Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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#98 – New approaches in design and technology

On the cover

The San Antonio Zoo turned to PGAV Destinations to design a new entrance and extensive gorilla habitats for both the animals and human guests to enjoy.

Editorials:

Just add technology by Martin Palicki

Erasing the line between theory and practice by Judith Rubin

Articles:

Expo 2027 Belgrade Exclusive interview with Dr. Dušan Borovcanin

by James Ogul

Pathways to growth Alcorn McBride’s innovative internship program for theme park engineers

by Wendy M. Grant

Listening to operators Q&A with Smart Monkeys CEO Stephan Villet

by Judith Rubin

The era of spatial computing Electrosonic connects themed entertainment and spatial computing

by James Careless

TEA’s recipe for success Events and networking fulfill an industry need

by Martin Palicki

All about Brand Licensing Europe Interview with Ella Haynes and Ben Roberts

by Judith Rubin

Celebrating the community and the zoo Three new projects by PGAV Destinations at the San Antonio Zoo

by Joe Kleiman

Making the move to cashless How Connect&GO can make operations easier with RFID

by James Careless

Design & development Five UCF grad students create concepts for Alterface’s The Wander

by Judith Rubin

Helping yourself Semnox streamlines the future of self-service in leisure venues

by Tammie Richards

Taking a moment Moment Factory: from music for the eyes to symphonies for the senses

by Gene Jeffers

What’s in a MIRT (Mario in Real Time)? SimGraphics ushers in well-behaved AI characters for LBE and themed attractions

by Judith Rubin

Cosm Studios partners with Cosmic Picture to expand Digistar planetarium portfolio

Cosm Studios announces a partnership with Cosmic Picture, an award-winning producer and distributor of immersive films, to expand its Premium Media Program. Available for planetariums running Digistar, the world’s most advanced planetarium system, the Premium Media Program offers a flexible and affordable way to access a growing library of fulldome content. Offering more than 40 award-winning fulldome shows, the Program is expanding to now include two new compelling cinematic experiences, “The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness” and “Back from the Brink-Saved from Extinction”.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the experienced team at Cosm to bring these two awe-inspiring conservation films to a broader audience. We have been producing and distributing shows for a number of years and continue to look for ways to get these important films in front of as many people as possible, and this partnership with Cosm allows us this opportunity,” said Antonietta Monteleone, President of Film Distribution at Cosmic Picture.

Cosm’s Premium Media Program offers a wide range of high-quality immersive content and enables participants to easily tailor their yearly programming and engage with their local community in a meaningful way.

Benefits of the program include:

  • Four films per year, which can be rotated on an annual basis
  • Pricing based on dome size/annual attendance
  • Five-year term, license fee paid annually
  • Educational guides for classrooms and field trip groups, along with marketing assets

Synopses for the Program’s newly added Cosmic Picture films can be seen below.

About Back from the Brink – Saved from Extinction

This immersive film explores extraordinary true stories of animals rescued from the brink of extinction. Audiences will meet California’s endearing Channel Island Fox, the smallest canid in the world, imperiled by the introduction of Golden Eagles to their only habitat. Witness the stunning migration of the Christmas Island Red Crabs, thinned dangerously by the Crazy Ant invasion. The film then takes audiences on a journey to Yunnan, China to find the enigmatic Golden Monkey, high on the most-endangered primates list and living in one of the most biodiverse and remote regions of the world. Back from the Brink, with real and inspiring conservation stories, renews hope that our threatened planet and all its inhabitants can be saved.

Back from the Brink - Saved from Extinction Poster

About The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness

Imagine a vast, wild, and magical place in the far north of Alaska where one of earth’s greatest natural spectacles unfolds. Discover a land that has evolved intact and untamed since the beginning of time, a world few have truly seen until now. Join National Geographic Photographer Florian Schulz to experience this special place worth protecting.

The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness Poster

Cosm is committed to bringing innovative immersive experiences and content to audiences around the world, powering more than 700 planetariums across the globe. Digistar planetariums that are looking to deliver new content to their audiences on a regular basis or are interested in adding The Arctic – Our Last Great Wilderness and/or Back from the Brink to their current programming subscription should follow studios.cosm.com/get-quote.

