The Big Changes Coming to Universal Orlando in 2024

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando in 2024? These are the big changes to keep an eye out for.

Epic Universe might be coming in 2025, but we don’t have to wait until next year to see some major updates at the Universal parks. From demolitions and cost-cutting measures to exciting new lands, Universal has well and truly thrown down the theme park gauntlet. 

Here are some of the biggest changes in Universal Orlando in 2024...

DreamWorks Land

One of the most exciting changes coming to Universal Orlando this year is the new DreamWorks Land, replacing the KidZone area. The land, which is aimed at younger theme park-goers, will feature DreamWorks characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and Gabby’s Dollhouse. 

Concept art has been released of the imposing Shreks Swamp, Po’s Panda Village, and the Trollercoaster. As well as this, DreamWorks Land will also be home to a new character zone and the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, an interactive experience inside a revamped theatre space.

Universal announced that this land will open in summer 2024 – we imagine it will be before Halloween Horror Nights starts in August.

Chez Alcatraz Demolition

We're going to miss Murph and his infamous Ocean Attack cocktail in Universal Studios Florida, as Chez Alcatraz is being remodelled. Into what? Nobody is quite sure.

Located in the San Francisco area of the theme park, opposite Bruce the shark from Jaws, Chez Alcatraz is currently themed around the famous prison and Amity Island from the original Jaws movie.

The bar is known for its delicious drinks, the most famous of which is the Ocean Attack cocktail that comes with a fun show. 

A new permit has been spotted for this location which details a pretty heavy revamp – it includes demolition, concrete work, plumbing, and electrical upgrades. Details surrounding what might replace Chez Alcatraz and the construction timeline are yet to be revealed.

3D Feature Removed From Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Something that Universal Orlando has already changed in 2024 is the removal of the 3D elements of Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Universal did not make an official announcement about this, but it’s likely to be a cost-saving move to make up for some of the other investments.

The ride itself is unchanged, but the film portions of the attraction have been reverted to 2D and guests are no longer given 3D glasses before boarding the ride. We’re not sure whether this is a permanent change or just something Universal is testing in the quieter months at the park. We hope it's the latter.

Rumours of Fast and Furious: Supercharged Closing

Fast and Furious: Supercharged, one of Universal’s most controversial rides, is poised to close in August 2024. While this has not been officially confirmed, rumours are swirling online that the ride will shut for the entirety of Halloween Horror Nights – and may not reopen.

With the opening of DreamWorks Land this summer and Epic Universe next year, it seems like Universal is trying to cut costs in easy ways right now. This ride is, undoubtedly, one of the least popular in the park, and closing it for good could be an easy way for Universal to save some operational cash.

That said, it has only been open for six years, and we would be quite sad to see it go so soon.