I didn’t even make it over to that area of the park last time I was there because all the kid play areas were still closed from Covid. Only JP area was open. But not a huge loss IMO if they can improve the area.
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Sadness for the ball factory, but otherwise I don’t see any truly disappointing losses there.
Can’t wait to see what they do with the new zone. Exciting!!
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Oh man. I assume this is for awhile. Wanted to meet Shrek in June.
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One rumour is something with Trolls…
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Oh I hope they expand on that.
I pictured a whole DreamWorks thing, like the character zone but more.
They have so many cool DreamWorks characters they could incorporate into whatever it is.
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We will definitely make it a point of doing the Shrek meet & greet this month (it was closed during our June trip) and begrudgingly will ride Woody’s nuthouse coaster (my 6 year old wants to).
We loved the dreamworks pavilion when we were there. But I agree the area needs updating. I’ve been answering a lot of Universal surveys focused on girl’s entertainment options in that 2-6 year age range, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the focus.
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I’m so sorry to lose Curious George–I have wonderful photos of all of my girls and great memories. At least they all got to go! 
This makes me want to take an emergency trip 
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I take the “last day of operation” to mean the last day they’ll be available until after the remodel. No where does it say it’s a permanent closure.
They just retooled that former Barney Gift Shop into the Shrek M&G and spent months on fixing Fievel’s Playland. It doesn’t make good financial sense to bulldoze it so soon.
From my time there this year, I think they are going to be doing something with the DreamWorks Destination as it is so hidden back there and maybe Curious George as it is also hidden. Plus, all that water is a big expense / upkeep.
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Another possibility could be a Secret Life of Pets themed attraction or something like in Universal CA…
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While I like your optimism, I think that the wording ‘to make way for these new additions’ suggests that they will be going to find the BTTF ride in Universal heaven 
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I’m not saying the entire area is safe from demolition. I won’t be surprised to see the area expanded or rethemed for sure. It’s a poorly worded press release - IMHO
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Holy cow!
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Well there’s your answer, I guess.
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Seems crazy to do all that work just to close it! I do wonder if they’ll “close” a lot of it, but instead reopen with a new theme. Like will Woody Woodpecker be Madagascar now or Curious George becomes Secret Life of Pets??
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On a positive note, Universal is doing more and getting more done than Disney is to update, expand and entice fans.
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I hear it’s likely that Shrek will be included in the re-theme whenever the area reopens.
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Yep! This is all to prep for Epic Universe! You know they have a plan to entice new visitors, especially Disney parkgoers, in 2025. Disney is going to get left behind for a few years as they did when WWOHP opened. Plus, combine all these improvements and additions with all the headaches with just planning / going to Disney atm and Universal is going to continue to have record attendance / revenue.
That’s what Alicia Stella thinks too. I really think it’s going to stay as well. It’s the only thing, except ET, that has any queue / wait in that area. I really think a lot will be rethemed rather than demolished. It’ll be fun to watch!!
My money is on that whole area becoming DreamWorks. It’s a perfect fit with modern IP
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With some forethought on the nature of the attraction they could keep adding to it with new movies.
The announcement said ‘exciting new family entertainment’ so I’m picturing something like IASW, but with a mixture of animatronics and screens (it is UOR afterall) and lots of comedy.
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