Universal Orlando Expansion Announced, New Roller Coaster Revealed

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Aerial photo of Universal Orlando Resort taken by Bioreconstruct on Twitter

Credit: Bioreconstruct on Twitter

Universal Orlando Resort has been very busy lately with new announcements on lands, attractions, and more. Some recent updates have been released for a brand-new roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Park.

DreamWorks land Universal Orlando
Credit: Inside The Magic / Universal Studios Florida

Related: Universal CEO Confirms New’ Harry Potter’ Expansion

DreamWorks Land Coming Soon to Universal Orlando Resort

On January 15, 2023, a significant portion of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone changed. This included closing attractions like Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Waterslide, and play areas such as Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playland. Additionally, the Shrek-themed meet-and-greet attraction, which had opened the previous year following the closure of Shrek 4-D, was also shut down. All these closures were in preparation for developing a new “DreamWorks Land” section featuring content from DreamWorks Animation.

However, certain attractions and establishments were retained. These included E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location, SpongeBob StorePants (a merchandise store themed around SpongeBob SquarePants), and KidZone Pizza Company, a seasonal pizzeria near the area’s entrance.

Aerial Photos Reveal Major Updates for Epic Universe, How to Train Your Dragon Land
Credit: Dreamworks

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Next year, Universal Orlando Resort has exciting news to share: they’re introducing a fresh and immersive land in the former KidsZone area. This new addition will be about DreamWorks, creating a fantastic and family-friendly space for guests to relish. The land will be an imaginative world inspired by the cherished characters from DreamWorks Animation Studios.

As per the official Universal website, this new experience will breathe life into well-loved franchises such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and more, offering a wholly novel and enchanting perspective. Visitors can also look forward to unique opportunities to meet and greet these beloved characters, including Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, for extra fun and excitement.

Photo taken by Bioreconstruct on Twitter of the new roller coaster currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida
Credit: Bioreconstruct on Twitter

Related: Universal Closes Popular Experience, Entrance Totally Blocked

New “Troller Coaster” Construction Updates Given

Recently on social media, Bioreconstruct on Twitter posted some updated photos of the new roller coaster built inside DreamWorks land, where the former Woody Wood Pecker coaster once stood. It would appear that most of the old coaster remains intact as new paint jobs and other minor additions have been added, as you can see from the photo above.

The new DreamWorks land will coexist with the park as Epic Universe is set to also open in 2025, which will be an entirely new theme park and become part of Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal’s Epic Universe is an exciting new theme park currently being built in Orlando, Florida. The announcement for this park was made in August 2019, and it will be the fourth theme park within the Universal Orlando Resort, joining the ranks alongside the themed water park, Volcano Bay.

A signage inside of Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Construction faced a setback in 2020 due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, work resumed in March 2021, and the park is now on track to open its doors to the public in the summer of 2025.

Universal Studios Florida also opened the new Minion Land this past summer. The resort offers various attractions and experiences for guests to enjoy. Universal Citywalk, the Universal version of Disney Springs, allows guests to shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment before heading into either Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Orlando. The Wizarding World is a prominent location that draws guests of all ages year after year. From Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, there’s something for everyone on their Universal Orlando vacation.

The Hogwarts Express takes guests to and from either park, where guests looking for something different can enter Jurassic Park and ride the all-new Jurassic World Velocicoaster. Halloween Horror Nights is also taking place on select nights inside Universal Studios. If you’re looking for a place to stay, onsite is the place to be. Guests can stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, or any other excellent on-property hotel.

Guests can enjoy Marvel Super Hero Island, Hogwarts Castle, The Lost Continent, and more while visiting Universal Park. Speaking of other parks, Universal Studios Hollywood in California also opened the brand-new SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will soon arrive in Orlando when Epic Universe begins in 2025. If onsite isn’t suitable for you, you can stay at a Universal Partner hotel like Hilton Orlando, Fairfield Inn, Doubletree by Hilton, and others.

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