Universal Orlando to Permanently Close 5 Attractions to Make Way for ‘New Family Entertainment’

Changes are afoot at Universal Orlando Resort. It was announced Tuesday that five attractions will be closing at Universal Studios Florida in the near future to make room for “exciting new family entertainment.”

On Jan. 16, 2023, Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination and Donkey’s Meet & Greet will cease operations, with the last day of operation falling on Jan. 15.

The release notes that these attractions are being shuttered as Universal Orlando Resort “will soon begin work on bringing exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida that will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.”

Don’t worry, though – Universal made sure to add in the same statement that the nearby (and beloved) E.T. Adventure will not be closing, nor will Animal Actors on Location!, SpongeBob StorePants (including met and greets) and KidZone Pizza Company, which will all remain open.

The area earmarked for a revamp is the most kid-friendly portion of the Universal Studios Florida park.

While Universal Orlando did not specify what will be taking the place of the five aforementioned attractions, this same area was previously earmarked for Universal Orlando’s iteration of Super Nintendo World before plans for that park expansion were moved to the new theme park Epic Universe, a sprawling new park that’s under construction and due to open in 2025.

These changes come as Universal Studios Florida also recently shuttered the Shrek 4-D attraction, which is now being replaced with – per permits – a new Minions attraction tied to VillainCon.