There has been a lot of closure at Universal Orlando Resorts especially in Universal Studio Florida in the past year. It’s always exciting to see new things come to the park and at the same time, we have to bid farewell to the attractions that we hold close to our heart. Let’s revisit what we are seeing so far within this past year alone at Universal Orlando Resort. Let focus on the closure first then move on to the speculations.
Closures at Universal Studios
Fear Factor Live
Fear Factor Live opened in 2005 as a stage show attraction based on the reality TV series, “Fear Factor.”. When it was open, the attraction would have visitors volunteer to participate in various challenges.
The Fear Factor Live venue was used for the Halloween stage show during Halloween Horror Nights. After the park reopened after the pandemic shutdown, it was used as a U-Rest area.
Universal hasn’t shared the plan of what they will do with the space.
Shrek: 4D
Shrek 4-D attraction was permanently closed Jan. 10, 2022 after 18 years of operations. Not only the attraction will be closed, but the corresponding gift shop known as “Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe” was closed as well on the same day.
Shrek 4-D opened in June 2003 based on the popular “Shrek” franchise and features a story set between the first two films. The experience from a 4D show theater equipped with special effects, including water mists, air blasts and vibrating seats while guests wearing 3D glasses watch the movie.
Meet Shrek and Donkey character experience will continue to operate daily according to Universal. The resort has not said what will replace Shrek 4-D at this time.
Shortly after the attraction closed, it was boarded up with a blue wall with Minions graphics as a possible hint?
Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe
Universal Orlando has permanently closed Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe
The quick-service restaurant has been in operation since 1998. This cafe is located in the Production Central section of Universal Studios. It was themed to Universal’s classic monsters such as Frankenstein and Dracula. It also featured props and posters from films such as “The Mummy,” “The Wolf Man,” and “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.”
The restaurant offered a menu with combo meals such as chicken and ribs with homestyle sides as well as a number of vegan options. You could eat in different themes within the restaurant such as in the Black Lagoon or in the Frankenstein castle portion of the restaurant.
Only thing that Universal has revealed is that Monsters Cafe was closed to make way for a new dining experience.
Williams of Hollywood just closed couple days ago which is the latest closure at Universal Studios Florida.
Speculations
Miniontown?
Let’s focus on the closure of Shrek 4-D and Monsters Cafe since they are located so close to each other. Universal Orlando Resort could already possibly give us hints of what’s coming to Universal Studios Florida. There’s minions graphics all over the board in front of the former Shrek 4-D attractions as well around Monsters Cafe.
Bello, Minions 🍌
Boodbye, Monsters 😔 pic.twitter.com/eMPJWNSQnC— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) June 8, 2022
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Orlando Resort is still opened. Since Minions’ series are one of the popular films installment in the past decade, Minions: The Rise of Gru just came out last week as a fifth installment of the minions series. I wouldn’t be surprised if Universal Orlando decided to change a portion of Production Central into Minionland or Minion Town or something along that line. Universal Studios Hollywood has Super Silly Fun Land. Universal Studios Japan has Minion Park. Universal Studios Singapore will be opening Minion Land in 2024.
Universal Studios Japan
So with that being there, Universal Studios Florida doesn’t have a Minion theme section other than Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attractions. Since I don’t think Minions will be moved to the Epic Universe that’s opening in 2025 as of now. We may see minions merchandise at Epic Universe but that’s about it. It would make sense that we would see Minions theme land at Universal Studios Florida since they have established attractions there and have room to build from there.
There is a strong rumor that Universal’s Classic Monsters land will be built in the Epic Universe park. Universal Orlando Resort has not officially announced it yet. It would make sense to move Monsters Cafe there to keep it within the theme.
Shrek 4-D attraction has been around for 18 years and there hasn’t been any new movie line up for it. Shrek has their run for a period of time. Since Universal acquired Dreamworks a few years back, there’s a rumor that there will be a Dreamworks theme land built at Epic Universe. It’s very possible that revival of Shrek related attractions or meet and greet will be moved over there.
Ministry of Magic replacing Fear Factor Live?
Now let hop over to Fear Factor Live, there was a strong rumor that the land where Fear Factor Live! Is currently sitting on will be an expansion of Wizardly World of Harry Potter by having Ministry of Magic focus as another dark ride or something that tied with Diagon Alley. However, now there’s a possible project cancellation and may be used for something else that is unknown at this point. Orlando Park Stop shared some updates of what’s going on Fear Factor Live. This area offers a great opportunity to expand the Wizardly World of Harry Potter in some ways that’s connected with Diagon Alley. As of right now, I don’t know how much expansion Wizardly World of Harry Potter will get now since there will be another Wizardly World theme land being built at Epic Universe as well.
It’s time for a change…
With all the closure and speculations, Universal Orlando Resorts are constantly making changes and improvements to enrich park guest experiences while they are at the park. I’m excited about the latest change within the park. Only concern I may have about the Minion theme land is how it would affect Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). For years, there’s been a themed scarezone right where the Minions are which would be the first scarezone you would see when you go in the park for HHN.
Stay tuned for more updates!