With so many exciting projects in the works at Universal Orlando Resort, it’s hard to believe that guests could be seeing new attractions as early as this summer – but that is precisely what Universal has announced! Any park guest who has ventured back towards the old Kidzone Park area has been able to see the progress being made on what Universal is dubbing “Dreamworks Land,” a brand new family-focused land debuting in Universal Studios Orlando this summer.
Dedicated to bringing some of animation’s most lovable and memorable characters to life right inside of Universal Studios Florida, Dreamworks Land is a long-anticipated and sorely needed addition to the park that will not only help fill the gap created by the official closing of Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone in January of 2023 but bring new life to the kid-oriented offerings that make Universal Studios a true family experience. After twenty-four years of the zone being run by the wily woodpecker and now over a full year of standing workwalls, it seems like Dreamworks Land is finally on the horizon.
The most recognizable landmark of this new section of the park is Shrek’s Swamp, which is set just opposite the entrance to E.T. Adventure, where the old Fievel’s Playland used to reside. The 35-foot tall cottage is a recreation of the iconic home of everyone’s favorite Ogre and serves as the centerpiece to a handful of brand new attractions (as well as a returning old favorite!). Shrek’s swamp will offer water-based play areas for the little ogres, as well as the return of the guest-favorite Shrek Photo Meet – a long-floated rumor now substantiated by Universal’s announcement that the cottage will be the site of Shrek’s Swamp Meet, where guests can interact with Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey since their rehoming from the old Shrek 4-D alleyway.
Joining characters from the Shrek Universe in Dreamworks Land are Trolls and Kung Fu Panda; Brand new retail and food options round out the offerings of these sections of the new Land, in addition to the headliner attractions like The Trollercoaster, Poppy’s Playground (set underneath a 20-foot tall mushroom), Po’s new meet and greet, and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp where Kung Fu masters-in-training can explore the Panda Village.
With a focus on family fun and interactivity, King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, Poppy’s Playground, and the Kung Fu Training Camp promise to keep kids and adults alike entertained with a wide array of activities, exploration, and games to play as every new section delivers on Universal’s trademark theming and quality.
In addition to these themed areas, Dreamworks Land is also going to be home to the Dreamworks Imagination Celebration, a high-energy interactive dance party celebrating all of the fantastical possibilities that come to life through the imaginative worlds of Dreamworks films, as well as the Dreamworks Character Pavilion, where guests can meet and interact with a variety of Dreamworks Characters that may have finally found a permanent home in this new Land!
This ambitious land is slated for opening in the Summer of 2024, though no concrete date has been provided at this time. Needless to say, there is plenty to look forward to this summer in advance of Universal’s other headliner projects, and Dreamworks Land is certain to be a charming and exciting new addition to Universal Studios Orlando.
