts the flagship Universal Kids Resort Store, which serves as a one-stop-shop for items from all over the park. It also features a dedicated retail experience themed to Gabby’s Dollhouse.
- Jurassic World Adventure Camp: Aspiring paleontologists can explore Jurassic World Outfitters and The Supply Depot kiosk. The lineup includes dinosaur apparel, interactive masks, action figures, LEGO sets, oversized sleeping dinosaur plushies, and glowing egg keychains that open to reveal a tiny plush dinosaur.
- SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: Housed inside a sunken wooden treasure chest, Barg’N-Mart and the adjacent Grab-it Mart kiosk will offer nautical merchandise. Highlights include SpongeBob and Plankton shoulder pals, bucket hats, plush rings, and a Glove World-themed plush glove hat.
- Shrek’s Swamp: Families can head to Triplets Treasures to buy matching ogre hoodies, ogre ears, and Shrek or Donkey shoulder pals.
- Puss in Boots Del Mar: This cozy, festive village features apparel at Mercado de Perrito and sweet treats at the Tienda de Dulces candy shop.
- TrollsFest: The main draw here is Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow, which hosts the Troll-ify Me! salon experience. Kids and adults can get colorful wig styling, glittery makeup, and apparel to transform into their favorite Troll. Nearby, Mr. Dinkles’ Market kiosk sells concert-style t-shirts.
- Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club: Guests can choose their side in the epic water battle by visiting Bello Bay Boutique, which offers Team Yellow and Team Purple apparel, accessories, and plush.
Our Take: Turning Shopping Into Play
The details from this reveal show a clear shift in how theme parks approach retail for younger audiences. Universal is not just selling toys. They are creating experiences.
The “Troll-ify Me!” makeover at TrollsFest is a great example. It offers a clear, fun alternative to Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique but swaps out traditional royalty for a colorful, pop-music festival vibe. Additionally, the focus on shoulder pals across multiple franchises shows Universal understands the current accessories trend. By matching the scale and theme of the shops directly to the child-sized lands, Universal ensures that the retail experience is just as magical as the rides.
This is a smart play that will keep kids engaged and give parents memorable keepsakes long after their trip to Texas is over.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
Featured cover photo was generated using AI.