New DreamWorks Land is just the beginning. Universal Orlando shares big summer plans.
Ever wanted to train alongside Po, perform with Poppy or even swim in the swamp with Shrek? You'll soon get your wish (except that last one).
Universal Orlando Resort revealed its new DreamWorks Land will officially debut on June 14, along with several other new experiences for guests to enjoy this summer.
“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a news release. “These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.”
Where is DreamWorks Land?
The new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters will be located where Woody Woodpecker's KidZone used to be, near E.T. Adventure.
Starting June 14, guests can explore the vivid worlds of some of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from "Shrek," "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda."
"The expansive new area will feature interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, an all-new indoor live show experience, unique treats and photo-worthy moments that are fun for the whole family," Universal Orlando shared. "Guests will be able to explore Shrek’s Swamp, enjoy the Trollercoaster, interact with Po in the Panda Village, encounter characters like Gabby from 'Gabby’s Dollhouse' and so much more."
Several popular characters will also be featured in a new multisensory live show called DreamWorks Imagination Celebration.
New fountain and drone show coming to Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida lagoon will come to life with an all-new nighttime show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular.
Universal shared the new show will include iconic scores and scenes from films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions – including Warner Bros. Pictures' "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films, "Jurassic World," "Jaws," "Shrek," "Ghostbusters," "Trolls," "Back to the Future," Universal monsters, "Transformers," "How to Train Your Dragon," "E.T.," "Fast and Furious," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Minions," "The Mummy," and "King Kong."
The lagoon show will feature 228 fountains reaching heights of up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted for each scene, and more than 600 drones.
Universal and more for under $100 a day: Summer ticket deals at Florida theme parks
Universal Orlando to debut new parade based on beloved films
Universal's new parade is perfect for any parkgoers who love films. Beginning Wednesday, July 3, Universal Studios Florida will debut its Universal Mega Movie Parade – a spectacular celebration of iconic movies.
"Universal Mega Movie Parade will be Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date and combine 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers – including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more – and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience where guests can relive classic film moments in a whole new way," Universal shared in its news release.
New themed merchandise heading to parks
Guests visiting the parks can already start gearing up for the new entertainment coming this summer with specialty merchandise celebrating the new experiences, including clothing, drinkware, headbands themed to beloved DreamWorks characters, and more.
In the coming months, Universal Orlando’s Summer Tribute Store will complement the new parade experience and feature themed rooms, merchandise, and photo ops inspired by some of the films that will be seen in the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
Hogwarts Castle gets a new Harry Potter-inspired projection show
Universal officials conjured up some magic for its final announcement.
On select nights, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure will delight guests with a new nighttime projection show, Hogwarts Always. The show seeks to take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts, all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts Castle.
The show will also feature four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and will culminate with a colorful pyrotechnic display. Fans should also listen for dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show.
What month will Epic Universe open?
In addition to DreamWorks Land and all the other new experiences, Universal Orlando will see some other exciting additions to its resort soon – a brand new theme park. Just not this year.
Universal hasn’t yet announced an opening date for Epic Universe, only that it will open in 2025.
Epic Universe will feature five lands guests can explore. Altogether, it will have “more than 50 awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences,” according to a news release from the resort.
Celestial Park – The first-world guests enter the park will feature relaxing gardens, a “wet play area,” a grand carousel, and Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 miles per hour. Celestial Park will also serve as the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, which will be accessed by themed portals.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will give fans of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen.
Dark Universe – Guests can expect to “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.”
Super Nintendo World will bring guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will blend "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land, Hogwarts Always show debut June
