First look: DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios

The new DreamWorks Land may feel both new and familiar when it debuts at Universal Studios theme park next month.

The area, which is built generally on the footprint of the old Woody’s KidZone, rethinks the use of its structures and gives them an animated spin a la “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Puss in Boots.”

For instance, where Barney the purple dinosaur once frolicked in a fountain, there are now a couple of trolls. So it’s more than a fresh coat of paint happening back here.

Universal gave members of the media a sneak peek Thursday just before the park closed for the day. Not everything was available and operating, but here are five things that were seen.

In ogre words

Most visible upon entrance is an area devoted to “Shrek” characters. A giant grassy stump, which has been visible from beyond the construction wall, dominates the area, and a meet-and-greet with the big green ogre and Donkey is built in. This interaction is much like it has been in a couple of previous locations at Universal.

But it also includes a splash area and playground, which features a curling slide from a second level. It’s topped by an outhouse. Word on the street: There’s an accompanying sound effect.

Troll call

Introducing Trollercoaster, once upon a time known as Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. There are, indeed, fresh coats of paint on the kiddie coaster, and there is retheming, including a worm-styled ride vehicle and spider webs that are effectively placed at the top of the lift hill.

Folks can expect the same ride experience as in the past, although the warning signs make reference to “a high-speed roller coaster ride.” RCDB.com, an online database, lists its speed as 21.7 mph and height as just below 28 feet.

The height requirement for the ride in the Woody era was 36 inches (48 inches if traveling solo).

Po, Ping, Ling Ling

On the far end of DreamWorks Land is Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, part of which is a retooled version of the Curious George Goes to Town splash pad area. Theming is now panda-centric, including two bears poised to dump a big barrel of water on folks down below and, on the opposite side, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Kaboodle.

Farther back, in the old, tucked-away Man With the Yellow Hat Ball Factory, the transformation is dramatic. The Po Live experience is a two-level octagon pointed toward a screen experience where visitors interact with digital Po. He takes questions and pokes fun at three-dimensional people while teaching martial arts, babysitting cousin Ling Ling and, at least on our preview, whipping up some stir fry.

Kids will dig it. (Think Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot.)

There are multiple full-body people dryers in the land, and they, too, are themed. One is Three Little Pigs plus a Big Bad Wolf, and the side says, “I’ll huff, and I’ll puff … and I’ll blow your clothes dry.”

Making things happen

Other interactives include King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, where you stand on a lily pad to make an animatronic frog croak. Nearby is Mama Luna, featuring many pusses in booties that are manipulated by several hands-on activities. There’s also a hidden digital Woody.

Munch hour

On the eating side, there are intriguing options, including the mud puddle pudding ($5.99) and Chonkey Donkey chocolate cake pop for $6.99. Or go for the Shrek-shaped Shrekzel pretzel, which is almost as much fun to say as Trollercoaster. It will sell for $12.29.

And one more thing

DreamWorks Land-adjacent is a new entrance sign for E.T. Adventure, a former KidZone attraction now standing alone. It’s a formidable sign, leading the way to a space that has less visible frontage than before. A friend noted it should have words beneath it that say “NOT GOING ANYWHERE.”

DreamWorks Land opens to the public on June 14. It’s part of a summer spree where Central Florida parks complete some refurbishment projects. KidZone becomes DreamWorks Land; Splash Mountain becomes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom as of June 28; and Penguin Encounter becomes Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando (date to be announced).

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