Universal Orlando is closing Shrek and Woody Woodpecker attractions in the KidZone (2023)

click to enlarge Universal Orlando is closing Shrek and Woody Woodpecker attractions in the KidZone (1)

(Video) KidZone Officially Closing at Universal Studios Florida - DreamWorks Rumored for Replacement

Photo via Universal Orlando Resort / Official Facebook

Universal Orlando Resort is closing 5 attractions at Universal Studios Florida to make room for new family entertainment. The last day to travel or participate in these attractions is January 15, 2023.

(Video) KIDZONE IS CLOSED | Final Visit To Woody Woodpecker's KidZone | Universal Studios Florida 4K

Universal Studios will kick off the new year with a series of sweeping changes to its Orlando park. The company just announced that it will be closing attractions dedicated to Shrek and Woody Woodpecker along with several others in the KidZone.

The changes were announced on social media on Tuesday, November 1st. Other kid-friendly attractions like Fievel's Playground, Curious George Goes to Town and DreamWorks Destination will join Shrek and Donkey's Meet and Greet and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster and will permanently cease operations on January 16, 2023.

The last day to use these attractions is January 15, 2023, right at the end of the Christmas season. Attractions like E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Locations!, Spongebob Storepants and KidZone Pizza Company will remain open to guests.

(Video) The last day of Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Resort-Update:pic.twitter.com/ecVeEHfvbd

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL)2. November 2022

The resort issued a statement detailing upcoming work and how they plan to bring "exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida that immerses guests in the adventures of beloved cartoon characters."

Fievel's Playground first opened at Universal Studios in 1992, followed by Curious George Goes to Town in 1998 and the Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse roller coaster in 1999. Most of the rides within KidZone have been around for almost two years or three decades.

(Video) Woody Woodpecker's KidZone (Now Closed) Overview | Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has not released information about the attraction replacements, but will release more details in the future.

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FAQs

Is Woody Woodpecker's KidZone closing? ›

ORLANDO, Fla. — After nearly 25 year, Woody Woodpecker's KidZone has permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida.

What will replace KidZone in Universal Orlando? ›

While Universal Orlando has not yet announced what exactly will be replacing the former KidZone area, many believe it will be replaced with DreamWorks properties. Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda seem to be everyone's best guess for what the new areas could be themed to.

Is universal getting rid of the Shrek ride? ›

Known in permits as Project 331, the new Minions attraction is being built inside of the former Shrek 4-D attraction, which is Building 40 (or Building 4D, as the gag on the side says). Shrek 4-D closed permanently back in January, after running for 18 years at Universal Studios Florida.

Why is Universal closing Woody Woodpecker? ›

Universal Orlando announced that several attractions in the KidZone area at Universal Studios Florida would close to make way for new family entertainment experiences that will “immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.” The last date of operation for Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's ...

What will replace Woody Woodpecker's KidZone? ›

The Woody Woodpecker KidZone area of Universal Studios Florida closed down earlier this month, with Universal saying they were making room for new beloved animated characters. According to rumors, a section of this area will supposedly be replaced with an animated meet and greet based on characters from Kung Fu Panda.

Was Woody Woodpecker Cancelled? ›

The show ran on NBC until September 2, 1972, which is the same year the Walter Lantz Productions studio shut down. The show was revived again on September 11, 1976, featuring cartoons made from 1940 to 1965. The show ended its network run on September 3, 1977.

Is KidZone Universal closing? ›

ORLANDO, Fla.

- It's the end of an era at Universal Orlando Resort – Woody Woodpecker's KidZone has permanently closed after 24 years. Sunday, Jan. 15, was the last day for a handful of attractions in that area od the Florida theme park.

Is Universal worth it with small kids? ›

The answer is YES! If you've been on the fence about taking your little ones to Universal Studios Hollywood, you should definitely go! There are tons of fun things to see and do with your kids, and with Universal's Child Switch service, there is no need for you to miss out on the fun. What is this?

What is Universal Orlando replacing Shrek with? ›

Universal Studios Florida announced in 2021 that its Shrek 4-D was closing with its last day of operation being on January 10, 2022. The Florida attraction will be replaced by Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast and set to became part of Minion Land on Illumination Ave, which is set to open Summer 2023.

