Universal Orlando to Shut Down 5 Attractions Early Next Year
The KidZone is getting a major facelift.
Universal just made a major announcement regarding its Orlando, Florida theme park.
According to an official statement shared by the park on Twitter, five family-friendly attractions at Universal Studios in Orlando will close this January. The news isn't all bad, though; the park said the reason for the closures is to make room for renovations.
"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. To make way for these new additions, Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination and Shrek and Donkey's Meet & Greet will close on January 16, 2023 (the last day of operation will be January 15, 2023)."
Meaning if you want the chance to enjoy any of these experiences one last time, you'll need to visit the park before January 15, 2023.
The park's statement also clarified that not all KidZone adventures will be shut down. "The E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, Spongebob StorePants–including meet and greets with Spongebob SquarePants and friends–and KidZone Pizza Company will remain open for guests to enjoy," it noted.
The closures have been marked as permanent on the Universal Studios Florida website, but no information about what's set to replace the five rides has been made public.
The theme park has stated that new attractions will be announced in the coming months, but it isn't willing to even hint at what's to come, writing back to one inquisitive fan, "Hey Ryan! We are closing a portion of KidZone to make way for exciting new experiences for kids and families. More information will be revealed in the future. #AskUniversal."
As one would expect, fans are torn. Some seem to be reveling in the bittersweet news that there are new–potentially more exciting–attractions headed their way in the near future.
"Hot take: time to re theme E.T. I love love love the ride but it's time for some new magic for a new generation. Sponge Bob boats would be my first idea but it's time to bring the kid zone up to speed and this would absolutely do it," wrote one Twitter user.
"The only real casualty is the Shrek & Donkey meet & greet. Dreamworks never added Boss Baby so who cares," joked another.
Others paid their respects to the sacred memories that they'll never be able to re-live.
"Meeting Shrek was the highlight of my trip, he told my bf to move so I could stand next to him LOL," recalled one sad park-goer.
Someone else revealed the irony of their last trip. "Good thing I made sure to go down the slide this time. I love Fievel so sad but understanding," they wrote.
Others even took it upon themselves to offer Universal some ideas, free of charge.
"Hill Valley would be PERFECT for the kids. They can run around the grassy areas in front of the clocktower, Eat at the Cafe 80’s while all the adults gush and thank God that EVERY DREAM THEY HAD CAME TRUE. #BTTF," suggested one Twitter user.
Here are a few more amusing reactions:
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