Universal Orlando’s DreamWorks Land is now open
Editor's Note
If you (or your kids) love “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda,” we have some exciting news for you. This summer, Universal opened an entire land inspired by these beloved films and characters called DreamWorks Land.
DreamWorks Land officially opened June 14 — just in time for summer vacation.
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DreamWorks Land replaced Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in Universal Studios Florida, but it retains the area’s status as the go-to spot in the park for young kids and their families. In addition to an all-new roller coaster, the land features interactive play areas, live entertainment and character meet-and-greets.
When you enter DreamWorks Land, you’ll first encounter Shrek’s Swamp and his 35-foot-tall cottage. Outside the cottage, you can meet Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey. Shrek’s Swamp also houses a play area with slides, a playground and a splash area. And, yes, the rumors are true: There is a slide that makes farting noises when you slide down it.
Related: From Nintendo to Minions: How theme parks are becoming more like video games
You can also meet the many cats who live with Mama Luna in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” at the Feline Fiesta. Plus, you can play with the kittens on interactive screens.
Other areas include King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, where you can make music using interactive lily pads, and Swamp Snacks, a casual spot for treats like the Shrekzel (a Shrek-shaped pretzel with green cheese for dipping).
Guests can also visit Trolls Village and ride the playful, family-friendly Trolls Trollercoaster. This all-ages coaster features favorite characters from the “Trolls” films, and the ride’s cars are designed to look like the Caterbus that transports the trolls in the film. The minimum height requirement for the Trollercoaster is 36 inches.
Related: 11 exciting lands and attractions coming to US theme parks in 2024
Kids can also play in Poppy’s Playground, nestled under a 20-foot mushroom (three cheers for shade); shop for DreamWorks merchandise at the High Five Hideaway; or get a bite to eat from Trolls Treats.
When you step farther into the land, you’ll encounter Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, a play area with both wet and dry sections inspired by the “Kung Fu Panda” movies. You will definitely get wet if you visit the area where the pandas wash and dry their laundry thanks to the water cannons and dump buckets; there is also a dry section with an interactive gong and noodle bowl-shaped merry-go-rounds.
You can also meet Po himself at “Po Live!” — an interactive experience where kids can learn kung fu moves from the Dragon Warrior himself.
Related: These are the 10 best rides at Universal Orlando
Additional meet-and-greets happen in the DreamWorks Character Zone. During our visit, we spotted Gabby from "Gabby's Dollhouse" and characters from "Puss in Boots." We also spotted Poppy and Guy Diamond from "Trolls" near the Trollercoaster.
You can't leave DreamWorks Land without seeing "DreamWorks Imagination Celebration." This must-see show features music, dancing and more. All of the popular characters represented throughout the land get their own segment in the show, but they all come together at the end for a full-on DreamWorks character party.
DreamWorks Land is now open, and it truly exceeded our expectations. There is so much for kids to do on their own and for families to do together. It's well worth a stop next time you visit Universal Orlando Resort.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.