Frisco Approves Updated Universal Kids Resort Hotel Facade, Murals

For the second time, the Frisco City Council has approved plans for the Universal Kids Resort hotel facade. The group approved the hotel’s design last December, but needed a second vote after Universal added four large murals to the plans.

Read more: New Universal Kids Resort Concept Art Shared Ahead of Frisco Vote

John McReynolds, SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando, explained that the company redacted the murals before the December vote because it hadn’t yet announced the park’s IP lands. Universal revealed those lands in February.

McReynolds spoke glowingly of the hotel’s unique design, emphasising the artistic nature of the murals. He seemed genuinely excited to share the new concepts, describing them as “unbridled creativity.” He emphasized that the murals are meant to welcome guests “as they start their creative journey.” All visitors will enter Universal Kids Resort through a covered breezeway in the center of the hotel.

McReynolds also talked about how feedback from Frisco’s residents has influenced the hotel’s design. Universal previously toned down the colorful palette in response to citizens’ concerns. No Frisco residents spoke at tonight’s meeting. Daniel Cuffe, Vice President & General Manager of Universal Kids Resort, was in attendance but also did not speak.

Before the vote on the facade plan, Councilperson Angelia Pelham requested an update on the timeline. McReynolds made a joke about North Texas’s ice storms before assuring the council that the project remains on schedule. He noted that additional crews have been brought in to keep it that way. Universal expects construction to wrap by May 15, 2026.

Update: A Frisco city leader told the local NBC affiliate they expect Universal Kids Resort to open sometime between April and June of 2026.

The council unanimously approved the Universal Kids Resort hotel plans in a 6-0 vote.