Universal Kids Resort Reveals Summer Opening Date, Features Iconic Characters

by : Guillermo del Toro

Universal Kids Resort, a brand new family-oriented theme park in Frisco, Texas, is poised to open its gates to visitors this summer. This highly anticipated destination, set to welcome its first guests on July 1, integrates a vibrant array of beloved characters and narratives from popular film and television franchises. Offering an immersive experience for families, the resort will feature seven distinct themed lands, each bringing iconic stories to life through innovative rides and attractions. This venture signifies a strategic expansion for Universal Destinations & Experiences, reinforcing its global footprint in the entertainment industry.

The new Universal Kids Resort, located in Frisco, Texas, will merge various popular franchises into a cohesive and exciting environment. Characters and themes from the "Jurassic World" universe, including the animated series "Camp Cretaceous," will coexist with the whimsical worlds of "Shrek," "Trolls," "Puss in Boots," and the mischievous "Despicable Me" Minions. Additionally, Nickelodeon's beloved "SpongeBob SquarePants" and DreamWorks' "Gabby's Dollhouse" will have dedicated areas within the park. This unique blend of intellectual properties aims to create a diverse entertainment offering that appeals to a wide range of young visitors and their families. The resort’s opening is set to coincide with the summer season, providing a new option for family vacations.

Guests will have the opportunity to delve into several imaginative realms. "DreamWorks' Shrek's Swamp" invites visitors to join Shrek and Fiona in a fairytale adventure, complete with water attractions like Shrek's Swamp Splash and Smash, and a narrative ride, Shrek & Fiona's Happily Ogre After. For dinosaur enthusiasts, "Jurassic World Adventure Camp" offers an interactive experience where guests can encounter baby dinosaurs, brave the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster and Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, and ascend the Jurassic World Lookout Towers for panoramic views. Meanwhile, "Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom" promises an undersea journey through familiar locations like Mussel Beach and Jellyfish Fields, with opportunities to test boating skills at Mrs. Puff’s Boating School. The Minions will cause delightful chaos in "Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club," an unpredictable water-filled battle. "DreamWorks’ TrollsFest" will be a vibrant, glitter-filled party with Poppy, Branch, and friends, featuring Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express and the Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow makeover station. In "DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar," guests can partake in a kitty adoption day celebration, enjoying attractions like Swings Over Del Mar and an interactive puppet show. Finally, the "Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks' Gabby's Dollhouse" provides a playful environment where children can freely explore and engage with Gabby in a lively dance party.

Universal Kids Resort is set to open its doors on July 1, offering a diverse range of family-friendly entertainment. This new Texas location, featuring themes from "Shrek," "Minions," "Jurassic World," and "SpongeBob SquarePants," marks another significant expansion for Universal. Tickets and hotel packages are now available, providing multiple options for visitors to experience this exciting new destination.

Paley Center Announces New Board Members
by : Mindy Kaling
Paley Center Announces New Board Members
The Paley Center for Media has announced new additions to its Board of Trustees and Los Angeles Board of Governors. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro and Sony Group CEO Hiroki Totoki are among the prominent figures joining the Board of Trustees, while Imagine Entertainment co-founder Brian Grazer has been appointed to the L.A. Board of Governors. These appointments aim to strengthen the center's engagement with various industries shaping the future of media.
learn more
Musical Icons Unite for 'Power to the People' Festival Organized by Tom Morello
by : John Lasseter
Musical Icons Unite for 'Power to the People' Festival Organized by Tom Morello
Renowned musician and activist Tom Morello has announced the 'Power to the People' festival, a non-partisan event celebrating peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action. Set to take place on October 3, 2026, at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, the festival boasts an impressive lineup including Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and many more. The event will also feature a Freedom Village for civic engagement and advocacy.
learn more
Nick Jonas' Awkward Encounter with a Director
by : Ricky Gervais
Nick Jonas' Awkward Encounter with a Director
Nick Jonas recently shared an embarrassing moment from his acting career during an episode of his podcast, "Hey Jonas." He recounted a meeting for a major film where he mistakenly asked the director who would be directing the movie, not realizing the person he was speaking with held that role. This gaffe left him mortified, illustrating a common pitfall in high-stakes professional interactions.
learn more
Moriarty: The Genius Behind the Criminal Mind
by : Ricky Gervais
Fremantle and Archery Pictures are collaborating on a new drama series centered on Professor James Moriarty, the iconic antagonist from the Sherlock Holmes saga. The show will reimagine Moriarty as a criminal psychology professor who secretly orchestrates sophisticated crimes while also assisting the police as a consultant to dismantle a rival criminal empire. This fresh take promises a blend of genre thrills and a deep dive into the psyche of a criminal mastermind.
Gersh Expands into Global Soccer with UK Acquisition, Forms 'Gersh Football'
by : Roger Ebert
Talent agency Gersh has acquired UK-based PLG, merging it with its You First Football division to create 'Gersh Football'. This strategic move, announced just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, significantly expands Gersh's global presence and capabilities in soccer representation, particularly across Europe's top leagues.
Paralives Studio Faces 100,000 Bug Reports After Launch, Creator Highlights Life Sim Development Challenges
by : Roberta Williams
The creator of the new life simulation game Paralives, Alex Massé, reveals the immense complexity behind developing such games, citing over 100,000 bug reports received within a week of its launch. He details the intricate processes involved in seemingly simple in-game actions, underscoring why the genre is notoriously difficult to master with a small team.
Unclaimed Bitcoin Wallets: A Legal Battle Over Billions
by : Richard Garfield
A man, identified as 'Noah Doe,' is attempting to claim ownership of 39,069 abandoned Bitcoin wallets in New York, collectively valued at billions of dollars. His lawsuit leverages 'lost property' laws, arguing he followed due diligence in attempting to return the virtual assets. This case, including the notorious Mt. Gox hack wallet, could set a significant legal precedent for digital assets.