Universal Orlando Resort is known for constantly evolving, but even with all the talk of new attractions and future expansions, guests are often caught off guard by the smaller changes happening quietly behind construction walls. This week, Universal fans noticed a major update inside DreamWorks Land—one that appears to confirm the permanent closure of a Shrek-themed feature many families relied on.
The splash pad area near Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres has officially been removed and paved over, confirming that the water play zone is no longer part of the land.
For months, the area had been blocked off, leading many guests to assume Universal was simply refurbishing the space. Temporary closures are common in theme parks, especially in Florida where heavy use and constant exposure to the elements can wear down interactive areas quickly. At the time, there was no clear indication whether the splash pad would return.
Now, newly shared photos show the splash pad is completely gone.
The images were posted by bioreconstruct on X, a popular account that frequently documents construction and operational changes around Universal Orlando. The photos show pavement where the splash pad once stood, with no remaining signs of the former water feature.
Pavement that has replaced a splash pad in Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres. pic.twitter.com/5IgG4yQEa4
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 11, 2026
The removal is significant because this wasn’t just a decorative element—it was one of the few spaces in DreamWorks Land specifically designed for younger guests to cool off and play. In a Florida theme park environment, splash pads often serve as an important “reset” location for families, giving children a chance to burn energy while parents take a break from long lines and heavy crowds.
The change has sparked disappointment online, with several fans questioning why Universal would eliminate one of the most family-friendly parts of the Shrek-themed area. Some guests even described the splash pad as one of the strongest features of Shrek’s Swamp, especially for those traveling with toddlers or younger children who may not be tall enough for many of Universal’s larger attractions.
While Universal has not issued an official statement about the reason behind the closure, the decision to pave over the space strongly suggests the removal is permanent. Theme parks rarely invest in replacing an entire water feature with concrete unless the space is being repurposed for something else long-term.
It is possible Universal removed the splash pad to improve crowd flow in DreamWorks Land, create more stroller space, or prepare the area for a future addition. DreamWorks Land has been popular since opening, and Universal may be adjusting the layout to better accommodate high guest traffic.
Still, the loss of a water play area is a noticeable one, especially for families visiting during warmer months.
For now, the message is clear: the Shrek-themed splash pad is gone, and DreamWorks Land has officially lost one of its most kid-focused features.
