VAI Resort took over as the sole developer, owner, and operator of Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona, following the exit of Epic Resort Destinations on August 26, 2026. Epic Resort Destinations, previously led by CEO Glenn Bilbo, is no longer involved in the project according to ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV).
Project Background and Timeline
The Mattel Adventure Park project began in 2020 under a different name and was originally planned for completion before Glendale hosted the Super Bowl in 2023. In 2022, executives from Fisher Industries led a new ownership group under which the development was rebranded to VAI Resort. Epic Resort
Destinations had been managing the Mattel Adventure Park portion separately with an initial target opening set for 2023, but delays pushed the estimated launch to 2025.
Construction experienced setbacks, including a fatal accident in December 2024 when a worker died from a fall at the site. Prior to VAI Resort’s full ownership, the project was reported to have “inevitably experienced some delays.”
Current Development Status
The transition of ownership to VAI Resort is described as seamless with no disruption in construction progress. Visible developments include the amphitheater hotel near the 101 freeway with ongoing construction of the lobby, steakhouse, and guest rooms. The
157-room VAI Villas on the eastern side of the project and the conference center along the freeway are nearly structurally complete.
VAI Resort’s senior marketing official emphasized a focus on quality over speed or cost. The project now occupies a larger footprint than originally planned before the rebranding.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
Upon completion, Mattel Adventure Park is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs in Glendale and generate over $2.2 billion in tax revenue for the city and Arizona state. The developer has not announced a confirmed opening date.
VAI Resort intends to reveal an opening timeline approximately 12 months before launch, with
an announcement possibly planned for November 2026. The company described the forthcoming park and resort as delivering “something spectacular.”
