PHOTOS: Woody Woodpecker Statue Removed, New Planter Revealed as KidZone Construction Walls Move Again in Universal Studios Florida

Shannen Ace

PHOTOS: Woody Woodpecker Statue Removed, New Planter Revealed as KidZone Construction Walls Move Again in Universal Studios Florida

Shannen Ace

PHOTOS: Woody Woodpecker Statue Removed, New Planter Revealed as KidZone Construction Walls Move Again in Universal Studios Florida

The construction walls around the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone have moved again, revealing a new planter and the removal of an old Woody Woodpecker statue.

KidZone Construction

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4172

Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone closed permanently in January 2023. Animal Actors On Location!, E.T. Adventure, SpongeBob StorePants, and KidZone Pizza Company all remain.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4176

The new planter is outside SpongeBob StorePants.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4186

It’s already full of small trees and bushes.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4182

The Woody Woodpecker statue was outside KidZone Pizza Company. The bird was depicted holding up a fresh pizza and wearing a chef’s hat. Green squares have also been removed from the pavement.

universal-orlando-photo-report-12-21-20-117-2283958

Here’s a picture of the statue and pavement from a few years ago.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4188

The rest of KidZone Pizza Company isn’t strongly Woody-themed, but we may see more changes to it as time goes on. The KidZone is set to become a DreamWorks land next year.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4189
kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4195

The blue construction walls decorated with DreamWorks characters have shifted to block the SpongeBob StorePants exit that faces E.T. Adventure.

kidzone construction walls aug 2023 4196

Guests must walk between construction walls to reach the E.T. attraction.

Last month, the E.T. Adventure exit reopened after extensive construction around the attraction. We also noted construction going on behind the walls, where Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster still stood and may be re-decorated to become something new rather than knocked down.

DreamWorks Land

dreamworks land concept art 000000

The DreamWorks land concept art shows a Trolls-inspired coaster suspiciously similar to Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.

dreamworks land concept art 000000 2

The concept art focuses on the sign, though we can also see the coaster and a Shrek and Donkey meet and greet. One of the purple spider creatures from the Trolls franchise sits atop a column by the coaster, and a spider web is above the track.

Shrek 4D Closed Universal Studios Florida Good Bye Tour Ye Old Souvenir Shoppe Shop 2

Shrek and Donkey have been bouncing around Universal Studios Florida since Shrek 4-D closed in 2022. Their adjacent meet and greet closed and was relocated near DreamWorks Destination within Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, taking over the old Barney gift shop. After KidZone permanently closed, Shrek started meeting in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida.

Here is Universal Orlando Resort’s announcement about the DreamWorks land, which doesn’t have an official name yet:

Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters. As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from â€˜Gabby’s Dollhouse‘ and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like â€˜Shrek,‘ â€˜Trolls‘ and â€˜Kung Fu Panda‘ to life in the most imaginatively fun ways.

The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments. Stay tuned – more details will be revealed in the future. 

What are you hoping to see in the new DreamWorks land? Let us know in the comments.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.