Arts and entertainment veteran Jeff Moulton joins Adirondack Studios

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Global design, fabrication and project management leader Adirondack Studios (ADKS) has hired theatre and cruise veteran Jeff Moulton as its new VP of Project Delivery.

In this Executive Leadership role, Moulton will serve as one of the studio’s primary client liaisons, ensuring that all ADKS projects reach completion on-time, on-budget and with the level of quality that has become the company’s trademark and standard. He will also help drive ADKS’ overall growth strategy, support Business Development and Marketing activities, implement project management protocols and metrics and streamline operations across the company’s various working groups.

Moulton has worked professionally in the arts and entertainment industry for nearly 20 years. Leveraging his prolific experience in freelance direction, choreography, casting and teaching, Moulton fostered the development of RWS Global’s Theatrical Ventures & Ticketed Experiences division pre-pandemic. He then helped to usher the Tony Award-Winning Eugene O’Neill Theater Center out of their pandemic closure, overseeing special projects, new initiatives, and events.

In 2022, Moulton returned to RWS Global as Director of Client Delivery for their Holland America Line division, leading the department at the height of the cruise line’s unprecedented return to service. During this time, Moulton oversaw a global entertainment operation that cast, trained, costumed and managed hundreds of performers each year across Holland America Line’s global fleet. He also supervised the successful development and debut of 12 new theatrical shows and products in just two years, while simultaneously overseeing dozens of additional productions and hundreds of unique and curated musical programs fleet-wide. Moulton’s leadership efforts helped stabilize the department’s operations, rebuild the shore-side team and increase revenue while simultaneously elevating the guest, talent and client experience. 

According to ADKS President, Michael Blau, Moulton’s extensive experience in driving creative teams, people-focused strategic planning and results-based operational excellence are what made him a natural fit for the role. “For this position, our diverse hiring committee was looking for four things: process knowledge, systems integration experience, empathetic leadership and excellent communication skills. Jeff ticked all of those boxes and then some. I can’t wait to see how he streamlines our client delivery functions while fostering a supportive, collaborative environment for our team. I’m also excited about his experience in the cruise industry as we continue to spread our reach into new markets. Of course, his theatre pedigree fits right in with our company culture. This appointment is an absolute win for ADKS and its future.”

ADKS has already enjoyed several big wins in 2024, with project openings to-date including Level 99 Providence, Meryal Waterpark, Google at St. John’s Terminal, the Pineapple Clock at Atlantis The Royal Dubai, the Hershey Lodge Smokestacks and the Dell Alienware Rejuvenation Pod at SXSW Festival. Upcoming projects include retail outlets, brand destinations, performance venues, opera sets, theme park lands and children’s experiences across the US and around the world.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Executive Team at ADKS, especially at this very robust tipping point for both the company and the industry at large. It was very obvious from my first few meetings with Michael and the team that there is tremendous care here in fully supporting their global teams and clients. The incredible quality of the artistry here speaks for itself, but by so highly valuing their people they also drive much higher value in the final product. I’m looking forward to further elevating our production processes, delivering world-class product for guests around the globe, and providing extremely high-touch client relations as ADKS continues to grow into the future.”

Moulton and other members of the Adirondack Studios team will be at TEA INSPIRE Week and the 2024 Thea Awards Gala March 13-16, as well as Seatrade Cruise Global and F&B@Sea April 9-11. To make an appointment, email Clara Rice at [email protected].

Deutschlandmuseum awarded World Travel Award as Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction

Following its announcement of a TEA THEA Award, the first to be presented to a German museum, the Deutschlandmuseum’s continues to receive international accolaides.

On Wednesday evening, March 6, the Deutschlandmuseum was honored by the World Travel Awards (WTA) in the category “Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction 2024”. The award recognizes the Berlin museum as the best new tourist attraction in Europe.

The award acknowledges the innovative approach of the Deutschlandmuseum, which allows visitors to “immerse” themselves in recreated places and events from the past 2,000 years of German history through its immersive and interactive design. Through this approach, various dimensions of German history become visually, auditorily, and tactilely experiential.

Read InPark’s interview with Chris Lange of Creative Studio Berlin to learn more.

MENALAC Awards honor best of leisure industry in MENA region

The annual MENALAC Awards ceremony, a hallmark event for the MENA leisure, entertainment, and amusement industry, took place March 6, 2024 at the Address Skyview Hotel, Downtown Dubai. During the ceremony, industry leaders and innovators gathered to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements that have shaped the landscape of leisure and entertainment in the region.

Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) is a non-for-profit Trade Council representing the Leisure and Attractions companies in the Middles East and North Africa.

HALL OF FAME AWARD:

Sheika Monira Alsabah, CEO and Founder of Play Enterprises, Kuwait

CATEGORY WINNERS:

BEST AMUSEMENT OR THEME PARK 2024

SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE

BEST WATER PARK 2024

Atlantis Aquaventure / Dubai / UAE

BEST FEC 2024

AYA Universe/Wafi City Mall/Dubai/UAE/HyperSpace FZ LLC

BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION 2024

BOULEVARD WORLD, RIYADH, SELA

BEST EDUTAINMENT CENTRE 2024

Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Center/SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi/Abu Dhabi/UAE/Miral Destinations

BEST PLAYSCAPE FACILITY 2024

MERMAIDS OF ARABIA, DUBAI MALL

BEST ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY 2024

TOPGOLF DUBAI

BEST INTEGRATED LEISURE DESTINATION 2024

Yas Island/ Abu Dhabi/ UAE

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN 2024

Yas Island Chief Island Officer Campaign/ Yas Island

BEST CSR PROGRAM 2024

Atlantis Atlas Project by Atlantis Dubai

BEST CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM 2024

PLAY MEMBERSHIP BY LANDMARK LEISURE

BEST EMPLOYEES ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE 2024

Igniting Engagement Together – The ‘More’ Campaign by Doha Quest

MOST INNOVATIVE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY 2024

PHYGITAL ACTIVITIES BY HELLO PARK

BEST DESIGN FOR A LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY 2024

WONDER GARDEN,  SELA

BEST NEW PRODUCT/ATTRACTION/INSTALLATION FOR AMUSEMENT PARKS & VISITOR ATTRACTIONS 2024

HYPERSPHERE 360/SEAWORLD ABU DHABI/ABUDHABI/INTAMIN

BEST NEW PRODUCT/ATTRACTION/INSTALLATION FOR WATER PARKS & WATER RESORTS (RIDES & ATTRACTIONS) 2024

The Land of Legends / Antalya / Turkey / Turtle Coaster

BEST NEW PRODUCT FOR FEC – ARCADE, VR, REDEMPTION & NOVELTY 2024

HYPERDECK VR

BEST NEW PRODUCT FOR FECS 2024 – (RIDE & ATTRACTION)

ESPORTS/Quest for Speed and Oryx Speedway/Taiwan/Brogent Technologies Inc.

MOST NEW UNIQUE CONCEPT ATTRACTION 2024

SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi/ UAE/Miral Destinations

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR 2024

AMUSEMENT SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LLC

BEST AMUSEMENT INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION BODY AWARD 2024

TUV SUD

BEST INNOVATION IN HEALTH & SAFETY 2024

Immersive VR Training for Real World Safety/ Mellors Entertainment

BEST INDIVIDUAL SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT 2024

Nino Cruz/Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment

BEST IMPACTFUL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR 2024

MAF Greentertainment/Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment

BEST ESTABLISHMENT MANAGER 2024

AVEGELLE ASUNCION – FUN CITY, LANDMARK LEISURE

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2024

Alwalid Albaltan Rafeeh Entertainment Group

ETC becomes 100% employee owned company serving themed entertainment and theatrical communities

As ETC approaches its 50th anniversary, it enters a new period of growth. This was demonstrated at a company meeting on February 20. After CEO, Dick Titus, discussed upcoming corporate goals, member of the Board of Directors and son of Fred Foster, James Foster announced that ETC has expanded its employee stock option program, making the company 100% employee owned. This act further solidifies ETC’s unique corporate culture where employees come first and are rewarded for their dedication and continued contributions to the industry.

Founded in 1975 by Fred Foster and a group of college friends, ETC has always been a place known for being “Midwest-nice”. Fred was always quick to give credit to the employees for every corporate success. In his speech to the company this week, James Foster said, “When we’re at our best, we are more than just a company. And now you own ETC, in totality. Its success is your success. I believe you’re going to take ETC to places we can only imagine. I can’t wait to work alongside you to make that happen.”

