Skip to main content

Kung Fu Panda and Hello Kitty coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

News
DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood

A slate of new DreamWorks attractions is planned at Universal Studios Hollywood, starting in 2018 with Kung Fu Panda. The kitsch Japanese cat Hello Kitty will also be appearing at the Los Angeles theme park next year.

As part of the new DreamWorks Theatre, the upcoming multi-sensory Kung Fu Panda adventure will take guests on a journey combining storytelling with projection mapping and LED lighting effects. A variety of other action-packed DreamWorks Animation themed attractions are expected over the coming years, created in partnership with Universal Creative and DreamWorks’ Artists. The roll out of such attractions follows DreamWorks Animation’s acqusition by NBCUniversal last year.

DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood
DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood

Before the arrival of the the new Kung Fu Panda experience, guest appearances by a variety of DreamWorks characters will be made this summer. There to meet, greet and pose for photos with Universal guests will be Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins’ Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private and King Julian; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; and Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots. These new faces will join Shrek and the diverse array of other walkabout characters offered at the LA park.

Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by Sanrio, joins Universal Studios Hollywood as from next year. Kitty and friends including My Melody, Keroppi and Chococat will be featured on park-exclusive merchandise including apparel, collectibles and confectionery.

Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

New at Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk

Universal Studios Hollywood is Los Angeles’ most popular tourist attraction. As from June 23, it will launch a new night show centred around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In addition, a number of new additions have been made in recent months at the Universal CityWalk dining and retail district including:

• A multi-million dollar renovation of the Universal Cinema, launched by Steven Spielberg

• The first ever LA location for a Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritavillee restaurant. The chilled out singer himself took centre stage at the grand opening, performing with his band.

• Additional new F&B offerings at CityWalk include Voodoo Doughnut and Meizhou Dongpo, offering authentic Sichuan cuisine

Images courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood

Share this
Owen Ralph

Owen Ralph

Feature writer Owen Ralph has covered theme parks and attractions for over 20 years for publications including blooloop, Park World, World’s Fair, Interpark, Kirmes Revue and Park International. He has also served on boards/committees with IAAPA and the TEA. He grew up just 30 minutes from Blackpool (no coincidence?)

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update