We’ve all been anxiously watching for news from Universal Orlando Resort about Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025, but did you know DreamWorks Land featuring characters from “Shrek,” “Trolls,” “Kung Fu Panda,” and more will open in Universal Studios Florida on June 14, 2024, including the family-friendly Trollercoaster and, believe or not, Shrek’s outhouse?
But wait there’s more! Universal has also announced a brand new daytime parade and two new nighttime shows, so let’s take a look at everything debuting at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Island’s of Adventure this summer!
DreamWorks Land
The vibrant style of DreamWorks Animation is a natural fit for a theme park land – so much so that we wonder why it took so long – but the wait will be over soon as Shrek’s Swamp, the colorful world of “Trolls,” and Panda Village come to life in Orlando.
We’ll continue to update this article as we get closer to the June 14th opening date, but here’s what we know so far about DreamWorks Land:
Shrek’s Swamp
Guests can meet Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey just outside Shrek’s 35-foot-tall tree stump-shaped cottage. Plus, an ogre-sized play area features four slides, water play areas, and a playground where kids can – here it is, folks – enter Shrek’s outhouse (at their own risk, of course).
Previously, Shrek and friends appeared at Universal Studios Florida in Shrek 4D, an animated 4D movie experience, which closed in 2022 to make way for Villian-Con Minion Blast in the park’s new Minion Land, which opened last summer.
King Harold’s Swamp Symphony – For those who may not remember, in “Shrek 2,” King Harold is Princess Fiona’s enchanted frog dad. In DreamWorks Land, King Harold’s Swamp Symphony allows guests to trigger a chorus of frog ribbits by stomping on interactive lily pads.
Swamp Snacks – A new snack kiosk inside the land will serve Shrektacular snacks, including a Shrekzel, the Far Far A Waffle, and the Frozen Ogre.
Mama Luna Feline Fiesta – Inspired by the “Shrek” spin-off “Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish,” a new interactive experience puts guests inside Mama Luna’s retirement home for cats. There, they can play with the feline residents on interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas, and levers (we’re told Puss in Boots may even make an appearance).
Trolls Village
Trolls Trollercoaster – Guests of all ages can ride on the iconic Caterbus with poppy, Tiny and the twins (Satin and Chenille) to escape evil spiders.
Poppy’s Playground – Guests can find a shaded play area under a giant, 20-foot mushroom featuring bouncing and climbing structures decorated with colorful flowers and bugs.
Trolls Treats – Poppy’s boombox from “Trolls Band Together” has been transformed into a snack spot serving brightly-colored Trolls ice cream treats like the pink lemonade-flavored Poppy-licious Pink and huckleberry-flavored BroZone Berry.
High Five Hideaway – An all-new retail location hosted by Cloud Guy will carry apparel, plush, and accessories featuring characters from “Shrek,” “Trolls,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” and other DreamWorks properties.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp
An all-new play area inspired by the Kung Fu Panda movies will bring the Panda Village to life with both wet and dry play areas, including helping the pandas wash and dry their laundry with water cannons, dump buckets, and giant fans. Other fun elements include an interactive gong, giggling baby pandas, and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
Po Live! – A digital, interactive meet-and-greet experience allows guests to interact with the Dragon Warrior himself as he teaches them Kung Fu moves, cooks delicious stir-fry, and babysits his little cousin, Ling Ling (all at the same time!)
DreamWorks Land Character Experiences
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration – A multi-sensory adventure that combines hit pop songs, high-energy dancing, and advanced technology turns the all-new DreamWorks Theater into a fun-filled party.
DreamWorks Character Zone – Guests can meet even more of their favorite DreamWorks characters (like Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”) at the Character Zone.
More News From Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is also debuting not one, not two, but THREE new experiences this summer, including a brand new Hogwarts projection show!
“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “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.”
Hogwarts Always
A new projection show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will debut on select nights beginning June 14, 2024. Hogwarts Always will take witches, wizards, and muggles on “a journey through iconic moments of a year at the beloved school of witchcraft and wizardry,” from shopping for school supplies in Diagon Alley to participating in the Sorting Ceremony to celebrating the House Cup winner, and much more.
The show will feature four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house with a colorful pyrotechnic display.
CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular
On select nights beginning June 14, 2024, CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular will bring movie music to life, including the iconic scores from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, plus Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.
The new lagoon show in Universal Studios Florida will feature 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, i4K projection mapping, and more than 600 drones.
Universal Mega Movie Parade
Universal has also announced the Universal Mega Movie Parade will debut on select days beginning July 3, 2024, during which “favorite characters leap off screen onto the streets“ of Universal Studios Florida including E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Minions, Sing, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date includes nearly 100 performers and 13 floats, including a 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the Ghostbusters float, the colorful Caterbus on the Trolls float, and a Gyrosphere, Raptors, and Tyrannosaurus rex aboard the Jurassic World float (breaking the record for largest figure featured in a Universal Orlando daytime parade).
Universal Tribute Store: The Summer Edition
Universal Orlando’s Summer Tribute Store will complement the new parade experience with highly-themed rooms, merch, and photo ops inspired by films featured in the Universal Mega Movie Parade. Details about the Summer Tribute Store will be revealed soon.
Starting now, park guests will find specialty merchandise themed to beloved DreamWorks characters, plus new original interactive bubble wands inspired by Trolls and Jurassic World, which activate fun features when interacting with other wands and with select Universal Mega Movie Parade floats when the parade debuts. Additional details will be revealed in the next few months.
Discount Disney Tickets & Travel
Snag the latest Disney travel deals from our partners at Get Away Today!
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney Cruise Line, including new low hotel rates, extra days and nights for free, special perks, and limited-time opportunities… including special limited-time Disneyland ticket offers!
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals. When you purchase from our travel partner, you not only get great rates and service, you also help support MiceChat. We sincerely thank you for your support!)
Let’s Hear From You!
Are you excited for the chance to meet Poppy, Shrek, and the one and only Kung Fu Panda in their own themed land? Or do you think Universal could have used that real estate for something else? And what do we think about the THREE new entertainment offerings coming to Universal Orlando this summer? How are the entertainment options stacking up for the various theme park operators in Orlando?
Let us know in the comments below!
