Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest opens at Universal Studios Hollywood. The state-of-the-art attraction is the first to open at the park since Universal acquired DreamWorks Animation.
The new attraction includes a spectacular martial arts display, dragon warrior parade and fireworks finale.
An all-star line-up of beloved characters from DreamWorks includes Masters Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda alongside Alex the Lion, King Julien and the penguins from Madagascar. Poppy and Branch from Troll and Shrek, Fiona and Puss from Shrek will also join the fun.
“As our portfolio expands, we are thrilled to bring exciting new entertainment options to our guests,” says Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Studios Hollywood. “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest’ is a fun, spirited story and the ideal attraction to kick start Universal Studios Hollywood’s collaboration with DreamWorks Animation.”
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest has been created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative. It tells the story of Po who departs on a mission to deliver the Liquid of Limitless Power to the palace. Dragon warrior Po invites guests to join him on his adventure, full of amazing magic, river pirates, raging rapids and – of course, plenty of Kung Fu.
State-of-the-art technology creates sweeping physical effects
The multi-sensory attraction ushers in ground-breaking interior projection mapping that plunges guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. The new technique incorporates a range of immersive designs with incredibly precise detailing. Plush, fully-articulated seats pivot and swivel in sync with the 180 degree action.
Seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio create effects such as water and wind. They make guests feel like real participants in the adrenaline-fuelled adventure. An original score by Germaine Franco adds to the experience.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
The DreamWorks Theatre is housed in a newly constructed building, inspired by Mission revival architecture. It harks back to 1920s Art Deco, Hollywood’s Golden Age. The theatre includes a nostalgic box office ticket seller booth, staffed by a three-dimensional usher who is comically asleep on the job.
Once past the booth, guests move through outdoor garden to the queue. Here they can enjoy a series of posters referencing DreamWorks Animation films. Once in the lobby, over 20 award statuettes are on display – representing a sample of the huge array of awards won by DreamWorks Animation from 2008 to 2015.
Meet and Greet
Guests can also spend time with Po and Tigress in a special character meet and greet in the park’s Universal Plaza. A replica of Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, from Kung Fu Panda, will sell a selection of traditional Asian food and beverages.
