Shrek, Po and other beloved characters from DreamWorks’ animated films now have a dedicated home at Universal Studios Florida.
The new DreamWorks Land has officially opened at the park, offering visitors—especially the little ones—a new place to play and explore.
The land, which is a retheme of the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, features attractions and experiences tied to “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
In the Shrek area, visitors will find several interactive experiences. Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres is a playground that puts visitors in the middle of Shrek’s home. They can interact with a animatronic Pinocchio who doesn’t always tell the truth. They can slide through Shrek’s outhouse. Universal affectionally calls it the “poop-chute” which gives you a good idea of the kind of sounds it makes.
Shrek, Donkey and Fiona also have a new meet-and-greet just outside Shrek’s cottage.
There’s a small splash pad—one of many featured in the land—next to Shrek’s house. Across the way, King Harold’s Swamp Symphony offers another interactive experience. Visitors can step on lily pads to trigger sounds from the frog choir.
The “Trolls” section includes a family-friendly coaster called the Trolls Trollercoaster,” which was previously Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.
The area also include a playground for toddlers that’s themed to the Trolls’ character Poppy.
In the old Barney show theater, Universal has put a new stage production called “DreamWorks Imagination Celebration.” It features singing, dancing and a story about not losing your imagination. Shrek, Po and King Julien from “Madagascar” make appearances. (Watch the full show here)
The Ku Fu Panda section is home to the land’s other show—”Po Live.” Visitors can interact with a digital version of Po who answers questions in real-time.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp also features a play area with water elements and a playground.
At the front of the land, there are character meet-and-greet spaces for other DreamWorks characters and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Throughout the land, visitors will find a variety of themed treats to eat. In the Shrek section, Swamp Snacks offers the Shrekzek, a Shrek shaped pretzel; the Far Far A Waffle, which comes in either a pepperoni or ham and cheese option; and ice pops, either the Frozen Ogre Sour Apple or the Chonkey Donkey Chocolate.
In the Trolls section, a boombox-shaped kiosk called Trolls Treats offers beverages as well as two Trolls-inspired snacks: Poppy-licious Pink, pink lemonade soft serve, and BroZone Berry, huckleberry soft serve.
DreamWorks Land is just one of the new offerings Universal is debuting this summer.
The new nighttime lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida, “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular,” debuts June 14. It features music from a collection of films along with scenes created through projection mapping, water fountains and drones.
Over at Islands of Adventure, Hogwarts Castle is getting a new projection show called “Hogwarts Always.”
Next month, Universal will debut its Mega Movie Parade with floats and characters from “E.T.,” “Jaws,” “Ghostbusters” and more.
