Photos: Universal Orlando Introduces New DreamWorks Land and Exciting Summer Entertainment

17.06.2024 - 22:04 / travelpulse.com / Harry Potter / North America

On June 14, Universal Orlando Resort debuted a new lineup of daytime and nighttime experiences spanning both theme parks and celebrating a broad lineup of Universal’s most popular franchises, including Shrek,Harry Potter, E.T. and Back to the Future. From a new kid-friendly DreamWorks Land to nighttime shows and a parade (debuting July 3) guaranteed to unlock core childhood memories for adults, Universal Orlando’s new summer attractions and entertainment offer a blend of upbeat playfulness and emotional nostalgia with plenty of appeal for the youngest guests and their families and adults visiting without kids. 

DreamWorks Land opened June 14, bringing a colorful glow-up to the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone area at Universal Studios Florida. Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda provide the inspiration for the new land’s three themed areas, which offer a mix of whimsical entertainment, characters, snacks and treats, and interactive splash and play zones. 

Shrek’s 35-foot-tall cottage is the land’s eye-catching icon and home to Shrek’s Swamp Meet, where Shrek’s belches and Donkey’s banter are balanced by a more demure Princess Fiona. 

But every parent knows potty humor reigns supreme — especially when it comes to Shrek — so it’s no surprise that the piece de resistance in nearby play area Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres is, in fact, Shrek’s outhouse. Best to leave the propriety at home for this one — a trip through the outhouse and down the green tube slide beneath it yields sound effects that have already earned it the nickname — ”the fart slide.” Next to the slide, at Pinocchio’s Fact Shack, you can ring a bell and an animatronic Pinocchio will share a “fact” (psst, he’s lying).

Younger kids not big enough for the nets and slides in Shrek’s Swamp can hop across lily pads to activate frog ribbits in King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, and push and pull buttons and levers to interact with on-screen cats in Mama Luna Feline Fiesta. 

Mama Luna Feline Fiesta (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)

In Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, guests can interact with Po on a screen (similar to EPCOT’s Turtle Talk With Crush), and get kung fu pointers from Po while he juggles cooking and babysitting. 

Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)

Savory and sweet Shrek- and Trolls-inspired snacks are clever, tasty, and Instagrammable enough to entice even grown-ups sans kids. 

At Swamp Snacks, the Shrekzel with gooey, green cheese is a must. There’s also a pizza/waffle mashup and a hot dog topped with yet another green cheese. 

Shrekzel (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)

For a lighter, sweeter snack, the Frozen Ogre sour apple ice pop and Chonkey Donkey chocolate ice pop, reminiscent of a pudding pop, are fun and refreshing. 

Ice Pops