DreamWorks Land Coming to Universal Theme Park in 2024

After releasing its very first film in 1998's The Prince of Egypt, DreamWorks finally has enough hit properties to qualify for theme park land ownership status. And that’s exactly what’s happening in 2024, when Universal Orlando plans to open its first DreamWorks-themed area.

Currently under development, the land is based on the most popular DreamWorks Animation films, immersing parkgoers in the worlds of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls (no word yet on a Prince of Egypt ride though).

But with one new land comes the merciless bulldozing of another, and to make way for the DreamWorks gang, Universal Orlando is saying goodbye to Woody Woodpecker's KidZone. That includes rides such as Fievel's Playland, which is inspired by An American Tail and Fievel Goes West, two films that haven’t been relevant in about 30 years, and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster.

While there’s no news on the types of rides available in the new DreamWorks land, there are suggestions it will lean heavily towards younger parkgoers. Woody Woodpecker's KidZone was tailored for people who wanted to opt out of the thrill rides, or didn’t meet the height requirements for them, so Universal will want to ensure those needs are being met.

It’s not the only development in theme park news. Universal Studios is also collaborating with PlayStation to build an attraction based on video game The Last of Us. Guests will navigate a haunted house and encounter infected runners, clickers, and raiders inspired by the 2013 and 2020 action-horror.

And also, buckle up for the new Fast & Furious roller coaster.