Inspired by DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, the Margaritaville brand and other entertainment properties, Universal Studios Hollywood has planned to introduce a slate of new theme park attractions, characters and Universal CityWalk establishments.
Following its recent acquisition of DreamWorks Animation, Universal will roll out a never-before-seen DreamWorks Theatre. To be thrown open in 2018, the new venue will host a variety of DreamWorks-themed attractions, beginning with a multi-sensory adventure inspired by Kung Fu Panda.
A number of DreamWorks’ characters will also join the theme park beginning this summer. New characters include Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins and King Julian; Trolls’ Poppy and Brand and Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots.
Sanrio’s Hello Kitty will also appear for costume character appearances and meet-and-greet the guests. The popular characters, as well as other Sanrio characters including My Melody, Keroppi and Chococat will also feature on park-exclusive merchandise such as apparel, accessories, collectibles and confectionery.
Meanwhile, the holiday-themed program ‘Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ will return to the theme park for the second year in a row.
The annual event will see festive décor themed to each of the individual storefronts in Hogsmeade village as well as holiday-themed food and beverages. At nightfall, the Hogwarts castle will be illuminated with a light projection show accompanied by a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter films.
