Hello Dallas Fort WorthPeppa Pig World of Play
What does Peppa Pig have to do with North Texas Real Estate? Merlin Entertainments plc (Merlin) and Entertainment One (eOne), owner of the Peppa Pig brand, chose this mid-cities Texas town for the location of the second-ever Peppa Pig World of Play, smartly nestling it into the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Texas, Grapevine Mills.
Peppa’s World of Play Grapevine is also two miles, about a fifteen minute Uber drive, due north of D/FW Regional Airport, which is jointly owned by Dallas and Fort Worth. The attraction opened February 12. I got in with my granddaughter that same week, and it was packed. She also enjoyed it so much, she has been back at least once, with a friend.
OK, for those of you not familiar, Peppa the Pig is a British-based children’s television program that revolves around Peppa, a cherub-like female pig, her family and friends. The friends are different species of animals. Peppa has a younger brother, George, and the family has grandparents plus cousins. Episodes feature everyday activities, interactions, and resolution of gentle conflict, all with mild humor (like the signature snort snorts) and learning lessons. While the first television episode aired in the UK in 2004, ten years later, when my angels were born, the Peppa brand had already grown to merchandising, books, films, and on-line series. In April 2011, Peppa Pig World, a family theme park, opened in New Forest, Hampshire, in the UK. Every child who visited London wanted to go.
Peppa is also extremely popular in China, and the first Peppa Pig World of Play opened in Shanghai late last year. We got the second.
Additional sites have been secured in Beijing, New York and Michigan, and are set to open before the end of 2019.
Crossing the pond at Peppa World of PlayPeppa World of Play
But Dallas/Fort Worth was selected to be the first U.S. outpost for Peppa and her gang, thanks, in part, to our strong economy.
“Dallas-Fort Worth is the perfect location for us to launch the first Peppa Pig World of Play in the U.S. as it joins two other popular Merlin Entertainment family attractions, SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center,” says Tyron Calton, Attraction Manager, Peppa Pig World of Play. “Texas families, as well as those visiting Grapevine from neighboring states, are sure to enjoy this immersive play experience based on the much-loved animated series.”
Given the appeal of Peppa Pig World of Play to families with younger children, it was important for Merlin to identify a high level of potential visitors in this age group within a close proximity of the location.
That they have. Average home prices in the Grapevine area run about $360,600, according to Zillow, with the median price per square foot at $170, higher than the Dallas-Fort Worth metro average of $137. Grapevine is bordered by Westlake, on the west, one of the wealthiest communities in Texas, with median home prices well over $1.5 million.
“The universally loved Peppa Pig brand offers us the chance to create a truly magical experience for our youngest visitors and families,” said Mike Vallis, Merlin Entertainments Divisional Director – New Brands. “By giving fans a unique opportunity to step into the incredible world of this hugely popular little piggy and encouraging them to discover, explore and play, we are confident that Peppa Pig World of Play will become a popular destination for families in Texas.”
Inside Peppa’s kitchenPeppa World of Play
Bike and tricycle ridingPeppa World of Play
What happens at Peppa World of Play?
After a short walk through the mall, children wait politely in line for their wristlets. Then the door opens to Peppa’s world, an interactive and fun environment centered around the stories of Peppa, her friends and family. There children can engage in indoor play focused around themed play, character interactions and engagement of parents and children.My grand-daughter sought out the Peppa tricycles first. (And guess who is now looking to order her one?)There are ten different play zones, a cinema, facilities for families to relax and plenty of photo opportunities. There is also a lunch area that serves limited food in fun Peppa-boxes. My grand-daughter particularly liked the climb-able playhouses (though she got lost in one), the rope swings, and the slides. There are vehicles and busses to climb in, and a replica of Peppa’s house with that signature squat, 1960’s-style box TV.And of course, there is a gift shop on your way out back to the mall.
The signature fun, though, was the Muddy Puddle Jump zone. When I heard about this, I was concerned we would actually get, you know, muddy. But you jump on padded floor mats and the “mud” appears on the screen in front, coupled with squelchy noises for every jump.
That’s the kind of mud, about the only kind, I like to handle.
Playing storePeppa Pig World of Play