Universal Studios’ plans for a brand new theme park in Texas are already attracting consideration from amusement park opponents.
Comcast’s (CMCSA) – Get Free Report Universal Studios will not be solely recognized for its motion pictures and pleasure, but in addition for its unbelievable theme parks. Universal already has three theme parks and a waterpark within the United States, inside an earshot of its main competitor Disney’s (DIS) – Get Free Report theme parks.
Universal additionally has theme parks in Singapore; Osaka, Japan; and Beijing, and the theme park operator is constructing a 3rd gate, Epic Universe, at its Universal Orlando Resort, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Now, Universal Studios simply received metropolis approval to construct a brand new theme park in in Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Frisco. It is anticipated to be not like any of its different theme parks.
Universal Studios is used to the tourism competitors with Disney parks, as Disney has parks in Anaheim, Calif., to compete with the unique Universal Studios Hollywood, in addition to the Universal Orlando Resort. Both theme parks are competing abroad as nicely, since Disney additionally has theme parks in Shanghai and Urayasu, Japan.
However, Disney isn’t Universal Studios solely massive competitors. Not too far-off from each Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood is Cedar Fair’s (FUN) – Get Free Report Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., and Six Flags Entertainment’s (SIX) – Get Free Report Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. When Universal started plans to increase into Texas, it bought roughly 100 acres to construct its new theme park, and there have been already some established theme parks within the space.
Image supply: Shutterstock
Universal and Merlin Stake their Claim
When contemplating the place to construct, Universal Studios opted for Northern Texas for its new theme park. More competitors determined to place stakes up within the space as nicely. Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments is already constructing a brand new park.
Merlin Entertainments, the second largest customer attraction operator on the earth, is increasing within the Dallas/Fort Worth space solely a mere 30 miles away from Frisco. Merlin Entertainments is constructing its second standalone Peppa Pig theme park within the U.S. after its park in Florida.
The Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills, Texas, which opens subsequent yr, is geared towards a youthful crowd, preschoolers and their households, whereas Universal Kids Frisco targets youngsters ages are 3 to 9 years outdated.
While you won’t know the identify Merlin Entertainments, however relaxation assured that you’ve heard of a few of its theme parks. Merlin Entertainment has two different theme parks within the North Texas space, Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium.
“North Richland Hills is known for its family-friendly amenities and activities and we could not be more thrilled to add Peppa Pig Theme Park to the mix. This will be a great addition to our community,” Mayor Oscar Trevino of North Richland Hills stated in an announcement.
The Texas Draw
When contemplating the place to construct a brand new theme park, each leisure corporations preferred Northern Texas not simply the nice and cozy climate, however its rising market.
“There are 10 to 15 markets in the United States that could support this kind of project and North Texas is one of them,” Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, advised CoStar News. “Theme Park owners are looking to create an entertainment critical mass in the area to capitalize on the bodies coming into and around that area.”
“Parks are exploding all over the world. We are getting two to three inquires for locations every week from all over the world. Everybody wants to be entertained,” Speigel stated.
With multiple Merlin Entertainments theme park within the North Texas space, it’s attainable that vacationers might have the flexibility purchase ticket combo packages. Merlin Entertainments already presents mixture tickets to the Peppa Pig Theme Park and Legoland Florida and Legoland Water Park in Florida.
The new Peppa Pig Theme Park in Texas has an anticipated each day ticket worth of solely $34, a much-reduced worth in comparison with Universal Studios different theme park common ticket costs which are over $100. The mixture tickets of Peppa Pig Theme Park and Legoland Florida Water Park at some point mixture tickets are $110 every for adults and kids, whereas a two-day mixture ticket costs are $131. Ticket costs for the Florida Peppa Pig Theme Park are as little as $34, however are dearer throughout peak days of the week and season, in line with the park’s web site.
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