Universal Studios Hollywood is getting ready for Summer 2018 for the debut of the all-new DreamWorks Theatre presenting the premier attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest”.
Inspired by the popular DreamWorks franchise, Universal says the attraction will take guests on a “thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the-art visual effects for a highly engaging experience.”
The attraction’s story takes place on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, where dragon warrior Po the Panda embarks on a quest to deliver “the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power” to the Palace while enlisting guests to join him on the adventure.
The press release states the story elements will include “raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and, obviously, Kung Fu.
The theater will introduce the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure.
From the Press Release:
Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted technique will depict a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.
The theater will feature seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360-degree surround sound audio and include physical effects from water to wind that will add on to the feeling of being in the environment.
The attraction appears to be the next evolution of 4D theater storytelling, and a significant upgrade from Shrek 4D from a technology standpoint.
This will mark the first DreamWorks Animation attraction to open at a Universal park after acquiring the studio in 2016.
Here’s more information about the attraction from Universal’s press release:
Guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests will enter the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action.
The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of the time period and staffed by a three-dimensional Pinocchio character asleep on the job.
As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy, People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back from the Spirit Realm.
Stay tuned to Inside Universal for the latest on the new attraction and everything else regarding Universal Parks & Resorts.
