Universal dreams up revamped kids’ zone

Play and get soaked in DreamWorks Land

It’s a cliché to say that the Disney parks largely cater to young pirates and princesses, whereas Universal, with its abundant, in-your-face thrills, appeals more to teens, adults, and tweens who no longer want to bibbidi bobbidi. But there is a kernel of truth in the distinction. Nonetheless, Universal Studios Florida has long targeted youngsters with its Woody Woodpecker's KidZone. Featuring out-of-step characters such as Fievel, Curious George, Barney, and the titular woodpecker, the area had become tired and was ripe for a makeover.

In June, the park introduced a totally reimagined DreamWorks Land in its place. With its play spaces, splash pads, and interactive elements, the area is squarely aimed at kiddos and offers plenty of opportunities for Universal’s youngest visitors to blow off some steam (and find some watery relief amid Florida’s steamy heat and humidity).

Po isn’t live exactly, but he presides over a lively show. (Universal Studios)

There are no E-Ticket attractions in the cute, engaging land. The only ride is Trolls Trollercoaster (great name!), which is a tame Vekoma junior coaster formerly known as Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster that clocks in at well under a minute. With a height requirement of 36 inches, very young children can experience the gateway ride.

DreamWorks Land offers a variety of other compelling things for youngsters to do. Perhaps the most intriguing is Po Live!, a show featuring the popular Kung Fu Panda. Housed in an outdoor theater that is covered (which provided a welcome refuge during one of Florida’s legendary midday downpours when I visited), the screen-based presentation uses on-the-fly animation, a la Turtle Talk with Crush, so that Po can interact in real time with audience members. There are no seats, which helps encourage kids to follow along as the warrior leads them through warm-up exercises and some martial arts moves. Some silly mayhem ensues during the short show.

Located in Po's Kung Fu Training Camp, the mini-land within a land also offers a small dry play area and the Laundry of Ultimate Cleanliness, a splash pad complete with water cannons and a dump bucket. Just outside the wet zone is a walk-in dryer where waterlogged folks can dry off. Its name? “Kung Fu’s Biggest Fan.”

Trolling for some toned-down thrills (Universal Studios)

I believe Po Live! is the first time Universal has tackled an interactive animation presentation. But it has presented interactive experiences with dimensional animatronic characters, including Donkey from the Shrek franchise. The fast-talking equine uses to be tucked away near the Florida park’s now-closed Shrek 4-D attraction (which was replaced by Villain-Con Minion Blast). Now, he can be found near the front of DreamWorks Land, outside Shrek’s cottage. Like the Jack Black soundalike at Po Live!, the voice actor portraying Donkey quite convincingly embodied Eddie Murhpy during my visit. He was also hilarious, cracking up the guests there to greet him as well as a large crowd of onlookers.

Just beyond the cottage lies Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, where kids can get soaked in another splash pad and climb a structure. A lie-spouting Pinocchio, which guests can activate by pressing a “doorbell,” stands sentry at the entrance. Kids who brave Shrek’s slide, which they access through his outhouse, get a mildly offensive sound effect when they reach the bottom (which, as you’ve surely surmised, has to do with bottoms).

Guests can meet Shrek, Princess Fiona, and a fast-talking Donkey in the new DreamWorks Land. (Universal Studios)

At the Puss in Boots-themed Mama Luna Feline Fiesta, kids can trigger digital effects on large video screens. And by jumping on lily pads, guests can create music and bring frogs to life at King Harold’s Swamp Symphony. In the old Barney theater, guests can enjoy DreamWorks Imagination Celebration in air-conditioned comfort. The perky musical show includes live actors, some of whom portray characters from DreamWorks franchises such as Madagascar, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. Rounding out DreamWorks Land is another small dry play area, Poppy’s Playground.

The area is full of inspired touches, such as ogre footprints and hoof prints in the ground and a “Shrekzel” pretzel for sale. There are probably other instances of this at theme parks, but I don’t recall ever noticing a toddler-level sink in a restroom like the one I saw in DreamWorks Land.

By the way, guests can still visit E.T.’s home planet in the wonderful, if dated, E.T. Adventure. While they may have Steven Spielberg in common, the ride-through attraction is now cordoned off from DreamWorks Land.

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How do you think your kids would enjoy DreamWorks Land? Were you sad to see Woody Woodpecker's KidZone go away?