Mattel, which has recently branched out from its toy business into the movies with the hit film Barbie, is now going into the theme park business as well, with a Mattel Adventure Park tacked onto a giant Arizona resort.
The park, which will open in 2024 at the Vai Resort, also set for a 2024 opening, in Glendale, is one of a number of attractions planned for the 60-acre resort. Mattel’s park will cover 9 acres, and feature Barbie and her pink Dreamhouse, HotWheels rides and activities and even a chance to protect Castle Grayskull from the evil Skeletor. Thomas the Tank Engine will also be on hand.
This first full-scale park Mattel park, which is small by Disney/Universal standards, is part of what some operators believe is a trend toward smaller family-friendly parks, without the super-high ticket prices.
