Goodbye, Shrek 4D and hello to DreamWorks Theater! The new DreamWorks Theater located next to Universal Plaza is an immersive adventure featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest”. It’s a unique movie-going experience for guests featuring state of the art projection mapping, visual effects, rumbling movement along with some of our favorite DreamWorks characters! This theater enhances the experience of the park- it feels like you are in a Hollywood theater!
I’ve been to the DreamWorks Studio in Glendale, and I could feel the creative energy on their amazing campus! The new DreamWorks Theater looks a lot like the studio, so I left the same vibe. Before you enter you walk by the ticket booth (manned by a napping Pinocchio) leading in to the hallway queue adorned with movie posters ending in the fill pool area where Shrek, Po and even DreamWorks newest family member from Trolls get you up to speed on your forthcoming journey! If you’ve been in Shrek 4D, then you are familiar with this waiting area where you are then lead into the theater. The storyline picks up with the crew asking you to help them beat a villain who steals a powerful artifact.
What a show! We visited the attraction twice. The first time, we sat in the last row. Our second visit was in the first row and each setting was a totally different immersive experience! The projection mapping wraps you in the show as you look all around you!
Being in the back really shows off the vastness and visuals while you take in everything. We didn’t get hit with any water though! The front row really focuses on the main screen and you feel that you are trailing right behind Master Po’s raft which meant I felt a little water spray. My suggestion is getting a seat in the middle of the venue for a nice balance of both but honestly, any seat in the house is a good one! I do wish that they incorporated 3D along with the motion of the seats. No 3D glasses for this show.
Tip! Someone in front of us had their phone out. Put the phones away and get into the attraction and the moment! Don’t steal ours!
Now, take out the camera phone and head over to the center at the end of the attraction to snag a photo with Po and Tigress before stopping at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop for some Asian grub! The menu is limited but tasty. We ordered the Stir Fry with Chicken and the dumplings. My daughter is picky about her dumplings and she gobbled these up. The stir fry was flavorful and packed with veggies. I do wish the portion was a bit larger. I wanted more! Mr. Ping makes appearances and he’s really funny and the kids love visiting with him.
