Two new trademark applications have been filed from DreamWorks Animation that may be related to the new DreamWorks-themed land replacing much of the KidZone area within Universal Studios Florida.
TROLLERCOASTER has been the rumored name for the retheme for the former Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and DREAMWORKS LAND may very well be the actual name for this new land, opening next year!
Official concept art for a DreamWorks land from Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando officially announced the new land that will be based on DreamWorks Animation properties last month. In the announcement they said that the land will allow guests to walk into themed areas based on Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. They also said we would be able to share special moments with other characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse.
To make way for the new land, Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet all closed. Fievel’s Playland was torn down completely, the Nuthouse Coaster will be repurposed for the new area, as well as the former Barney theater where DreamWorks Destination was.
Construction progress on a new DreamWorks land, Photo: Bioreconstruct
The E.T. Adventure ride, Animal Actors show, KidZone Pizza Company, and SpongeBob StorePants have remained open, and will not be part of the new DreamWorks land. It is expected that E.T. Adventure will receive new signage to help direct guests to its now somewhat hidden attraction entrance.
New construction near E.T. Adventure, Photo: Bioreconstruct
In recent weeks we have seen construction for what appears to be Shrek’s swamp take shape within the area. This could partially be seen in the expanded official concept art.
Also seen in the new art, is what appears to be a Trolls retheme of the existing kiddie coaster.
Uncropped concept art, Source: UOTeam
The former Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster has been retained, even as most of the surrounding area has been demolished. It has been rumored that this child-friendly coaster ride would be rethemed to the “TrollerCoaster,” featuring DreamWorks’ Trolls characters and theming.
Kiddie coaster retained from former KidZone area, Photo: Bioreconstruct
A new trademark application from this month seems to verify the Trolls rumor, stating that the term “TROLLERCOASTER” is for use within amusement and theme parks.
Trademark from DreamWorks Animation, from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The other term filed this month, also from DreamWorks Animation, is “DREAMWORKS LAND.” This could be the name for the entire land itself. Universal Orlando did not officially reveal a name for the new area in last month’s official announcement, only referring to it as a DreamWorld land, and not “DreamWorks Land” specifically.
These two new trademark applications are not the only names that we believe may be related to the KidZone replacement though. Two names related to Puss in Boots: The Last Wish were trademarked earlier this year, also for use within theme parks.
MAMA LUNA FELINE FIESTA and MAMA LUNA PUSS IN BOOTS FIESTA are terms that could be related to this project. They may be related to whatever show is going to be placed within the former Barney/DreamWorks Destination theater, which is expected to become a part of the new DreamWorks land.
Of course, it is always possible that these two trademarked terms, or even the two new ones from this month, could be utilized at the upcoming kid-friendly theme park that Universal is building in Frisco, Texas.
That smaller theme park in Texas, which is planning to start construction later this year, is also expected to feature DreamWorks-based attractions and lands. At very least, the TROLLERCOASTER term has already been rumored to be a name for Universal Studios Florida’s project, so it’s possible these other terms will be as well.
Future DreamWorks land on left, E.T. Adventure on right, Photo: Bioreconstruct
Universal Orlando says that the new DreamWorks land will be opening in 2024. Construction permits for the new land, known as Project 540 in documents, show construction lasting through March 29, 2024. That could put the opening of the new land as any time after that. Rumors suggest they may be targeting a Summer 2024 opening at the latest.
Wastewater permit information related to KidZone project posted to FDEP
Recent aerial photos from Bioreconstruct show construction progress around the front of the new area. In addition to the possible Shrek’s swamp home for new meet and greets from Shrek-realted characters, what appear to be large footings of some sort are being installed. These may be for a new play area for this section of the new land.
Aerial photo showing new construction near E.T. Adventure, Photo: Bioreconstruct
A Notice of Commencement filed for Universal Studios Florida back in May showed WhiteWater West as contractor for creative elements. They specialize in both splash pads and kids’ adventure play areas, including nets, slides, and more. The work happening around the site now may be related to a play area, but we do not have confirmation of that yet.
Possible attraction footers for DreamWorks land, Photo: Bioreconstruct
For additional details on the new land, including rumors for the Kung-Fu Panda section, see our recent story about the official announcement.
Stay tuned for more information and permit details as they become available for the new DreamWorks land at Universal Studios Florida!
Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Concept Art: Universal Orlando Resort | Original Photos: Alicia Stella | Aerial Photos: Bioreconstruct | Trademarks: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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