Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the Opening of DreamWorks Theatre Featuring “Kung Fu Panda:
Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the Opening of DreamWorks Theatre Featuring
“Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest,”
Kicking the All-New Attraction into High Gear with a Spectacular Kung Fu Martial Arts Display, Dragon Warrior Parade and Fireworks Finale
New Technologically-Advanced, Immersive Attraction
Officially Opens on Friday, June 15, 2018
Universal City, CA, June 14, 2018 – A spectacular Kung Fu Martial Arts display, dragon warrior parade
and fireworks finale set the stage for the grand opening of Universal Studios Hollywood’s all-new
The attraction opens officially on Friday, June 15, 2018.
The festivities also featured an all-star lineup of DreamWorks Animation favorite characters,
including Kung Fu Panda’s Masters Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, the
Penguins—Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private, and King Julien; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; and Shrek’s
Puss ‘n Boots, Shrek and Fiona.
The arrival of “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” marks the first attraction to open at The
Entertainment Capital of L.A. since Universal’s recent acquisition of DreamWorks Animation.
“As our portfolio expands, we are thrilled to bring exciting new entertainment options to our
guests,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “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.”
Inspired by the global blockbuster movie franchise, Kung Fu Panda, the attraction takes guests
on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly
engaging experience.
Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “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 Kung Fu.
With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “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. Developed by the innovative team at Universal
Creative, this never-before-adapted technique depicts a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within 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.
Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio,
sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more like participants than
spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.
Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as 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 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 usher 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.
This summer, guests are also invited to spend time with Po and Tigress as part of a special
character meet and greet located within the park’s Universal Plaza. A replica of Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, as featured in Kung Fu Panda, will also set up within the venue inviting guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.
