Although we are a Disney-centric focused website, we never neglect to cover other entertainment and theme park news. This is especially true regarding Walt Disney World Resort’s largest competitor, Universal Orlando Resort.
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Universal Studios Theme Parks
It’s no secret that Universal Studios Resort is expanding its size with the Epic Universe in 2025 and the Universal Kids Resort soon being built in Frisco, TX.
Universal Studios Florida announced they would create an all-new themed land dedicated to DreamWorks Animation earlier this year. The new section of the Universal Orlando park will debut in 2024 and replace the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.
The new space will feature interactive play spaces, family entertainment, and unique attractions based around Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and more. The new area will also include new character meet and greets.
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Shrek at Universal Studios Orlando
Shrek’s house will be a new spot to meet and greet Shrek at Universal Studios Orlando. It has been reported this week that construction has begun on the new structure of Shrek’s signature tree-stump home.
Concrete sculpting has begun to cover up the previous framework and form the fake tree facade. Scaffolding is currently surrounding Shrek’s home.
Sculpting underway for details of Shrek's House in DreamWorks land. pic.twitter.com/J7F7YTt03O
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 22, 2023
Shrek’s swamp will be in front of E.T. Toy Closet, and his home will host Shrek and Donkey meet and greets just outside its doors. Shrek fans may also be able to meet Princess Fiona.
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DreamWorks Land
The official opening date of the new area has yet to be released. However, it has been confirmed that the new land will maintain the former Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.
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The attraction will be rethemed to the Trolls franchise and is believed to be named the Trollercoaster. It has since been repainted to a Trolls-color scheme.
While other attractions have yet to be confirmed, it is widely believed that the E.T. Adventure and Animal Actors will remain in the theme park.