Shrek 4-D will be closing permanently on January 10, 2022 at Universal Studios Florida. Fear Factor Live was confirmed to not be returning earlier this year. Universal Orlando has not yet announced new replacements for these attractions.
Now, new permits posted with Orange County seem to show that both of these venues will soon be demolished (or in the case of Shrek, partially demolished,) which may mean that replacement attractions will soon be on their way.
Shrek 4-D Permits and Replacement Rumors
Running since 2003, after replacing Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies, Shrek 4-D will officially close on January 10, 2022. The attraction’s exit gift shop, Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe will also close as part of this closure. The nearby Shrek and Donkey meet and greet is not expected to close.
A permit has recently been posted by the city of Orlando for partial demolition of an existing building. This permit lists the project as Project 331, which is a new project number for the resort.
The permit describes demolishing some of the wall partitions as well as portions of the existing slab. Other adjustments, including demolition of existing fire alarms, parts of the electrical system, HVAC, and plumbing are described. Preparation for new restrooms and Team Member break rooms is also listed.
The permit also lists “Demolition of the existing compressed air system.” as part of the work included. That may be related to the pneumatic air system that is currently used to add motion to the theater seats, as well as create special effects, for the Shrek 4-D show.
Earlier this month a notice of commencement was also filed with the Orange County Comptroller’s office. This notice described Audio and Visual Equipment for Building 40 at Universal Studios Florida, which is where Shrek 4-D is located.
The contractor listed on the document is Holovis, Inc., who specialize in interactive and immersive screen media.
While no details have been given on the long-running show’s closure, rumors for a replacement have been swirling around the internet for many years. Speculation on DreamWorks Theatre replacing Shrek 4-D in Orlando, just as it had in Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as expectations of The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash replacing Shrek, have been popular, for example.
One of the latest rumors has been for some sort of interactive Minions attraction to replace Shrek 4-D. Based on the Villain-Con location from the Minions movie, the rumor has it as walk-through exhibit where guests would be able to try out out different gadgets and zappers. Universal has not confirmed these rumors.
Villain-Con seen in Minions movie, Video source
Rumors have been for whatever replaces Shrek 4-D to open in 2022, to continue the resort’s promise of a new attraction opening every year. If it is based on the Minions franchise, they may want to open it around the summer, as Minions: The Rise of Gru opens in theaters on July 1, 2022.
And if you think 6 months won’t be long enough to close Shrek and open a new attraction, keep in mind that the Hitchcock attraction closed in January 2003 and Shrek opened in June of that same year. We’ll be sharing more information as soon as Universal confirms any new details on this rumored project!
Fear Factor Live Permits and Replacement Rumors
Last month we saw several permits that were filed with Orange County for the demolition of the Fear Factor Live stage at Universal Studios Florida. Some were for the actual demolition itself, one was for a work site fence around the area, and another was for temporary work site trailers to be installed along with a sidewalk for them.
A notice of commencement was also posted for this project last month, listing Bumpass Construction as the contractor. They’ve worked on projects with Universal Orlando in recent years, including installing the viewing area railings and concrete in the Central Park area for the park’s nighttime lagoon shows.
Universal has not made an official announcement on what will replace Fear Factor Live, but it is rumored that the space where the theater sits now will be used to expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The current rumor is that it will be a high capacity virtual reality-type attraction where you get to fly on a broomstick. The new attraction was supposedly being designed for Universal’s Epic Universe, but will instead be built here now that Epic Universe will be opening later than originally planned.
You can see the video above for more details on what the broomstick attraction experience is rumored to be like. We believe that the new Harry Potter attraction will open at Universal Studios Florida in 2023, but we’re still awaiting official details and confirmation from Universal at this time.
That’s all for now, but if you’d like to bring a piece of the parks home, Souvenir Scents has candles and wax melts that smell like the ET ride, Butterbeer, and more. Save 15% off every order with my promo code PARKSTOP at SouvenirScents.com.
Stay tuned for more continuing coverage on these projects and more! Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Original Photos: Alicia Stella