What rides is universal getting rid of? ›

Universal Studios Florida

Woody Woodpecker's KidZone Permanent Attraction Closures – The adventures of Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey's Meet & Greet have come to an end with their closure on January 15, 2023.

What is replacing KidZone? ›

Universal Orlando Resort is constantly rebuilding and updating new attractions, restaurants, and theme parks.

When did Woody Woodpecker's KidZone open? ›

March 13, 1999

When was Woody Woodpecker Cancelled? ›

His most famous creation was Woody Woodpecker, who first appeared in a bit part in the cartoon short Knock, Knock (1940) and who became the star of a long-running series of cartoons the following year.

Is Woody Woodpecker okay for kids? ›

Language includes "hell" and "butt." A developing father-son relationship is given screen time, an attempt to add heart to the otherwise slapstick conventions. While it's OK for kids who are comfortable with real versus movie action, it's substandard fare.

Does Disney own Woody Woodpecker? ›

Woody Woodpecker is the official mascot of Universal Studios.

How old is Betty Boop? ›

In media today, Betty is classed as being a 92-year-old woman due to her creation in 1930. On the 9th of August 2022, Betty Boop turned 92 and celebrated her 92nd birthday.

Are woodpeckers on the decline? ›

The lesser spotted woodpecker has declined significantly and rapidly since around 1980 and has subsequently disappeared from many of its former localities. In the period of the BTO's Common Birds Census we lost 60% between 1968 and 1999.

Who has the rights to Woody Woodpecker? ›

Since 1972, "The Woody Woodpecker Show" has appeared on network and cable television. Most recently, a new version of the show was introduced in 1999, and continues to air in 38 countries around the world. Lantz is the owner of registered trademarks and service marks in the United States for the mark WOODY WOODPECKER.

Does Universal have anything toddlers? ›

Gentle Adventures Just For Kids. Discover rides, shows, shops, and play areas created especially for younger guests. There's even food for finicky eaters.

Which Universal Orlando park is better for kids? ›

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort is one of the best parks in Orlando for families with small kids and preschoolers. There are play areas where kids can climb and explore, fun rides that kids and parents can enjoy together and special interactive experiences.

What is the best age to take kids to Universal? ›

As a general rule of thumb, we find that seven to eight years old and above is the best age to take kids to Universal Orlando Florida. With the main reason being that many of of the rides at Universal do have height restrictions which kids start to meet right around the age of seven.

What kids are free at Universal? ›

Kids under 3 (two years old and younger) are FREE. Universal Express Pass varies between $119 and $299 per person (age 3+). It includes one day of admission, priority access to attractions (one time for each attraction), and seating in a special reserved section for shows.

Which Universal park is best for toddlers? ›

If you are going just for rides, then the best park is Islands of Adventure as they have Suess Land with lots of rides. The Best Park at Universal Orlando Resort for Toddlers in 2023 is Islands of Adventure.

Why is Shrek closing at Universal? ›

Universal Orlando Resort is closing 5 attractions within Universal Studios Florida to make room for new family entertainment. The last day to ride or participate in these attractions is Jan. 15, 2023.

What rides to avoid at Universal? ›

Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, Florida has more than 40 rides for guests to choose from.
...
6 Rides To Avoid At Universal Studios Orlando Resort
  • Transformers: The Ride 3D. ...
  • Fast & Furious Supercharged. ...
  • The Simpsons Ride. ...
  • Doctor Doom's Fearfall. ...
  • Hulk Coaster. ...
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Aug 2, 2022

What is coming to Universal Orlando in 2023? ›

Q: What is the most recent new attraction at Universal Orlando? A: The newest of Universal Studios new rides is Jurassic World Velocicoaster, which opened in June 2021. The next new attraction is coming to Universal Studios Florida, the Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast coming Summer 2023.

Is Universal Studios getting rid of Harry Potter? ›

The most popular attraction at Universal Orlando Resort will be closed this spring.

What is replacing Barney at Universal? ›

DreamWorks Destination – OI fun fact

DreamWorks Destination replaced A Day in the Park with Barney.