Known for manufacturing iconic products that can be found in venues around the world, ETC has expanded from the small, theatrical lighting company of the 90s to a full-system provider for museums, stadiums, television studios, hotels, hospitals, schools, and theatres in hundreds of countries around the globe.

For more information about ETC, please visit etcconnect.com

SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi partners with GEMS Education in encouraging students to combat plastic pollution

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, announces its collaboration with GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest private school operators, bringing together 42 schools to actively participate in a community clean-up initiative. This joint initiative aims to raise awareness and educate the public about single use plastic pollution and its impact on marine life.

Classrooms across GEMS schools were encouraged to submit videos of themselves cleaning up their local communities, with the winning classroom being awarded a trip to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The winning classroom’s video was showcased on the park’s large screens, amplifying the message of environmental responsibility to a broader audience.

In addition to the competition, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be displaying an inspiring blue whale sculpture that was created using recycled plastic by the collective effort of students and dedicated teachers from Dubai’s GEMS Legacy School. It took more than 800 hours of painstaking work to turn discarded plastic into this magnificent tribute to marine life. Measuring a remarkable 18 meters in length, the sculpture comes close to the actual size of these majestic marine giants, which typically range from 21 to 24 meters and will be on display at the guest parking of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi General Curator, Rob Yordi, said: “SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is honored to join forces with GEMS Education to champion a sustainable future for our planet. By promoting responsible practices and engaging the community, we aim to ensure that our ocean and marine life continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Crafted from 8,000 plastic bottles and 1,000 plastic bags, this limited-time-only installation stands as a symbol of the strong commitment of the participating children and teachers towards environmental conservation. This eco-friendly project was built with the aim of improving climate literacy by engaging young minds in creative activities.

Mrs. Asha Alexander, CEO/Principal of GEMS Legacy School, Dubai and Executive Leader – Climate Change of GEMS Education, said: “I am thrilled to see the whale artifact finding its place at SeaWorld, Abu Dhabi. It stands as a powerful symbol of the collaborative efforts of GEMS Education staff and students in raising awareness about plastic pollution. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact and inspiring others to join us in safeguarding our ocean and marine life.”

Iplayco partners with Rovio Entertainment on Angry Brids interactive attractions

Iplayco has announced a partnership with Rovio Entertainment for a new line of Angry Birds-themed interactive and gamified attractions, in a deal facilitated by Angry Birds’ global licensing agency IMG.

The new attractions include the “Attack on Pig City” Ballistic Adventure, the “Protect Bird Village” a ‘Tag Active’ experience, and the interactive multi-event “Angry Birds Inflatable bounce park”. These attractions feature a range of interactive, digital experiences as well as media-guided AV interaction and gamified elements. These one-of-a-kind attractions deliver unique ways for guests to enjoy the Angry Birds storyline firsthand. They are now available worldwide, with more customizable offerings currently under development.

Iplayco President Scott Forbes said, “Iplayco is extremely excited to have these newly licensed Angry Birds attractions available Worldwide to our client’s base. We will be showing the new products at the upcoming DEAL trade show in Dubai in March.”

Katri Chacona, Head of Brand Licensing at Rovio, added, “We are excited about this partnership as it is a fantastic fit to encourage activity and movement for kids through gamified experiences, which is at the core of the Angry Birds brand.”.

Angry Birds is a global entertainment brand with its roots in mobile gaming. The brand rocketed to success in 2009 with the launch of the original Angry Birds mobile game, using their viral success as a launchpad into licensed products, animation, feature films, and location-based entertainment. The Angry Birds games have been downloaded over 5 billion times, with a large global player base in their active games such as Angry Birds 2, Angry Birds Dream Blast, and Angry Birds Friends. Angry Birds animated content is available on various streaming platforms around the world, as well as the Angry Birds YouTube channel, where their videos have been viewed over 8 billion times. Angry Birds has also teamed up with numerous partners in location-based entertainment to deliver unique experiences that ring true for the brand’s memorable characters, trademark humor, and heritage in gaming. These include a branded café in New York City, activity parks and themed attractions in locations around the world, as well as immersive arcade experiences.

Iplayco celebrated its 25-year anniversary as a worldwide leader in the amusement and family entertainment industry. Their products include high-quality Interactive playgrounds, Tag Interactives, Trampolines, Adrenaline Parks, My Town, and numerous other offerings. Iplayco has sales and production facilities located in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company runs thousands of installations including Theme Parks, Retail, Restaurants, Family Entertainment Centers, Science Centers, Museums, and unique Family Friendly locations.

