By james art 
What you need to know about Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona’s sixth largest city, has over 200,000 residents. Its entertainment and sports facilities make it a hot spot.
The Republic
The world’s first Mattel adventure park, featuring a Barbie beach house and Hot Wheels trains, is under construction in Arizona.
The 9-acre amusement park with indoor and outdoor attractions is under development near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, adjacent to the VAI Resort, which is also under construction.
Hospitality experts believe both locations could redefine tourism in Arizona. A Mattel park would make the state competitive with Southern California for families traveling to theme parks, said Amy Hees, senior director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group.
Here’s what we know about Mattel Adventure Park, what’s coming and when it’ll open.
When does VAI Resort open? Everything you need to know about the Glendale AZ hotel
What amusement park is coming to Glendale, Arizona?
Mattel Adventure Park is coming to Glendale.
It will have a Barbie Beach House with a Barbie Dream Closet Experience where guests can create their own Barbie sets and hologram technology is used to “bring Barbie to life right before guests’ eyes.”
Other attractions will be themed around Thomas & Friends, He-Man & the Masters of the Universe and Mattel games such as Uno.
Rides at Mattel Adventure Park
Mattel Adventure Park will have two Hot Wheels-themed coasters:
- Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride amusement park that will climb 84 feet and descend on a double helix track.
- Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racerwhich will have a double loop and two corkscrews.
Where is the Mattel theme park being built?
The park is south of the VAI Resort at 95th Avenue and Cardinals Way in Glendale. Hot Wheels trains are visible from Loop 101.
How big is the Mattel theme park?
Mattel Adventure Park is a 9-acre indoor/outdoor theme park.
Is Mattel Adventure Park Opening In 2024?
No. The Mattel Adventure Park website has been updated to change the opening date from “late 2024” to “Expect soon.” The company did not respond to a request for comment.
(This story has been updated to include additional information.)
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has been covering travel and tourism since 2014. His work as a consumer travel reporter for The Arizona Republic aims to help readers manage the stress of travel and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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