Is there a DreamWorks theme park? ›

World of DreamWorks - a theme park in Hudson, Texas which holds lands based on DreamWorks animated films, and one based on live-action films.

Is Barney still at Universal Orlando? ›

Also, with attendance declining over the years, Universal Orlando announced the permanent closure of the show on February 3, 2021.
...
A Day in the Park with Barney
Opening dateJuly 11, 1995
Closing dateFebruary 3, 2021
ReplacedThe Bates Motel Set (1990–1995)
Replaced byDreamWorks Destination
16 more rows

When did KidZone open? ›

It opened in 1998 and features plenty of splash areas for kids. DreamWorks Destination only opened in 2021, a hasty overlay of the former A Day in the Park with Barney. Now it's a greeting space for various DreamWorks characters.

Is Curious George Goes to Town closed? ›

What will happen to the Simpsons at Universal? ›

Springfield Land, currently at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood, will likely be no more when Universal's contract with FOX expires in 2025. The poster advertises a 3D Maggie Simpson short, The Longest Daycare, premiering in theaters alongside Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012).

Why are woodpeckers declining? ›

Unfortunately, times change. The days of the savanna oak pastureland are pretty much gone. The big mature trees and open understory that red-headed woodpeckers require are getting harder and harder to find. Due to a significant loss of habitat, red-headed woodpeckers have declined dramatically in the past 35 years.

What does the woodpecker tattoo mean? ›

The woodpecker is often used as a general symbol for the group, such as in prison tattoos. It is usually drawn with a long beak, sometimes drawn to resemble Woody Woodpecker or Mr. Horsepower. Sometimes the letters "PW" or "APW" (Peckerwood and American Peckerwood) are used.

What bird was Woody Woodpecker based on? ›

Cartoonist Walter Lantz used the pileated woodpecker's jaunty crest and loud call as models for his most-famous creation, Woody Woodpecker. It's call is less of a "ha-hah, ha-ha-hah" and more of a high-pitched, maniacal laugh. The pileated woodpecker is large and in charge in Missouri's forests.

What company owns Woody Woodpecker? ›

Woody Woodpecker is the official mascot of Universal Studios. In 1998 and 1999, Woody appeared on the nose of the Williams Formula One Team, and in 2000, he became the official team mascot of the Honda Motorcycle Racing Team.

Is Woody Woodpecker a female? ›

Woody Woodpecker is an animated character that appeared in theatrical short films produced by the Walter Lantz Studio and distributed by Universal Studios between 1940 and 1972.
...
Woody Woodpecker
SpeciesIvory-billed Woodpecker
GenderMale
FamilySplinter (niece) Knothead (nephew)
Significant otherWinnie Woodpecker
10 more rows

Are woodpeckers friendly to humans? ›

If you have backyard feeders, chances are you get the pleasure of watching Downy Woodpeckers on a consistent basis. These relatively small woodpeckers love to frequent backyard feeders, and they are amazingly friendly with people.

Should I be concerned about woodpeckers? ›

Many homeowners question whether woodpeckers cause life-threatening damage to the trees they drill. In general, the answer is that they do not. Healthy trees can withstand the minor damage woodpeckers cause unless trunks or limbs receive girdling injuries.

Is Winnie Woodpecker Woody's sister? ›

Winnie Woodpecker is the girlfriend of Woody, the fictional character-singer and the tetartagonist of the Woody Woodpecker series.

Who came first Bugs Bunny or Woody Woodpecker? ›

Woody was created in 1940 by storyboard artist Ben “Bugs” Hardaway, who had previously laid the groundwork for two other screwball characters, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, at the Warner Bros. cartoon studio in the late 1930s.

Videos

1. Woody Woodpecker Coaster & KidZone Closing at Universal Studios Florida - October 2022 Vlog
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2. KIDZONE DEMOLITION!!! - Universal Studios Florida
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3. Woody Woodpecker's Kids Zone Closing In January of 2023
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4. Saying Goodbye to Woody Woodpecker's KidZone
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5. Kid Zone Is Now CLOSED At Universal!
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6. My reaction to Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone at Universal closing on January 16, 2023 (READ DESC.)
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