Lagotronics Projects supplying interactives and media for The Chocolate Factory edutainment center

A completely new edutainment center is currently being realized in the Netherlands, called “The Chocolate Factory” (TCF). Here visitors discover the world of food tech in a unique and special way. “The Chocolate Factory” (TCF) combines state-of-the-art technology in an industrial environment. It is a unique collaboration between education and business, supported by the Dutch government.

The Chocolate Factory will be housed in a towering factory of over thirty meters, where visitors will have the opportunity to create their own chocolate products. Using state-of-the-art machines and digital devices, visitors will experience the thrill of being a factory operator and learn how to manage the production process. The Chocolate Factory offers a multisensory adventure, where visitors will be challenged to complete missions at different levels of the factory, and be rewarded with their own customized chocolate food bar and sprinkles to take home.

The Chocolate Factory showcases the latest technology in food production, from the design and operation of cutting-edge machines to the maintenance and quality control of the products.

The goal of The Chocolate Factory is to stimulate all the senses and create an environment where education and entertainment seamlessly blend.

The Chocolate Factory is located in the agri-food capital of the Netherlands. The venue is part of the Cultuur Haven Veghel (CHV), a former animal feed factory that has been transformed into a vibrant hub for food, art and leisure. Visitors will enjoy the contrast between the industrial heritage and the cutting-edge interactive and audiovisual technology that will immerse them in the world of chocolate.

Lagotronics Projects is involved as a partner in the realization of TCF, both in terms of hardware and technical design (engineering), software and game development. Within TCF there are various missions, for which innovative interactive and audiovisual systems are utilized. Lagotronics Projects will realize, among other things, the Operator Room, a VR drone operator game and video mapping projections on silos. For the VR drone operator experience, custom-made “drone scooters” are being designed and produced. The scooters are illuminated by ceiling decorations with LED lighting. Visitors will also be surprised by a wind effect during this mission.

In the Operator Room, visitors will interact with 12 player consoles that feature levers, touchscreens, light effects and sound effects to monitor the production process. Lagotronics will also provide the show control, installation and programming on site for the attractions.

The Chocolate Factory is expected to officially open to the public by the end of 2024.

Registration now open for IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 in Bangkok, May 27-30

IAAPA announces that attendee registration for IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is officially open. Taking place in Bangkok – the city of angels – this highly anticipated international trade show and conference will showcase the latest trends and technological innovations shaping the future of the global attractions industry from around the world.

IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 will be held from May 27-30, 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, one of the region’s most in-demand exhibition venues located in the heart of Bangkok. Held under the theme “Shape Your Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia: Evolve your business into a leading market player,” the event will bring together industry leaders and entertainment experts from across the globe to explore the current landscape and future trends that are defining the global attractions industry in Asia and beyond.

Known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the city of Bangkok offers the ideal backdrop for IAAPA Expo Asia 2024. In addition to being a rapidly evolving entertainment hub, this bustling metropolis will give attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich blend of Thai history and tradition, offering a unique cultural experience.

“IAAPA Expo Asia is an unmissable global event for professionals in the attractions industry and we cannot wait to bring it to Thailand,” said Jack Chan, executive director and vice president, IAAPA APAC. “Bangkok is a melting pot of culture and innovation, standing as one of the world’s most eclectic destinations for travel and business, which perfectly embodies this year’s expo and theme of ‘evolution’. We look forward to debuting the very best the attractions industry has to offer in this remarkable city and having the opportunity to foster new connections and deliver exceptional educational opportunities to all our attendees.”

The event will feature a comprehensive 7,800 net sqm. trade show floor filled with leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing a wide range of industry-leading products, services, and solutions. These include brand-new amusement park rides and state-of-the-art mixed reality experiences that attendees can try out for themselves right on the show floor, as well as interactive displays and exhibition booths from leading amusement destination brands. In addition, the expo will also have an extensive educational program that will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and in-depth seminars from some of the industry’s top leaders and experts, providing valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities for participants on topics such as the future of entertainment, facility operations, merchandising, and more.

IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is being designed as a landmark event that will set the standard for the future of the industry in Asia, providing attendees with the competitive edge and networking opportunities they need to unlock their potential and stay ahead of the curve. Don’t miss out on discovering the next evolutionary step of your business by registering today via this link or scanning the QR code below.

New experiences based on DreamWorks franchises Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda coming to Universal Orlando Resort

This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will debut DreamWorks Land – a new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, the expansive area will feature tons of fun for the entire family and include a family-friendly coaster, multiple interactive play areas, live entertainment, character meet and greets and more.

As soon as guests step into the new land, the world and imagination of DreamWorks Animation will surround them as they embark on adventures like exploring Shrek’s Swamp just outside of his 35-foot-tall cottage, taking a ride on a dazzling Trollercoaster, interacting with Po in the Panda Village and meeting favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Guests will also discover unique treats, photo-op-worthy murals, interactive play areas, splash pads and entertainment offerings themed to popular DreamWorks stories and characters. 

Here are more details about the enchanting and playful new experiences coming to DreamWorks Land:

SHREK

Like ogres and onions, guests can peel back layers of fun in Shrek’s oasis to discover “ogre-the-top” adventures at every turn.

Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Guests can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with characters Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, the noble steed eager to joke around and converse with guests, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.

Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres: This ogre-sized play area features four fun slides, wet play areas and a playground where guests can climb, bounce and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.

Mama Luna Feline Fiesta: The blockbuster film, Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish, comes to life with this interactive experience that takes place in Mama Luna’s retirement home for cats. Here, guests get to play with Mama Luna’s many cats on interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas and levers. They might even spot the one and only Puss in Boots himself.

King Harold’s Swamp Symphony: Guests can create their own melodious masterpiece as they trigger a choir of ever-changing frog ribbits by continually stomping on an array of interactive lily pads.

Swamp Snacks: Families can feast like an ogre at this new kiosk, which will serve snacks inspired by Shrek, including Shrekzel, Far Far A Waffle, Frozen Ogre and more.

TROLLS

A fountain featuring favorite Trolls characters Poppy and Branch sits at the center of the Trolls Village where “fantastamazing” energy flows and guests can relax and “find their happy place.”

Trolls Trollercoaster: After strolling through a marquee starring Trolls characters Poppy, Viva, Tiny Diamond, Satin and Chenille, guests of all ages can take a ride on the Caterbus, escaping evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.

Poppy’s Playground: Nestled under a giant, 20-foot mushroom is Poppy’s Playground – a shaded play area featuring colorful flowers and bugs with a bountiful array of fun bouncing and climbing structures for the youngest of trolls.

Trolls Treats: Poppy’s boombox from Trolls Band Together has been transformed into a playful kiosk that offers up brightly colored Trolls ice cream treats inspired by Poppy and Branch like the pink lemonade-flavored Poppy-licious Pink and huckleberry-flavored BroZone Berry.

High Five Hideaway: Cloud Guy hosts this all-new retail location featuring the latest merchandise including apparel, plush and accessories from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Gabby’s Dollhouse and more.

KUNG FU PANDA

Guests embark on adventures alongside the lovable panda Po from the action-packed world of the Kung Fu Panda movies.

Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life like never before. Within both wet and dry play areas, guests have the opportunity to help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more. Guests will also encounter fun elements throughout the experience, including an interactive gong, mischievous, giggling baby pandas, and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.

Po Live!: This digital, interactive meet and greet experience gives guests the opportunity to interact with the famous Dragon Warrior himself as he teaches them cool Kung Fu moves, cooks some delicious stir fry and babysits his little cousin, Ling Ling…all at the same time.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES FEATURING DREAMWORKS CHARACTERS

DreamWorks Land will also feature additional opportunities for guests to meet and interact with characters through live entertainment, including:

DreamWorks Imagination Celebration: Popular DreamWorks Animation stories leap off the screen and come to life in DreamWorks Imagination Celebration. The multisensory adventure combines hit pop songs, high-energy dancing, advanced technology, and more to create an imaginative party atmosphere that will transport guests to the worlds of their favorite characters within the all-new DreamWorks Theater.

DreamWorks Character Zone: At DreamWorks Character Zone, guests can meet, greet and interact with their favorite DreamWorks characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and more.

DreamWorks Animation is part of the NBCUniversal family of companies. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.