UniversalParksBlog News for October 1st, 2023
Universal Studios has filed the paperwork for the area that will replace Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.
We’ll discuss the details in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Meet DreamWorks Land
Photo: Universal Orlando
Okay, the name isn’t set in stone yet, but we’ll use it for the sake of simplicity.
At some point over the next year, Universal Studios Florida will open a new themed land based on DreamWorks Animation franchises and characters.
Photo: Universal Orlando
We know from recent Universal Studios announcements that management is prepared to lean hard into intellectual properties.
The Frisco, Texas, mini-theme park will feature characters from Madagascar, Shrek, and other DreamWorks movies/television series.
Photo: Universal
Universal will adopt the same approach with its Universal Studios Florida reboot of the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone space.
Signs point to a heavy Shrek presence here, which makes sense. This park has relied on Shrek since the early 2000s.
While Universal Studios Florida recently closed Shrek 4-D, a character greeting remained.
Now, Universal intends to relocate characters from this story to the new themed land, which will remain family-friendly.
Photo: Airbnb
Universal has filed the paperwork for this project, and the most telling sign is the sign itself.
A logo shows DreamWorks characters like Shrek (and Donkey), the Trolls, and Po from Kung Fu Panda.
Photo: Airbnb
This logo also fittingly features the logo from DreamWorks Animation films, the silhouette of the child who is fishing while sitting on the moon.
Donkey holds a sign in his teeth. The text states, “Welcome to our Land.”
Po also carries a sign, one that seems more in character for him. It says, “Join the Awesomeness.”
Hints at DreamWorks Land
Photo: Airbnb
Other pictures show artist’s renderings of scenes from the new DreamWorks Land. And one of them will haunt my dreams.
Based on the picture, Universal has created a child-friendly ride whose carts take on the appearance of bugs.
Photo: Airbnb
I’m pretty sure The Simpsons already did this:
The only difference is that the ride shown on The Simpsons occurs indoors. DreamWorks illustrations show an external bug ride.
Photo: Airbnb
I initially thought Universal had built a ride based on its largely forgotten film, Antz.
In looking closely at the artist’s rendering, its appearance more closely matches that of A Bug’s Life, which is a Disney story. So, it’s not that.
After studying the picture more carefully, I realized it’s a Trolls roller coaster.
Photo: Airbnb
The internet has already started referring to this project by the catchy but problematic name of Trollercoaster.
Those of you familiar with internet memes and trolling are aware of the other connotations for the term, which Universal may choose to avoid.
Then again, Universal may lean into it, as the company has filed a trademark application under that name.
This filing also refers to the area as DREAMWORKS LAND (in all caps) as well, so let’s not overthink it. In the wake of Minion Land, I guess Universal prefers simplicity.
The Trollercoaster won’t be a new project. Instead, Universal is re-theming Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster with a character that 21st-century children know.
Everything Else at DreamWorks Land
Photo: Universal Orlando
We’re still ostensibly in the middle stage of development for this re-theme of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.
So, a lot could still change before this part of the park reopens to guests.
Still, the filing suggests a 2024 opening for DreamWorks Land, with next summer making the most sense.
That would mirror the timeline employed for the debut of Minion Land this year.
We also already knew about two other characters coming to this themed land.
Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse will hold court here, possibly at the re-themed theater that previously held Barney shows.
Photo: Netflix
Alternatively, a Puss in Boots show might go here.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish earned $485 in theaters in late 2022, a very strong showing, all things considered.
That performance may have caused Universal officials to emphasize the character more at DreamWorks Land.
Photo: Universal
There’s also a belief that the former Fievel’s Playground will employ a Shrek theme. The pictures show Donkey sticking his head out from a barn.
At this point, everything involving Po and other characters from Kung Fu Panda would be entirely speculative, but some filings suggest interactive elements in play.
Again, Universal changed the name of its entire theme park empire to emphasize experiences.
Photo: DreamWorks
I’m expecting several of these character interactions to lean hard into that style of entertainment.
We should know soon, as 2024 arrives in less than three months!
Theme Park Miscellany
Photo: universal
I generally don’t cover the Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Japan since I realize it’s not at the forefront of your mind.
Honestly, a lot of the most entertaining stuff happens in Japan, though. Some of their ideas double as fever dreams.
Photo: Universal Japan
For example, Zombie de Dance has returned as a Scare Zone this year. It’s this:
Sadly, Shazam cannot identify this song, which breaks my heart. I’d add it to my workout playlist immediately.
In Halloween Horror Nights news, annual passholders will get a fun bonus on October 1st. Universal will give you a Dr. Oddfellow-styled tarot card!
You can get it at the passholder lounge at Islands of Adventure while supplies last! Five and Dime at Universal Studios Florida will have it as well.
You can expect this amazing-looking card to sell out quickly since it’s free, though.
Finally, Universal has made a strange and hopefully temporary change.
As of now, when you ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, you only have a choice of five songs as opposed to the previous 30+.
I dunno know if this is a licensing issue or what, but the current choices are objectively terrible compared to the previous options. They are:
- Humble by Kendrick Lamar (rap/hip-hop)
- Man! I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain (country)
- Sandstorm by Darude (club/electronica)
- Waterloo by ABBA (pop/disco)
- Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
So, this is hopefully a speed bump, but it’s sounding permanent.
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
Thankfully, some people are reporting that the secret songs still work.
Presuming that remains true, punch in the code of 306 and enjoy the ride!
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