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‘Shrek’ Scrapped From Universal Studios, No Return in Sight

Shrek has been a cultural phenomenon for over 20 years, inspiring memes, references, and theme park attractions. However, another one of those attractions has now disappeared from a Universal Studios park.

Fans of Shrek 4-D, the immersive theater attraction that once placed guests in the middle of a new adventure with Shrek and Donkey, have already seen its removal from multiple Universal parks. Universal Studios Hollywood was the first to replace it with the DreamWorks Theatre, while Universal Studios Florida removed the show to make way for Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.

Exterior of Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios Hollywood
Credit: Andy Nystrom, Flickr

While Florida has since incorporated Shrek-themed experiences into its new DreamWorks Land, the original 4-D attraction is now a rarity, existing only in Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore—until now.

As of January 23, 2025, Universal Studios Japan has officially closed Shrek 4-D indefinitely. The Osaka theme park, known for its extensive lineup of attractions including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park, now lists Shrek’s 4-D Adventure as unavailable.

Exterior of Cinema 4-D, which includes Shrek 4-D, at Universal Studios Japan
Credit: Mulberry24, Flickr

Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic, housed in the same building, has also closed. While Universal has not confirmed whether the closure is permanent or a temporary refurbishment, the attraction had previously undergone an extended closure in early 2024, reopening in November of the same year.

With Japan’s Shrek 4-D out of commission, Universal Studios Singapore remains the last park offering the attraction. However, Singapore goes a step further with an entire Far Far Away land inspired by Shrek 2, making it a top destination for dedicated fans of the franchise.

Shrek 4-D attraction
Credit: Universal

For those looking for other Shrek-themed experiences, options still exist outside Universal. Motiongate Dubai, an indoor DreamWorks-themed park in the UAE, offers Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale Journey and Swamp Celebration, along with attractions based on How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. Meanwhile, Shrek’s Adventure! London offers an interactive walkthrough experience featuring characters from multiple DreamWorks franchises.

As Shrek 5 gears up for its December 2026 release—having been delayed from July to make room for yet another Minions film—there’s a strong possibility that new Shrek experiences could emerge in the future. For now, fans will have to hold on to their memories of Shrek 4-D as the attraction continues to fade from Universal parks.

Do you miss Shrek 4-D?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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