Dreamworks Animation kids area coming to Universal Orlando

The replacement for Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone at Universal Orlando has officially been announced as a Dreamworks land.

We figured the KidZone would be rethemed to Dreamworks Animation from all the Dreamworks animated characters on the construction walls in Universal Studios Florida, but now it’s been confirmed. The land which used to feature Curious George, Barney, Woody Woodpecker, and Fievel, will now feature characters, rides, and/or attractions based on Gabby’s Dollhouse, Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.

One ride in the land has remained during the demolition of KidZone, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, which is expected to be rethemed as a Dreamworks roller coaster.

Universal Orlando has said guests in Dreamworks land “will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in the most imaginatively fun ways.”

Besides the rethemed coaster, we don’t yet know any specifics about the rides and attractions. The concept art shared shows what looks like a Shrek swamp and some sort of bug character on top of a tower, possibly from Trolls. The roller coaster looks like it’s themed to Trolls. You can also see a guest holding a Shrek balloon. But since this is just concept art, and those themes and attractions haven’t been announced, things could change, but it’s not likely.

The new land is set to open next year in 2024. Stay tuned for more details as we get them. Let us know which Dreamworks animation characters you’d like to see in the new land. Captain Underpants anyone?

Here are some videos from the former KidZone. (Don’t worry, the E.T. ride is still open and will stay open.)