Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, the much-anticipated $260 million theme park near VAI Resort, has quietly pushed back its plans to open by the end of the year.
Earlier this month, the opening date on the park’s website was quietly changed from “late 2024” to “coming soon.”
No further information was provided. Calls to a company spokesperson regarding Mattel Adventure Park’s opening date have not been returned.
When is Mattel Adventure Park opening?
It's not the first time Mattel Adventure Park — which will feature rides and attractions inspired by popular toys and brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Masters of the Universe — has been delayed. The nine-acre indoor theme park south of VAI Resort was announced in 2021 as part of what was then known as the Crystal Lagoons resort and entertainment district. Both projects were slated to open in late 2022, a few months before Super Bowl LVII at nearby State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Delays caused by the purchase of Crystal Lagoons by VAI Resort LLC in 2022, along with other factors, pushed Mattel Adventure Park’s opening to 2024.
VAI Resort — a $1 billion hotel and entertainment destination that will include five acres of artificial beaches, a two-story nightclub, an 11,000-seat concert amphitheater and other attractions — has also endured numerous construction delays. Earlier this year, VAI Resort announced it will begin a phased opening in 2025.
In June, a Mattel Adventure Park spokesperson stated it was still set to debut by the end of 2024 despite delays with VAI Resort. An updated opening date for the park has not been announced since its website was updated earlier this month.
What rides and attractions will be at the Mattel Adventure Park?
When it opens, Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale will be filled with rides and attractions inspired by these kid-friendly franchises. The highlight will be its two themed roller coasters, Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer.Mattel Adventure Park will also feature multiple rides and attractions adapted from the company’s most iconic toys and games. A 4,500-square-foot recreation of Castle Grayskull from Masters of the Universe will host He-Man vs. Skeletor laser tag. “Thomas & Friends” characters will star in attractions like Bertie's Bus Stop, Flynn's Firefighting Academy and Harold's Helicopter Tour.
Barbie will also star in three different attractions inside Mattel Adventure Park. A “Barbie Dream Closet Experience” will utilize hologram technology to bring the legendary character to life and the “Barbie Beach House” will offer multiple photo ops and a rooftop lounge.
Here’s the complete list of rides and attractions planned at Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale:
Hot Wheels:
- Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride roller coaster
- Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer roller coaster
- Hot Wheels Unleased 4D Ride
- Hot Wheels Party Pit Stop
- Hot Wheels Go-Karting: Raceway
- Hot Wheels Go-Karting: Skyway
- Hot Wheels Speed Challenge
Barbie:
- Barbie Dream Closet Experience
- Barbie Flying Theatre
- The Barbie Rooftop
Thomas & Friends:
- Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor
- Thomas Adventure Train: Treasure Hunt
- Thomas & Friends: Party Station
- Bertie's Bus Stop
- Bulstrode's Stormy Voyage
- Flynn's Firefighting Academy
- Harold's Helicopter Tour
- Sodor Balloon Ride
- Dockside Play Park
- Dockside Café
Other themed attractions:
- He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag
- UNO! Wild Climb
- Mattel Games Mini Golf
- Kerplunk Drop Tower
- Adventure Pizza Kitchen
- Mattel Games Way
