Universal Studios Florida will shut down its classic Shrek 4D attraction next year.
As reported by Orlando Informer, Shrek 4D will officially close on Jan. 10, 2022, ending an 18+ year run that began in 2003. Like other 4D experiences, the ride combines elements of a coaster with an original story. Shrek 4D's central plot sees Shrek and Donkey rescue Princess Fiona from the ghost of Lord Farquaad. DreamWorks returned to animate the story for the ride and later released it on DVD as Shrek 3-D, to coincide with the theatrical premier of Shrek 2.
In 2001, DreamWorks Animation released Shrek starring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and John Lithgow. It was a box office hit and became the fourth highest-grossing film of the year. In the wake of Shrek's success, DreamWorks launched a franchise of productions, including sequels, video games, television specials and even a Broadway play. Today, the legacy of Shrek lives on through the character of Puss in Boots, played by Antonio Banderas, who is set to get a new film in 2022.
By 2003, the popularity of Shrek had turned the character into a cultural phenomenon. Seeing this, Universal Studios added Shrek 4D to its core theme parks in both Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida. However, by 2017, the moment passed for Shrek and Universal Studios Hollywood closed the ride, replacing it with DreamWorks Theatre. When Universal Studios shuts down its Shrek 4D counterpart in 2022, it is estimated that it will have hosted nearly 75 million guests.
Though the closing of Shrek 4D is sad for many fans, it is a necessary part of business for theme parks. In order for new rides to open up, old rides must be closed down. Shrek 4D was itself a replacement for the Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies 3-D film. In recent years, other hallmarks of yesteryear have also been shut down in favor of more relevant properties. In 2017, the longstanding T2-3D: Battle Across Time, which was built after the release of Terminator 2, was also shut down in favor of The Bourne Stuntacular. At this time, there is no news on what attraction will replace Shrek 4D.
While Shrek 4D's days may be numbered in the United States, the ride still has a presence in other theme parks around the globe. At Universal Studios Japan, which recently opened its themed Super Nintendo World, fans can find Shrek 4D housed in the same theater as Sesame Street 4D Movie Magic. However, true Shrek-enthusiasts will want to make the journey to Universal Studios Singapore, where Shrek 4D is featured as part of a "Far Far Away" themed zone that also includes multiple rollercoasters, a live show and Shrek-centric retail outlets.
Source: Orlando Informer