New Peppa Pig Theme Park ready to make a big (muddy) splash
'It's really designed to be like a first theme park for kids,' Merlin Entertainments spokesperson Julie Estrada told USA TODAY ahead of the park's grand opening on Saturday. Merlin is the parent company of Peppa Pig Theme Parks, LEGOLAND resorts, Madame Tussauds and many other attractions around the world.
Like its sister parks in Central Florida and Günzburg, Germany, this new Peppa Pig Theme Park is aimed at families with preschoolers.
'We are hoping families will create memories of a lifetime here,' Merlin's CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a statement.
Here's what guests can expect at the Texas park.
The park features five rides and nine different plays areas, all designed for kids ages six and younger.
"There really aren't theme parks for those that want to experience their first theme park experience, that have those pink-knuckle roller coasters where you're just excited enough, you're not scared, you're not terrified,' Estrada said. 'It's a gentle ride experience where you are experiencing it for the first time with your family.'
Grown-ups are welcome to ride alongside their kids. Families can also meet Peppa Pig and watch live shows in Mr. Potato's Showtime Arena or episodes of Peppa Pig's namesake TV show in the park's indoor Cinema.
Stepping into the park will feel like stepping into the beloved show with readily recognizable characters and scenes. It will also feel like Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, since the parks share the same attractions and entertainment offerings.
But there are a few differences. For instance, in Texas, the bicycle and tricycle riding area, Peppa's Pedal Bike Tour and Georgia's Tricycle Trail, is indoors.
'Which is great because it can be cold sometimes, and it can be hot at some points, so if you want to get in and enjoy the air conditioning, if you want to get out of the elements from outside, then you can go there,' Estrada said.
The Texas park also has a standalone Mrs. Cow's Milkshake Shack serving Muddy Puddle Milkshakes, which are very popular in Florida.
Guests with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivity can find the right experiences for them by referring to the park's online accessibility and sensory guide and sensory placards at each attraction. They are also quiet spaces for sensory breaks.
Like all Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and all three U.S. LEGOLAND resorts, the park has been certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards as a Certified Autism Center.
'Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,' the park's General Manager Jeremy Aguillen said in a statement.
Traveling with disabilities: What fellow travelers should know
Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth is located at 8851 26 Blvd. in North Richland Hills, Texas. That's northeast of Fort Worth.
Merlin has three other properties in nearby Grapevine, Texas: a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a Sea Life Aquarium and an indoor Peppa Pig World of Play, which Estrada likened to an appetizer for the theme park.
The company previously told USA TODAY, "North Texas is growing and vibrant – Merlin Entertainments is excited to have the opportunity to add a world-class entertainment experience to residents and visitors alike."
Universal is also building a family-focused Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
Single-day admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth starts at $27.99.
Annual passes cost $99.99 per person and cover both the theme park and Peppa Pig World of Play Dallas.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Peppa Pig destination wants to be your kid's first theme park
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