If you've ever wanted to live in a fairy tale like Shrek, become a dragon warrior like Po or go on an adventure like Poppy, now is your chance.
Universal Orlando will unveil its newest land soon, with "DreamWorks Land" set to make its official debut Friday, June 14.
The highly anticipated new DreamWorks Land is the new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters. Guests can explore the vivid worlds of some of the most beloved animation characters in history.
Whether you already have plans to check out the new park, you might be curious what exactly will be housed in this new immersive land. Here's what future parkgoers should know before heading into DreamWorks Land.
Where is DreamWorks Land in Florida? New location at Universal Orlando used to be Woody Woodpecker's KidZone
DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando is the new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters. It will be located in the former spot ofWoody Woodpecker's KidZone, near the Animal Actors show andE.T. Adventure ride.
Four movies, shows are highlighted throughout DreamWorks Land
Curious what iconic characters you can hang out with? DreamWorks Land will feature attractions from these franchises and shows:
- Shrek
- Kung Fu Panda
- Trolls
- Gabby's House
In an interview with USA TODAY, park creators said these were their best and biggest franchises.
"There's a timelessness to these characters, but then the closeness of our relationship between DreamWorks and the parks lets us make sure that they're able to be as up to speed and cutting edge as possible," Michael Vollman, executive vice president of marketing at DreamWorks Animation, told USA TODAY.
DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando in Florida offers interactive play areas, character meetups and shows
In total, there will be five new interactive play areas:
- Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres
- King Harold’s Swamp Symphony
- Mama Luna’s Feline Fiesta
- Poppy's Playground
- Po's Kung Fu Training Camp
As for shows, there will be two shows — "Po Live" and DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration." "Po Live" gives kids a chance to meet the legendary dragon warrior, portrayed by Jack Black in all four films, having the character depicted on a large screen and answering live questions thanks to a voice actor behind-the-scenes.
DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration" brings together characters from the different franchises, singing and dancing to iconic songs from their movies.
You can even meet your favorite characters if you head to DreamWorks Character Zone or Shrek's Swamp Meet through the day. Times for the characters will be posted on signs in front of each building.
In an interview with USA TODAY, the land's creators spoke about the importance of having a space for families and younger parkgoers, saying it was motivating to create a "really fun environment where kids can play freely."
" … We've really consciously tried to put as much interactivity into the land as possible, and to really maximize the fun factor. So there are interactions that are digital. There are interactions that are physical. There are interactions with characters. There are interactions with water," Dean Orion, creative director of Universal Creative at Universal Orlando Resort, said. "There are animated figures, and there's just tons of shows. There's going to be shows with characters all day long, so it really is going to be just a great destination for families with younger people."
There's only one ride in DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando in Florida
For those wanting to check out a bunch of rollers coasters and thrill rides, you might want to check out other areas of the park before exploring DreamWorks Land.
There is only one new ride in the new land, a Trolls-inspired coaster called the "Trolls Trollercoaster." The family-friendly coaster's design is supposed to mimic the "Caterbus" seen in the movies.
According to Orlando Parenting, riders must be 36 inches to ride the roller coaster, with those between 36 and 48 inches needing an adult to accompany them. The Orlando Parenting post also notes the ride's queue is partially shaded, so load up on the sunscreen and consider bringing hats.
Shrekzels, anyone? New DreamWorks Land has themed treats for foodies
Better come with an appetite, there are two quick-service stands in DreamWorks Land. In Shrek's section, the Orlando Informer details the items at "Swamp Snacks," from waffles to hot dogs:
- Far Far A Waffle, $11.49 - Pepperoni or Ham & Cheese
- Shrekzel, $12.29- Pretzel served with cheese
- Swamp Dog,$9.49 - Hot dog "Oozing green cheese hot dog wrapped in pizza tree bark"
- Mud Puddle Pudding, $5.99 -Chocolate pudding, cookie crumbs, cookie cake, and gummy bugs
- Frozen Ogre Sour Apple Ice Pop–$6.99
- Chonkey Donkey Chocolate Ice Pop– $6.99
Over in Trolls, there are dessert items at "Troll Treats." Orlando Informer shares these two main menu items:
- Poppy-licious Pink, $7.49 - Pink Lemonade Soft Serve with Flower Sprinkles
- BroZone Berry, $7.49 - Huckleberry Soft Serve
DreamWorks Land isn't the only new thing on June 14, 2024
If you are heading to the theme park anytime after next week, keep an eye out for other new additions to the park.
Officials announced earlier this year other entertainment that will make a debut: a new parade, nighttime lagoon show and lights show over Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade.
What's new at Universal:Universal Orlando sets date for DreamWorks Land, Hogwarts Always coming summer 2024
“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort said in an April press release. “These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.”
Universal Orlando does offer Florida resident discounts
Worried the summer crowds will mean you won't get to fully experience everything in the new land? The theme park does offer a “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park 2-Day” deal exclusively to Florida residents.
Ticket prices for the deal vary by day. According to its website, adult tickets start at $234.99 plus tax and a children's ticket starts at $226.99 plus tax.
Florida residency requirements:
- Valid Florida driver's license
- Valid Florida-issued state ID or government-issued ID with a Florida address
- Valid Florida voter registration card with corresponding photo ID
- Valid college ID from a Florida college or university
Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay water theme park for an added fee. You can purchase or learn more about the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket” offerhere.
