https://disneytips.com
Menu
Home » News

New Land in Universal Studios Built to Battle the Magic Kingdom

Posted by: Steven Wilk July 20, 2023

DreamWorks Land Promo with Mickey Mouse
Universal Studios / Canva Clip Art

Universal Studios Orlando has been stepping up its game lately. Although we are a Walt Disney World theme park-focused site, it seems worth mentioning new and exciting theme park changes in and around Florida (especially from Walt Disney World Resort’s number 1 competitor).

RELATED: 5 Reasons Disney Fans Will Love Epic Universe

Universal Studios Theme Parks

It’s no secret that Universal Studios Resort is expanding its size with the Epic Universe theme park and adjacent hotel opening up in 2025. But what is happening at their other Orlando theme parks? Good question!

Epic Universe Logo over artist rendering

Credit: Universal

Although Universal Studios Florida Parks are often associated with older kids and appealing to adults, while Walt Disney World maintains the monopoly on family-friendly rides and attractions, Universal is coming for Disney…again.

RELATED: Disney CEO Bob Iger Takes Swipe at Ron DeSantis

In Universal Studios Orlando, a kid’s area has been neglected recently and focused on older properties many children and families may not identify with, such as Woody Woodpecker, Fievel, and Barney. Meanwhile, Disney World has had the luxury of choosing from hit TV shows such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Oscar-winning animations.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Credit: Disney

But times may be changing…

RELATED: New Construction Underway at Magic Kingdom

New DreamWorks Themed Land

Today Universal Studios Florida announced they will unveil an all-new themed land dedicated to DreamWorks Animation. The new area of the theme park will debut in 2024 and replace the current Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.

Poppy and Branch singing from Trolls

Credit: DreamWorks Animation

According to the theme park resort, it will feature interactive play spaces, family entertainment, and attractions based around some of the most significant properties Universal Studios has rights to. These include blockbuster favorites and franchises such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and more. The new area will also include unique character meet and greets such as Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and other famous friends.

Shrek and Donkey

Credit: Universal

More details are expected to be released, and Disney Tips will aim to keep our readers up to speed. In the meantime, rest assured that Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom still provides a full roster of fun attractions for little ones!

RELATED: New Space Mountain Enhancement at Walt Disney World

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)