Six Flags over Texas could see some stiff competition in one important segment with a newly-announced Universal theme park. Universal Parks & Resorts just announced plans to build a new 97-acre theme park in Frisco (a roughly 40-mile drive northeast of Six Flags). The Universal park will be aimed towards families with young children, making use of their extensive IP selection.
According to the press release, the Universal park will feature “family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise and fun food and beverage venues.” An attached hotel is included in the plans, as is land for future expansion. Though considerably smaller than Universal Studios, the company says it will still have the same level of quality as larger resorts.
So while the new Universal park has no apparent intentions of competing with much of SFoT’s core demographic of thrill-seeking teens and older, it could very well pose stiff competition with families looking for other entertainment options (especially those in the north Dallas area). It’s also possible future expansions could be geared towards older demographics, even though that seems unlikely based on today’s announcement.
Either way, competition of any form is good for consumers, and Six Flags over Texas fans should eagerly be awaiting how Six Flags responds to the threat over the next few years. Perhaps by the time the Universal park opens, Speelunker will reopen (too soon?).
Artist rendering of new Universal park in Frisco, TX
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