Universal Orlando Confirms Family Attraction Will Shut Down Permanently

Universal Orlando Resort has continued to evolve at a rapid pace, with major additions and park-wide enhancements shaping the guest experience. However, not every change comes in the form of a headline-grabbing attraction announcement. In some cases, smaller removals can have an equally noticeable impact—particularly for families with young children.

This week, Universal Orlando Resort appears to have quietly confirmed the permanent closure of a popular children’s feature in DreamWorks Land.

The splash pad area located near Shrek’s Swamp has officially been removed and replaced with pavement, indicating that the water play zone is no longer part of the land’s offerings.

Splash Pad Area Officially Removed

Guests visiting DreamWorks Land recently noticed that the splash pad near Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres had been blocked off. The closure occurred several months ago, but at the time, it was unclear whether the space was undergoing a routine refurbishment or a more permanent change.

Now, newly shared photos show that the splash pad has been completely eliminated and paved over. The images confirm that the water feature has been removed in its entirety, leaving behind a flat concrete surface where the interactive splash zone once stood.

The photos were shared by bioreconstruct on X, a well-known account that frequently documents changes and construction updates around the Universal Orlando Resort parks.

Pavement that has replaced a splash pad in Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres. pic.twitter.com/5IgG4yQEa4

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 11, 2026

The Entire Water Feature of Shrek’s Swamp Is Now Gone

With the splash pad now replaced by pavement, it appears that the entire water-based portion of Shrek’s Swamp has been permanently removed. This is a significant shift for DreamWorks Land, as splash pads and interactive play areas are typically considered important features for younger guests—particularly in Florida’s heat.

While Universal has not issued a formal public announcement explaining the removal, the visible construction confirms this is not a temporary closure.

Guests React With Disappointment

The change has already generated strong reactions online, with many fans expressing disappointment that the play area has been removed.

Comments responding to the photos include reactions such as:

• “The splash area is already gone?! What a disappointment.”

• “That was one of the few positives about this whole Shrek area.”

• “DreamWorks land managed to get worse.”

While there are still other attractions to enjoy in DreamWorks Land, fans are clearly not happy with one option being taken away.

What This Could Mean for DreamWorks Land

The removal of the splash pad raises questions about what Universal Orlando may be planning for the space. It is possible that the paved area will be used for increased walkway capacity, stroller parking, crowd control, or future themed additions.

DreamWorks Land has seen consistently high foot traffic since opening, and Universal may have determined that the water play zone created congestion or operational complications. Additionally, splash pads require ongoing maintenance and sanitation measures, which may have contributed to the decision.

However, without an official statement from Universal, the long-term purpose of the newly paved area remains unknown.

While thrill attractions often dominate discussions about Universal Orlando, the removal of a children’s splash pad is still a meaningful change for many visiting families.

Interactive water features serve as valuable break areas in Florida’s heat, especially for guests with toddlers and younger children who may not be able to participate in Universal’s larger thrill rides. The closure may also reduce the number of low-cost, no-wait activities available inside DreamWorks Land.

For many guests, this was not just a minor feature—it was a practical part of the day that made the land feel more balanced and family-focused.

Universal Orlando Continues to Reshape Its Parks

Universal Orlando Resort has been aggressively expanding and updating its parks in recent years, and DreamWorks Land was positioned as a major step toward attracting more families. However, this latest removal shows that even newer additions are not necessarily permanent.

With the splash pad now fully paved over, Universal has effectively confirmed that this children’s attraction is not returning.

For guests who enjoyed the Shrek’s Swamp water play area, the change represents another example of how quickly theme park offerings can shift—sometimes without warning.