Fans of Dreamworks films can rejoice as Universal Studios is officially opening up Dreamworks Theatre, which will allow for many more beloved characters and franchises to be showcased in the park, and makes for a myriad of new attraction possibilities.
To celebrate the occasion, the theme park featured several events today in celebration for tomorrow's opening, pulling out all of the stops. Many familiar characters were on site as the Dragon Warrior Parade commenced, ultimately finishing with a fireworks finale. Some of the Dreamworks Animation favorite characters seen during the festivities included, but weren't limited to,
Kung Fu Panda's Masters Po and Tigress;
Trolls' Poppy and Branch;
Shrek's Fiona, Puss 'n Boots, and Shrek;
Madagascar's Alex the Lion, King Julian; and
Penguins Of Madagascar's Rico, Private, Skipper, and Kowaslski.
The park also showed off a stunning kung fu martial arts display, as shown in the photo below.
Taking inspiration from the hit global movie franchise,
Kung Fu Panda, this attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey using state of the art visual effects as well as captivating storytelling.
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor's Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure replete with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic, and of course, Kung Fu.
So what about that cutting edge technology?
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest introduces the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. That's right, it is complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that swivel and pivot in tandem with the 180-degree action. This multi-sensory attraction, developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, uses a never-before-adapted technique to depict a series of visually dynamic and fully immersive scenic designs that will transform within the interior space to enhance the story experience for guests. As a matter of fact, the detailing is so precise that it will be nearly impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.
To enhance the guest experience even further,
Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest is coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio. Sweeping physical effects from wind to water will empower guests to feel more like participants than spectators while they make their way through the adrenaline-spiked adventure. It also features an original score by composer Germaine Franco.
"As our portfolio expands, we are thrilled to bring exciting new entertainment options to our guests. 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." -Karen Irwin, President and COO, Universal Studios Hollywood
What's your favorite Universal attraction? Think you'll be attending this one? Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest kicks off Friday, June 15th!