DreamWorks Animation-Themed Land Opens at Universal Orlando in 2024

A new land based on DreamWorks Animation films will open at Universal Studios in Orlando in 2024.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the opening window for the DreamWorks-themed land on Thursday. The area will immerse parkgoers in colorful and vibrant attractions based on popular DreamWorks Animation franchises, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and more.

The DreamWorks-themed land is being built in the former location of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, the land that featured rides and other attractions tailored for families with children who were too young to meet the height requirements of Universal Studios’ other rides or parkgoers who opt out of thrill rides altogether, These included Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and Fievel’s Playland, which is inspired by An American Tail and Fievel Goes West. That area closed down back in January, but some attractions in its vicinity remain open, including E.T. Adventure.

The announcement of the DreamWorks area opening in Orlando next year comes on the heels of Universal Studios’ collaboration with PlayStation to bring The Last of Us to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. The haunted house will see guests encounter infected runners, clickers, and human raiders just like Joel and Ellie as they pass through locations from the 2013 game, including The Hotel Grand.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Universal Studios Hollywood is building a Fast & Furious roller coaster, which Universal said will be equipped with “innovative and technological achievements never previously employed” by any other thrill ride. Universal hasn’t released a development timeline for the ride.

Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.