Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Disney has been the leading theme park operator since Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, but is that era coming to an end?
In recent years, a wave of immersive, high-budget, IP-driven parks has surged onto the global stage. Stretching from the U.S. to Asia and beyond, the theme park landscape is rapidly evolving, with challengers poised to rival – and perhaps surpass – Disney’s legacy as the ultimate park operator.
Credit: Disney
While outdoing Disney in terms of revenue may be outright impossible, the next decade’s lineup of theme parks is certainly set to challenge its supremacy in delivering unforgettable themed entertainment. Here are some of the highlights in the pipeline.
Mattel Adventure Park (2025?)
Mattel Adventure Park doesn’t list an opening timeframe on its website, and it has faced a few delays since its initial announcement. For now, however, we’ll labor under the assumption that it’s still slated for late 2025.
Credit: Mattel Adventure Park
Located in Glendale, Arizona, the park will immerse guests in the worlds of legendary Mattel brands, with adrenaline-pumping rides like Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and a dreamlike Barbie Beach House attraction.
If Glendale is a bit far for you, another Mattel Adventure Park is also on the way in Kansas City, Kansas.
Six Flags Qiddiya City (2025)
Six Flags Qiddiya City is the first Six Flags theme park beyond North America and, just like its American counterparts, is set to feature an array of record-breaking attractions. Leading the charge is Falcon’s Flight, an awe-inspiring roller coaster that will break records as the tallest and fastest in the world, offering riders an adrenaline rush as it seemingly propels them off the edge of a cliff.
Credit: Six Flags
In total, guests will be able to enjoy 28 rides and attractions, with other standouts including the wooden roller coaster Colossus, the pendulum ride Gyrospin, and the fast tilt coaster Iron Rattler.
Its opening date has faced a few delays, with reports earlier this month suggesting that it would debut in the first half of 2026. However, Six Flags representatives insist that it is still on track for late 2025, so watch this space.
Universal Kids Resort Frisco (2026)
Universal is branching out from its usual thrill-focused fare with Universal Kids Resort Frisco. The Texas resort will be strictly kids-oriented, offering attractions inspired by Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Jurassic World, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby’s Dollhouse when it opens in 2026.
Credit: Universal
While the park will be much smaller (much, much smaller) than its closest counterpart in Florida, it’s expected that Universal Kids Resort Frisco will draw more of a regional clientele – and perhaps, in the future, inspire similar small parks.
Universal United Kingdom (2031)
Universal first bought land to build a park in Bedford – about 40 minutes outside of London – in late 2023. Earlier this year, it confirmed plans to start construction in 2026, with the park itself expected to open in 2031.
Credit: Inside The Magic
Obviously, we have a bit of a wait until then. We have, however, already received sneak peeks at what we can expect from the park, with the BBC reporting that British IPs such as James Bond and Lord of the Rings will factor into its plans.
While it was initially thought that Universal United Kingdom would open without any Harry Potter attractions (despite being located in Harry’s homeland), it has since been reported that the company has secured the rights after a lengthy battle.
Dragon Ball Theme Park (Unknown)
In case you couldn’t tell, Saudi Arabia is making major strides in theme park development. The world’s first Dragon Ball Theme Park is set to join the Kingdom’s amusement lineup at some point in the future.
Like Six Flags Qiddiya City, this will form a part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s sprawling entertainment complex – one with the potential to one day rival Orlando with its offerings.
Credit: Qiddiya Investment Company
The Dragon Ball park will immerse fans in iconic locations from the legendary saga, with over 30 rides set in iconic Dragon Ball locations such as Kame House Island, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet. Watch this space for more updates.
Which of these theme parks are you most excited to see?
