In a big turn of events Universal Studios is opening up a kid-centric theme park in Texas that will have major animated franchise appeal, with Shrek, Jurassic World, and SpongeBob just a few of brands in store for the new family-friendly destination. This news coming out right after Universal shared more details about its year-round haunt in Las Vegas has us thinking the theme park wars with Disney have begun in earnest.
This weekend, pop culture fans looking for ways to help rebuilding efforts after the Los Angeles fires can attend MultiCon, which has gathered stars from TV and film as well as top geek commentators to celebrate genre. There will be panels and a silent auction that’s not to be missed for collectors, and all proceeds will be going towards LA fire relief.
From a preview of art coming to Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival, to AMC theater’s 24 hour marathon of Best Picture nominees, to celebrations of Cinderella and Tom and Jerry turning 75 and 85, respectively, here’s the latest in fandom travel and lifestyle at theme parks and beyond!
Universal Kids Resort
It is incredibly huge that Universal Destinations is expanding outside the theme park hubs of Orlando and Los Angeles and bringing new experiences to other major cities. Earlier this week it announced Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas—and now families in the midwest and beyond can look forward to the 2026 opening of the Universal Kids Resort in Dallas-adjacent Frisco, Texas. The theme park will feature lands based on DreamWorks properties including Shrek and Puss in Boots, with adventurous fun in the Kingdom of Far Far Away with The Last Wish’s new icon Perrito, who is confirmed to be joining the fairytale heroes. There’s also a trip to Bikini Bottom with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, a colorful Trolls world, and more Minion mayhem with Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise. And let’s not forget more Jurassic World fun without the danger of real dinos, with a land inspired by fan favorite Netflix show Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. With the imagery of Bumpy being used we hope there’s an animatronic meet and greet of our gentle Queen. Plan booking here.
MultiCon Los Angeles
Los Angeles residents know it’s not been the easiest past few weeks in our city following the Palisades and Eaton fires. LA-based talent has gathered together to support affected communities with a celebration of pop culture at this weekend’s MultiCon, with a slew of panels full of fandom joy. Tickets to the event and proceeds from the silent auction will go towards LA Relief through United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Here’s the programming of the event this Saturday, February 22:
Stories of The Walking Dead (11:00 – 11:45 a.m.)
Moderator: Benjamin Watts
Panelists: Scott Gimple (Walking Dead showrunner), Khary Payton (Walking Dead),
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