Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, has begun construction in partnership with Hasbro on North America's second Peppa Pig Theme Park in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, bringing the project closer to reality.
The United Kingdom-based company held a pink-hued groundbreaking at the site earmarked for the new Peppa Pig Theme Park at 8851 26 Blvd. in North Richland Hills, a suburb in Dallas-Fort Worth. At the groundbreaking, Merlin Entertainments unveiled plans for one of the theme park's main attractions: Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster.
The Peppa Pig Theme Park is designed for children up to six years old. But it's not the only theme park looking to set up shop in Dallas-Fort Worth that caters to young thrill seekers. Universal Destinations & Experiences also plans to soon begin construction on its theme park geared to younger children in nearby Frisco, Texas. The Universal theme park is expected to take up about one- third of a 97-acre tract that Universal bought in Frisco — or about a quarter of the size of Universal Orlando Resort.
North Texas is becoming more of an entertainment hub for children with attractions such as KidZania, the Crayola Experience, Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium catering to the age group. Upon the opening of the Peppa Pig Theme Park next year, it is expected to feature multiple rides, themed playscapes and interactive attractions and shows. The first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened last year in Florida, adjacent to the Legoland Florida Resort.
The Texas Legoland Discovery Center is about 19 miles away from the new Dallas-area Peppa Pig Theme Park. Merlin Entertainments also operates Legoland Discovery Center and the Sea Life Aquariums in nearby Grapevine and in San Antonio. In all, the company operates more than 140 attractions in 25 countries.
Once the Dallas-area Peppa Pig Theme Park opens next year, Merlin Entertainments will operate five interactive and immersive attractions in the Lone Star State.
"Following the incredible success of our current properties in Texas and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida, along with the focus on family entertainment in North Richland Hills, it was an easy decision to build our next Peppa Pig Theme Park here,” said General Manager of Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth Jeremy Aguillen in a statement. “Both the city and Hasbro have been excellent partners in bringing this playful and popular early childhood brand to life.”
Meanwhile, Universal has yet to set a groundbreaking date for its new $550 million resort in Frisco. The company has not responded to multiple media requests from CoStar News seeking additional information about the project, which was offered $12.7 million in economic incentives from the city if the promised investment comes to fruition as planned.
The Dallas-area Peppa Pig Theme Park is estimated to be a $26 million project by the city, with expectations it will bring 100 new jobs to the city. The park is about 12 miles from downtown Fort Worth and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. It is expected to be a regional draw from visitors from nearby states looking to spend a weekend in the region.