Back in November, Universal Orlando announced that the Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone section of Universal Studios Florida would officially close on the 16th January, 2023 to make way for something new.
RELATED: Most of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone at Universal Studios Florida Closing Permanently on 15th January
According to Orlando Park Stop’s Alicia Stella, new documents (aka permits) that were recently filed with Orange County show that demolition for portions of KidZone are currently being planned. The permits include Fievel’s Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, and more, according to Stella.
Last month, Universal Orlando revealed that Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet will close. The last day of operation for the above experiences will be on the 15th January, 2023.
It’s worth noting that E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, SpongeBob Storepants, and KidZone Pizza Company will remain open.
According to Stella, a “notice of commencement by the company with the Orange County comptroller’s office lists multiple permits” which appear to be related to the removal/demolition of some areas in KidZone. These permits list the building numbers for two KidZone attractions.
The first permit linked to this notice is for the demolition of Building 75. According to Stella, Building 75 is the designated building number for Fievel’s Playland.
The second permit (currently) linked to this notice is for the demolition of Building 78. According to Stella, Build 78 is the designated building number for Curious George Goes to Town, as well as surrounding areas.
Stella believes the permits suggest that Fievel’s Playland will be removed completely, whilst some elements of the Curious George Goes to Town may remain (the permit describes portions of the area will be removed).
The exceptional Orlando theme park journalist suggests there may be additional permits filed for the rest of the Curious George Goes to Town portion of KidZone.
At this time, there are currently at least four permits related to the KidZone project. One permit includes the demolition of “surrounding areas,” which seems to suggest additional structures beyond the above-mentioned attractions.
Universal Orlando hasn’t revealed its plans for KidZone, only that most of it will close next month. They have said it will make way for “beloved animated characters.”
Fans believe that KidZone will be rebuilt, and themed to DreamWorks animated characters. Several people have suggested that the Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and former Barney theater structures could stay, but will be rethemed to new newer DreamWork properties like Trolls.
RELATED: Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone Rumoured to Become DreamWorks KidZone
Rumours have suggested that current play areas may be demolished completely, and then replaced with newer play areas themed to DreamWorks properties like Shrek. Stella believes the new permits back up this theory, at least when it comes to the demolition of play areas.
It’s fair to suggest DreamWorks characters have already started to take over KidZone, beginning with the addition of a Trolls dance party which took over the former Barney theater last year. KidZone then became the new location of the Shrek and Donkey meet and greet after Shrek 4-D closed.
Now that Illumination getting its own section near the front of Universal Studios Florida, this leaves DreamWorks as the frontrunner for the replacement of KidZone.
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
