(While this narrative may not seem like much, it’s easily one of the strongest continuations of an originating mythology seen in the themed world.)Īdding to this is Shrek 4D’s worldwide popularity. Debuting just one year before Shrek 2 hit theaters in 2004, the attraction serves as a sequel to the original 2001 film, showing how Lord Farquaad’s ghost lingers on to seek revenge against Shrek and Fiona when he’s finally dispatched for good, it paves the way for the couple to get married, thereby setting the stage for the sequel. Taking lessons it learned from Terminator 2 3D (ironically enough), Universal recruited the original cast from the source material and opted to create an experience that actually extended its story instead of simply rehashed it (sorry, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – for all the wonder and joy you manage to consistently conjure, you’ve been caught red-handed in this department). (In fact, when T2 3D’s termination was announced at the end of 2017, many a fan’s response was simply, “They’re closing that before Shrek 4D?” It’ll likely remain the most-asked question even now.) And adding to the film’s impending sense of doom was the fact that its sister attraction over in Universal Studios Hollywood was closed down in the summer of 2017 in order to make room for a new DreamWorks Animation-themed experience.īut even with all these detractions, Shrek 4D still has its own list of accomplishments, as well. That the 4D movie is coming to an end should be no surprise to anyone, as it is older, remains only partially culturally-relevant, and is rather below the theming standards set by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has become the de facto baseline for any new undertaking at Universal Orlando Resort. Now, it’s time to add one more entry to the list, as the company has today announced that Shrek 4D will be joining its former brethren in the theme-park sky. Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe will also close, but have no fear – Donkey will continue to dish out digs from his wall even in the attraction’s absence.Īs Universal continues to add an ever-bigger selection of new experiences for guests to encounter all across its resort, it’s had to shutter an ever-larger amount of older attractions that have since passed their prime: Terminator 2 3D: Battle across Time, Cinematic Spectacular, and Dragon Challenge, just to name a few of the more recent ones.

Shrek 4D at Universal Studios Florida will close on Januafter an 18-year career, during which it welcomed millions of visitors.

Shrek release date