Exploring the Cinematic Elements of DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida.
Guests traveling around the roads in Central Florida will inevitably encounter billboards advertising Universal Orlando Resort as a theme park like no other, noting “It’s More Than Magic. It’s Real.” The resort went all-in on the real aspect in the new DreamWorks Land section of Universal Studios Florida, which aims to bring myriad characters from your favorite DreamWorks films to life. DreamWorks Land, for those unaware, is a fun all-new kids area that replaces the former Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone near the opening-day E.T. attraction. The land features an enchanting blend of interactive attractions and character encounters that brings beloved DreamWorks movies to life. Here’s a detailed look at these elements and the movie scenes they are drawn from.
Related: First Impressions of DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando
The land is broken down into three main areas: Shrek’s Swamp, the Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda Training Camp.
Shrek’s Swamp Area
This area immerses guests in the whimsical world of “Shrek.” Visitors can meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey at Shrek’s cottage, located at the base of a massive tree stump, closely resembling Shrek’s swamp home. Fiona appears in her human form, Shrek looks just like in the films, and Donkey has an updated appearance from the previous meet and greet. Chatting with Donkey is super fun, and really brings elements from the Shrek films to life (we chatted with Donkey about life in the swamp, his Dragon wife, and their kids). Beyond the meet-and-greet, there’s a Shrek-themed play area where children can explore and slide through the swamp (during our time in the swamp, Fiona was not present).
Pinocchio’s Fact Shack, another fun feature in this area, allows guests to interact with Pinocchio. In the Shrek movies, Pinocchio is sold to Lord Farquaad’s men by his creator Geppetto during the banishment of all fairytale creatures from Duloc. Pinocchio ends up in Shrek’s swamp with the other fairytale creatures and becomes a close friend of Shrek.
By pressing a button found at the base of his treehouse, Pinocchio shares ‘interesting facts’, and his nose humorously grows when he tells a lie, echoing his unique trait in the films.
King Harold’s Swamp Symphony offers an interactive musical experience where guests can hop on lily pads to make the frogs “sing,” creating fun and creative melodies.
This attraction also draws inspiration directly from the “Shrek” films. King Harold, originally a frog, was transformed into a human by the Fairy Godmother to court Princess Lillian. In the films, the now-human Harold is the ruler of Far Far Away and Fiona’s father.
Mama Luna’s Feline Fiesta provides an interactive experience where guests can engage with screens by turning cranks and pushing buttons, causing the objects on the screens to react. The theming of this attraction is drawn directly from the “Shrek” universe film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
In the Puss in Boots film Mama Luna, residing on the outskirts of Del Mar, is a bit of a Crazy cat Lady who takes in stray cats at her Cat Rescue. She offers her home as Puss’s “forever home” when he is advised to retire.
Trolls Area
The Trolls area features a variety of nods to the Trolls Movie and is themed in the same bright, vibrant colors you would expect the Trolls to live in.
The Trolls Trollercoaster can be found here, which is the only actual ride in DreamWorks land. The TrollerCoaster is a family-friendly coaster that young kids can enjoy, with fun theming that incorporates various Trolls characters.
Guests can also meet Poppy and Branch, the main characters from the films, and enjoy the Trolls fountain, which features these beloved characters.
Kung Fu Panda Section
The Kung Fu Training Camp area allows young guests to jump right into the “Kung Fu Panda” films. The entrance features two water play areas as well as a dry play area themed after Mr. Ping’s noodle shop, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Kaboodle. Mr. Ping, Po’s adoptive father, is a beloved character who owns Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu in the Valley of Peace.
Po Live! is an interactive experience located at the back of this section, where screens bring Po to “life” to teach guests some Kung Fu moves. This attraction captures the dynamic and engaging training scenes from the “Kung Fu Panda” films. Although a digital experience, Po interacts with the audience: asking and answering questions, calling on specific people to perform some moves, and having a ton of fun along the way!
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration This live-action show is a must-see, as it uses the power of imagination to transport guests into scenes from “Shrek,” “Trolls,” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Featuring singing, dancing, characters, and life-size puppets, the show offers a fun and engaging experience that showcases the magic of these beloved movies.
Food and Merchandise In the Shrek area, visitors can enjoy Swamp Snacks, while in the Trolls area, Trolls Treats offers snacks from a stand designed to look like a boombox, in keeping with the musical theme.
High Five Hideaway, themed after the cloud guy from “Trolls,” is where guests can purchase merchandise, allowing them to take a piece of DreamWorks Land home with them.
Related: First Look: DreamWorks Land Snack Menus with Prices
DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida brings the magic of these popular movies to life, offering fans an immersive experience filled with interactive attractions, character encounters, and playful settings that reflect the essence of their favorite DreamWorks films. Which character are you most looking forward to meeting? Leave us a comment to let us know!
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