By james art Mattel Adventure Park near Phoenix, Arizona has pushed back its opening date. The new theme park will feature Barbie, Hot Wheels and Thomas rides.
Opening postponed for Mattel Adventure Park in Phoenix
This Barbie has slowed down. Mattel Adventure Park is now targeting a 2025 opening date, which is a bigger departure from its previously announced “late 2024” opening, park staff confirmed to local stations 12News and ABC15.
The new theme park will be located in Glendale, Arizona, near Phoenix, as part of a new complex called VAI Resort, which will also include swimming, shopping and spa activities, as well as hotel accommodations. The expanding scope of this resort property is reportedly the reason behind the delay in the opening of Mattel Adventure Park.
VAI Resort has greatly expanded on its original vision for the Glendale property. These massive expansions impact hospitality, dining and other entertainment offerings and remain under construction. Mattel Adventure Park is a key tenant of the resort. To ensure the best experience for our guests, Mattel Adventure Park will open in 2025 as part of the first phase of the VAI Resort opening. Updates can be found at matteladventurepark.com as they become available.
Mattel Adventure Park representative, for 12News and ABC15
When the park was first announced in 2021, it expected a grand opening in 2022; later, completion in 2023, then 2024 and now 2025.
Mattel Adventure Park will highlight attractions focused on the toy company’s brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Thomas & Friends. Pre-announced rides include Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride, Barbie Flying Theater and Thomas & Friends Adventure Train Treasure.
The park is a collaboration between Mattel and Epic Resort Destinations. A second Mattel Adventure Park is currently planned near Kansas City, Missouri, announced earlier this year with an expected 2026 opening.
Recruitment delays across the country
The news of Mattel Adventure Park’s opening delay follows a number of other recent delays at parks and attractions across the country: Universal Terra Luna Resort in Orlando, Florida (postponed one month to March 25, 2025); Blue Man Group in Orlando (postponed a few months to April 3, 2025); and American Heartland Theme Park near Vinita, Oklahoma (delayed for at least three years, likely to open in 2029 at the earliest).
A quick look at Mattel Adventure Park attractions
Check out some of the vehicles coming to Mattel Adventure Park in these videos of us from past IAAPA shows:
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