SomeBODY once told me that Universal Studios Florida is opening a new theme park in 2025. It’s true! But that’s not all they’re up to. This morning, Universal Orlando Resort revealed the first details about DreamWorks Land, which is going up near my beloved E.T. Adventure ride.
The kid-friendly DreamWorks Land is, as you might imagine from the name, based on characters from DreamWorks movies, including Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Kung Fu Panda. Sorry, Flushed Away fans, but you’re out of luck.
Highlights include a meet-and-great with Shrek characters, a Trolls-themed “Trollercoaster,” and “Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp,” featuring “enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans, and more.” It wouldn’t be a Universal attraction without guests getting soak (as someone who always makes time for Jurassic Park River Adventure, I say this with complete affection). I’m particularly intrigued by Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, the first (?) attraction where you can visit a character’s toilet.
This ogre-sized play area features four fun slides, wet play areas, and a playground where guests can climb, bounce, and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.
If DreamWorks Land is a success, and it will be with the Shrek toilet, what movies should be represented in the expansion? I’m hoping for Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. The Halloween Horror Nights crossover would be a blast. Here’s the full list of attractions:
SHREK
Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Guests can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with beloved characters Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, the noble steed eager to joke around and converse with guests, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres: This ogre-sized play area features four fun slides, wet play areas and a playground where guests can climb, bounce and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.
Mama Luna Feline Fiesta: The blockbuster film, Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish, comes to life with this new interactive experience that takes place in Mama Luna’s retirement home for cats. Here, guests get to play with Mama Luna’s many cats on vivid interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas and levers. They might even spot the one and only Puss in Boots himself.
King Harold’s Swamp Symphony: Guests can create their own melodious masterpiece as they trigger a choir of ever-changing frog ribbits by continually stomping on an array of interactive lily pads.
Swamp Snacks: Families can feast like an ogre at this new kiosk, which will serve scrumptious snacks inspired by Shrek, including Shrekzel, Far Far A Waffle, Frozen Ogre and more.
TROLLS
Trolls Trollercoaster: After strolling through a dazzling marquee starring cherished Trolls characters Poppy, Viva, Tiny Diamond, Satin and Chenille, guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus escaping evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.
Poppy’s Playground: Nestled under a giant, 20-foot mushroom is Poppy’s Playground – a shaded play area featuring colorful flowers and bugs with a bountiful array of fun bouncing and climbing structures for the youngest of trolls.
Trolls Treats: Poppy’s boombox from Trolls Band Together has been transformed into a playful kiosk that offers up brightly colored Trolls ice cream treats inspired by Poppy and Branch like the pink lemonade-flavored Poppy-licious Pink and huckleberry-flavored BroZone Berry.
High Five Hideaway: Cloud Guy hosts this all-new retail location featuring the latest merchandise including apparel, plush and accessories from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Gabby’s Dollhouse and more.
KUNG FU PANDA
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life like never before. Within both wet and dry play areas, guests have the opportunity to help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more. Guests will also encounter fun elements throughout the experience, including an interactive gong, mischievous, giggling baby pandas, and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
Po Live!: This digital, interactive meet and greet experience gives guests the opportunity to interact with the famous Dragon Warrior himself as he teaches them cool Kung Fu moves, cooks some delicious stir fry and babysits his little cousin, Ling Ling…all at the same time.
Universal Studios’ DreamWorks Land is expected to open at the Orlando-based park in summer 2024. Have a look at the concept art:
