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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Theme parks worldwide are gearing up for 2026 with a mix of new openings and major expansions, led by family‑focused resorts and franchise‑driven attractions in the United States and abroad.
Why It Matters
Theme park operators are leaning heavily into family‑focused intellectual property and large‑scale immersive lands after several years of delayed projects and phased investments, according to company announcements.
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The 2026 slate reflects a shift toward younger audiences, recognizable franchises, and destination‑driving expansions rather than a wave of entirely new parks.
What To Know
Only a small number of brand‑new parks are scheduled to open from the ground up in 2026, while most activity centers on major new lands and headline attractions inside existing resorts, according to official operator statements.
Universal Kids Resort (Frisco, Texas)
Universal Destinations & Experiences is opening Universal Kids Resort, a standalone theme park designed specifically for families with young children, in Frisco, Texas, in 2026, according to the company and the City of Frisco.
The park will feature seven themed lands based on well‑known franchises, including Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, Universal said in a November 2025 announcement.
“This first‑of‑its‑kind park was designed through a child’s eyes,” Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, said in a statement released November 18, 2025.
Universal Kids Resort is the only entirely new U.S. theme park confirmed to open in 2026, according to company disclosures.
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LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California — LEGO Galaxy (United States)
LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened LEGO Galaxy in March 2026, anchored by Galacticoaster, the park’s first indoor, space‑themed family coaster.
A matching space‑themed land is scheduled to debut at LEGOLAND California Resort later in 2026, according to Merlin Entertainments.
“LEGO Galaxy is more than a new attraction,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood said on March 2, 2026.
Disney Adventure World — World of Frozen (Disneyland Paris)
Disney confirmed that World of Frozen will open on March 29, 2026, at Disneyland Paris, inside the rebranded Disney Adventure World.
The opening coincides with the formal renaming of Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World, marking the culmination of a multi‑year transformation project, the company said.
The Frozen‑themed land recreates the Kingdom of Arendelle at full scale and includes a family boat ride, character encounters with Anna and Elsa, dining, retail, and a daytime show, according to Disney.
“March 29, 2026, will mark a historic milestone for Disneyland Paris,” Natacha Rafalski, president of Disneyland Paris, said in a November 24, 2025, statement.
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Paultons Park — Valgard: Realm of the Vikings (Hampshire, England)
Paultons Park confirmed that Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will open on May 16, 2026, representing the park’s largest single investment to date.
The £12 million ($15.9 million) land introduces Paultons Park’s first inverting roller coaster, Drakon, alongside a re‑themed bobsled coaster and a new high‑swing attraction, the park said.
Paultons described Valgard as a strategic effort to broaden its appeal beyond its Peppa Pig World reputation and attract older children and teens.
Alton Towers — Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! (Staffordshire, England)
Alton Towers Resort confirmed that the world’s first Bluey‑themed roller coaster will open on March 28, 2026, inside CBeebies Land.
The junior coaster is based on the “Grannies” episode of Bluey and is designed for preschool‑age riders and families, according to Alton Towers and BBC Studios.
“We can’t wait to welcome Bluey fans and young families from all over the world,” Howard Ebison, vice president of Alton Towers Resort, said in a February 2026 statement.
Chessington World of Adventures — World of PAW Patrol (Surrey, England)
Chessington World of Adventures confirmed that World of PAW Patrol will open in spring 2026, bringing Adventure Bay to life for preschool visitors. The 1.4‑acre land includes four rides, interactive play areas, themed dining, and character meet‑and‑greets, according to Merlin Entertainments.
The project is being developed under license from Paramount and Spin Master Entertainment, Chessington said.
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