DreamWorks Theatre
DreamWorks Theatre is a motion simulator attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood that opened on June 15, 2018, in the Universal City area of Los Angeles, California. The attraction is themed around characters featured in films from DreamWorks Animation and features the use of projection mapping. It replaced the Shrek 4-D attraction, which closed on August 13, 2017.
| DreamWorks Theatre | |
|---|---|
 DreamWorks Theatre signage in 2022 | |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | |
| Area | Upper Lot |
| Coordinates | 34°08′11″N 118°21′22″W |
| Status | Operating |
| Soft opening date | May 29, 2018 |
| Opening date | June 15, 2018 |
| Replaced | Shrek 4-D (2003 - 2017) |
| Ride statistics | |
| Attraction type | 4-D film Motion simulator |
| Manufacturer | Universal Creative |
| Theme | DreamWorks Animation |
 Universal Express Pass available | |
Background
In 2016, NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion and subsequently endeavored to capitalize on its newfound intellectual properties. Universal Studios Hollywood made an announcement on June 5, 2017, regarding the opening of a new DreamWorks Theatre attraction, which would debut in 2018 and feature characters from DreamWorks Animation films. The new attraction replaced the Shrek 4-D attraction on August 13.
The attraction's pre-show features a variety of DreamWorks characters, including Shrek, Donkey, Gingy, and the Magic Mirror from Shrek, as well as Poppy from Trolls, and Marty and the Penguins from Madagascar. Even DreamWorks' mascot, the Moon Child, plays a role in the pre-show, opening the auditorium doors by swinging his fishing rod after being asked to do so by Po.
The theatre uses projection mapping on the interior walls, with a total of seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors, surround sound audio, and physical effects such as water, wind, and articulating seats.
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest
The first attraction to show in the venue was Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest, which is based on the Kung Fu Panda franchise. It takes place on the morning of the Emperor's Great Feast of Heroes, where dragon warrior Po the Panda along with Master Shifu and Mr. Ping embark on a quest to deliver the Liquid of Limitless Power to the Emperor. It includes "raging rapids, river wolf pirates, awesome magic and, obviously, Kung Fu."[1] The film was developed in collaboration with DreamWorks, and it featured the original voice cast from Kung Fu Panda (except Dustin Hoffman, who is replaced by Fred Tatasciore as Shifu).[2]
The attraction opened on June 15, 2018.[3]
Cast
- Mick Wingert as Po
- Fred Tatasciore as Master Shifu
- James Hong as Mr. Ping
- Michael Gough as Shrek
- Mark Moseley as Donkey
- Phil LaMarr as Marty
- Anna Kendrick as Poppy
- Conrad Vernon as Gingerbread Man and Rico
- Tom McGrath as Skipper
- Chris Miller as Magic Mirror
References
- Wax, Alyse (June 6, 2018). "First Look at the New Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest Attraction!". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
- "We Toured Universal Studios' New Kung Fu Panda Attraction, Here's What We Saw". CINEMABLEND. June 11, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
- Mallenbaum, Carly (June 15, 2018). "Universal's new "Kung Fu Panda" ride doesn't exactly ooze awesomeness". USA TODAY. Gannett Satellite Information Network.
