Theme Park News

Universal Studios will open a new family-friendly theme park in North Texas

A new Universal theme park is coming to Frisco, Texas.

Universal

Texans, get ready to meet Shrek: Universal Parks & Resorts is opening a one-of-a-kind theme park in Frisco, near Dallas, promised to be unlike any other in the world — a new park set in a green landscape featuring immersive themed lands that celebrates Universal's iconic characters and stories.

According to a release, the company has purchased 97 acres of land, east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway, which will also be home to a themed hotel.

The complex will boast a completely different look, feel, and scale from Universal's existing parks, one designed to appeal to a new audience for the brand.

It will also be a regional version, smaller than Universal's other parks in Hollywood and Orlando, designed to be more intimate and engaging for younger audiences, although surely the same quality as the larger parks.

Features will include family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet & greets, unique merchandise, and food & beverage venues.

The release says that Universal Parks & Resorts selected Frisco for its growing population and ability to attract businesses.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Jeff Cheney as we work to bring this innovative new concept to life, designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans," says Page Thompson, president of New Ventures at Universal Parks & Resorts.

"We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country," she says.

The new park is part of a bigger expansion for Universal Parks and Resorts, which is also opening a third theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as a smaller horror-themed park in Las Vegas.

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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