Universal Kids Resort opens Wednesday

Universal's first theme park for young kids and their families opens Wednesday.

Why it matters: Universal chose Frisco for its first kids resort because of North Texas' growing population and because the region sits between the company's Orlando and Hollywood resorts.

If the new resort concept takes off, the company hopes to open parks in other cities.

Driving the news: We attended the park's media preview event to explore its offerings.

Vibe check: The resort's beachy, colorful hotel almost conceals the theme park behind it. Because the target audience is younger than the typical thrill seeker, the rides are much shorter than the ones at other Universal parks.

Inside the park, seven areas are themed after Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots and the Isle of Curiosity. There are also water rides, splash pads and an indoor dance party led by an employee.

"This is a park where people are going to ride their first roller coaster," says Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations and Experiences.

Friction point: While many parents who previewed the park for free have raved about their experience, the internet is abuzz with criticism over the park's theming, ticket prices and shortage of shade.

One-day general admission starts at $70. Parking starts at $20 per car.

Park operators say they're open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to the overall experience.

What's next: Universal plans to expand the park in the future with more themes and attractions.

The bottom line: "Our hope is that people will come here and have a wonderful time, and then they're going to want to go to Universal Orlando or to Hollywood or one of our other parks once they get old enough to be able to go on all the rides," Thompson says.