Kung Fu Panda replacing Shrek at Universal Studios Hollywood

When Comcast acquired DreamWorks Animation last year, we all knew it would only be a matter of time before DreamWorks was integrated into the Universal Parks in a bigger way than ever before. In Orlando, minor character meet and greet additions have been made with no bigger plans as of now. However, Universal Studios Hollywood will soon roll out some huge experiences with DreamWorks Animation!

The DreamWorks Theatre attraction will be a newly designed venue that will “play host to a variety of action-packed DreamWorks Animation themed attractions beginning with the multi-sensory adventure inspired by the global blockbuster franchise Kung Fu Panda.” Universal promises that “new technologically advanced attraction will take guests on a legendary journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art projection mapping and LED lighting effects for a highly engaging and immersive, unstoppable-awesome experience.”

This DreamWorks Theatre attraction will open in the same space currently occupied by Shrek 4-D, which is fitting, but also seems odd considering the queue and entrance area was refreshed and revitalized in the past couple years. But, it seems like this change will be for the better, and the LA Times has even reported that this new style could allow for updates to the attraction every year to help promote the next big DreamWorks Animation movie. They also predicted that it could be adapted for special holiday changes with some of the DreamWorks holiday specials.

The theater will be completely redesigned and the days of Shrek’s castle, complete with dungeon, will be long gone. Replacing it will be a gorgeous new theater that looks classic Hollywood along with a swanky lobby.

Also being refurbished is the area right across the street from the new DreamWorks Theatre. Starting this Summer, characters like Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins, and King Julian; Trolls’ Polly and Branch; and Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots along with Shrek and Fiona will all appear center stage in the Universal Plaza for a daily character dance jam.

This is all just the beginning for DreamWorks Animation and Universal, so we’ll keep you updated on any changes or new additions!