Universal Quickly Erases All Remnants Of Beloved Attraction

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A close up of Shrek 4D sign

Credit: Universal

While Universal Studios has a long history of closing down beloved rides like Back to the Future: The Ride as well as the Jaws ride, few have been more talked about or joked about than one that was closed earlier this year.

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As we’ve covered here at Inside the Magic, Universal Orlando closed down Shrek 4-D for good a few weeks ago, leaving many fans and Guests feeling quite sad. While Shrek 4-D was far from anything groundbreaking or advanced, the attraction gained a cult following and status. Shrek 4-D took Guests on a wild ride with Shrek and Donkey as they race to save Princess Fiona, who had been kidnapped by Ghost Lord Farquaad. The ride was set following the first film, and characters from the sequels– Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek The Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010)— were not mentioned in the attraction. Shrek 4-D was a sit-down attraction in which the seats move, along with the use of water, sounds, and scents to fully immerse Guests.

shrek 4-d
Credit: Universal

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The attraction opened two years after the DreamWorks film Shrek (2001) due to its worldwide success and could also be found in Universal Studios Hollywood, Singapore, and Japan, with the attraction now only remaining at Universal Studios Japan and Singapore.

Now, it seems Universal is ready to get rid of all traces of this attraction, with the sign removed, and the show building left looking decrepit. See some pictures of the current state of the show building below in a tweet from Inside Universal (@insideuniversal):

The Shrek 4D signage and murals have finally come down.

@UniversalORL

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The closure of Shrek 4-D was a tragic loss for a lot of fans who grew up watching the films and experiencing the attraction. However, it is very exciting to think about what could replace it in Universal Studios Orlando. At Universal Hollywood, the attraction was replaced with a Kung Fu Panda-themed attraction.

While nothing has been officially announced by the team at Universal, recent photos and videos seem to heavily imply a Minions retheme for Shrek 4-D. Universal Orlando already has a Minion-themed ride with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a motion simulator-based attraction. While sad, Guests can still watch the entire Shrek series which stars Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona). You can still see the popular characters at Universal Orlando Resort, however, through the meet and greets that occur at Universal Studios Florida.

minions take over shrek

In Universal Studios Hollywood, The DreamWorks Theatre replaced Shrek 4-D. The DreamWorks Theatre features a preshow with many popular DreamWorks characters– including Shrek, Donkey, and Gingy– and then the main show is centered around Kung Fu Panda (2008). There is also speculation that a Secret Life of Pets (2016) or Trolls (2016) ride could become the next attraction to inhabit the building. DreamWorks is an IP that Universal has already noted they plan to implement more of in their Parks in the future. Whether that means in Universal Studios Florida or the upcoming Epic Universe, however, we are not sure.

We have seen bits of Shrek 4-D on sale at the Universal Orlando prop shop. From the 3-D glasses to props that were seen in the dungeon scene Guests go through before entering the theater, there was something in everyone’s price point!

universal orlando
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

More on Universal Orlando Resort

At the moment, Revenge of the Mummy is also under a massive refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida. That being said, Guests can still enjoy attractions such as Rip Ride Rockit, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, Transformers: The Ride, and more. Visit Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can venture into Gringotts!  Islands of Adventure has some fantastic attractions like the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and more! Volcano Bay is also open for those who want to get their splash on, and at the moment, Epic Universe is under construction with a 2025 opening date.

Will you miss Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios? What do you think will replace it? Let us know in the comments below. 

If you want to visit Universal Orlando Resort, you can today! Click here to get your vacation started! You can go to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, then eat some dinner and grab a drink at CityWalk. Want to take a splash? Volcano Bay is ready for you. With so many fun events like Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and more, Universal will give you an action-packed adventure like you are in the movies! Or, how about a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the movies?

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