Universal Kids Resort’s Water Attractions Head Into Their First Fall Cooldown

With cooler temperatures arriving in Frisco on Friday, now’s a good time to talk about Universal Kids Resort’s water attractions and when they might close for the season. Universal hasn’t announced those dates yet. For now, availability depends on the weather. Tomorrow, the weather might have other plans.

The park’s water attractions include:

• Bello Bay Cruise
• Bobbing Barrels
• Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash
• Pineapple Paradise
• Bello Bay Club Splash Pads

If those attractions are on your must-do list, keep the weather in mind when planning your visit. While Universal hasn’t announced seasonal closure dates, cooler temperatures could affect their availability.

I’m speculating here, but Universal could also adjust the park’s two water rides during cooler weather. Bello Bay Cruise is a huge draw. Switching off its sprayers and fountains could keep it open longer without soaking guests. The sprayers mounted to the Bello Bay Club’s two bridges do the most damage. I’d start there.

The same goes for the sprayers in and around Bobbing Barrels. The barrels would still spin, so all wouldn’t be lost.

A heated pool

Hotel guests have the benefit of a heated pool. Currently, its hours are 9 AM–9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 9 AM–10 PM Friday and Saturday. Universal hasn’t announced a seasonal closure date, but says those hours may change as the weather cools.

The heated water gives Universal a little more flexibility than it has with the park’s water attractions. North Texas sunshine can still feel warm when the air is cool, and a heated pool can be a pretty good place to spend a sunny fall afternoon.

Planning during cooler months

With water attractions making up a substantial part of the park’s offerings, it’s understandable that guests want to know what will be open during their visits. Cooler weather makes a day at the park more comfortable, but it also makes getting soaked a little less appealing.

It also complicates planning. North Texas is known for wild temperature swings in every season except summer, when we can count on it always being hot. Always.

This week is a good example. After hitting 96 degrees on Tuesday, Friday’s forecast high drops to 65, with sustained winds of 25 miles per hour and gusts up to 50. By Friday night, temperatures will dip into the 40s.

After the 120-degree heat indexes we experienced this summer, I’m here for the hoodie weather. But those aren’t conditions that make me want to stand under a giant bucket of water.

I’ll visit the park tomorrow morning to check on the water attractions. I don’t know whether they’ll be operating, but I’ll be a little surprised if everything is routine.

If they do open and you’re willing to get wet, bring towels and a change of clothes. Universal has three paid full-body dryers near the splash pads, though I wouldn’t ask too much of them in those winds.

Of course, one cool day doesn’t mean we’re done with water attractions for the year. This is North Texas. My January wardrobe ranges from T-shirts to heated gloves. Temperatures are expected to climb back into the 80s next week. For now, keep an eye on the forecast before deciding whether you’ll need a swimsuit or a jacket. Or just pack both.

Want to learn more about Universal Kids Resort and its seven themed lands? We’ve got you covered. Visit our Universal Kids Resort hub for everything available at the new Frisco theme park.