“What they see in the series, and play with at home as toys, suddenly comes to life, becoming a tangible and immersive experience right before their eyes.”
Matt Proulx
SVP of Global Experiences, Partnership, and Music
Hasbro
.…on last week’s opening of Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills.
Last Friday, the $40 million-plus Peppa Pig Theme Park oinked its way to a grand opening in North Richland Hills, near Fort Worth. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, it’s just the third Peppa Pig Theme Park on earth, following two others in Florida and Germany. The preschool kids-centered attraction marks the latest addition to Merlin’s partnership with leading games, IP and toy company, Hasbro.
A cacophony of booming confetti signaled the park’s morning opening, with a crowd of Peppa Pig fans (and countless strollers) weaving their way through the entrance. WIth the brand’s first two parks set alongside LEGOLAND Resorts, the new park in North Texas is the first ever to open as a standalone attraction.
Pink-clad kids were among the crowd waiting for the grand opening of the Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills. [Photo: Merlin Entertainments.]
“Bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life sits at the heart of what we do,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a statement. “The opening of this new attraction—and the first Peppa Pig Theme Park to be a destination in its own right—is testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic children’s character. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hasbro over the coming years as we bring Peppa Pig to new audiences and create even more joy for families and young children for years to come.”
Eastwood, representatives of Hasbro, and of course Peppa Pig and her friends & family were on hand to welcome the crowd before the park’s grand opening.
Peppa and George greet a visitor at Peppa Pig Theme Park. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
Once inside, visitors found a variety of little-kid-friendly attractions, based on scenes from the globally popular Peppa Pig brand. Five “age-appropriate” rides include Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, an “exciting yet approachable” first coaster experience; Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure, inviting kids and their parents to hop on the back of a dinosaur for a prehistoric journey through volcanoes and mountains; and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, which sends riders soaring high into the sky. (Equipped with a wheelchair accessible basket and ramp, guests in a wheelchair can roll directly onto the ride vehicle.)
The Pirate’s Cove sand play area features hidden jewels and “gold” coins buried in the sand. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
Imaginative play is also offered at nine themed playscapes, including Peppa’s Treehouse, George’s Fort, Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad with fountains, slides and hands-on free play. Families can also enjoy live shows at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena, featuring beloved characters from the Peppa Pig series and characters, who also meet with kids and their families following each performance.
“The opening of this park couldn’t come at a better time, as we embark on a new chapter for the PEPPA PIG brand, with the recent news of Mummy Pig’s pregnancy,” Matt Proulx, Hasbro’s SVP of global experiences, partnership, and music, said in a statement. “There is so much in store for Peppa Pig as she becomes a big sister twice-over, and we can’t wait to celebrate each milestone for Baby Pig in this new park with our friends at Merlin.”
The balloon ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park [Photo: Merlin Entertainments]
The theme park is a Certified Autism Centre through IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards). The certification ensures that families of all abilities can enjoy the park’s rides, attractions, and amenities. Features include wheelchair-accessible paths, quiet spaces for sensory breaks, and detailed Sensory Guides, enabling guests to plan a day that best suits their needs.
“Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,” said Jeremy Aguillen, general manager of the new theme park. “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Peppa Pig to life in Texas and look forward to welcoming guests for a day of unforgettable adventures.”
More Looks at Peppa Pig Theme Park
Midway-like challenges at the Fun Fair at Peppa Pig Theme Park earned a thumbs-up from this visitor. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure at Peppa Pig Theme Park (as seen at another park location in Florida). [Photo: Merlin Entertainments]
Peppa Pig Theme Park food menu items [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
A fun house in the Fun Fair at Peppa Pig Theme Park. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
Finding “treasure” at Pirate’s Cove at Peppa Pig Theme Park. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
Fishing for ducks at Peppa Pig Theme Park. [Photo: Dallas Innovates]
For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.
Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.
Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.
R E A D N E X T
-
The North Texas Innovation Alliance has begun offering quarterly "hands-on innovation experiences" at "the brightest and most innovative projects across North Texas" for NTXIA members. The Immersive Innovation field trips kicked off with a tour of the NSF's newly opened eCAT Center at UNT. Here's where the NTXIA is going next.
-
The $8.6 million grant has been awarded to the city of Dallas on behalf of Fair Park First and the Community Park and will be distributed through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.
-
Founded in 2012, Universal DX is focused on "cracking cancer’s code" via its multi-omics and machine learning models. Starting with colorectal cancer, it's building a "multi-cancer platform" that can ID the unique DNA regions associated with different types of cancers.
-
The new center at Bridge Labs will train the workforce powering North Texas’ biotech boom—helping startups speed therapies, vaccines, and breakthrough biologics from lab bench to patients. Funded in part by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing Satellite Campus is set to open this summer.
-
At the University of North Texas' Willis Library in Denton, you can find lots of books. But something else is getting checked out: The Spark, one of three makerspaces operated by the university. Open to all UNT students, faculty, and staff, The Spark offers a long list of high-tech tools that can be accessed after training—including 3D printers, laser cutters, a computer numerical control mill, sewing and embroidery machines, tools for science and pottery projects, and more. Audio-visual gear and power tools at The Spark can be borrowed as well.
