ORLANDO, Fla. — After nearly 25 years, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone has permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida.


What You Need To Know


The last day for the kids area of the park — which was home to attractions such as Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town — was Sunday.

DreamWorks Destination and the Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet, newer additions to the area, also closed.

“Thank you for laughing with Woody the past 24 years,” Universal wrote in a tweet. “KidZone will remain in our hearts.”

In November, Universal announced the closure of several KidZone attractions as part of a plan to bring “exciting new family entertainment” to that area of the park.

“Universal Orlando Resort will soon begin work on bringing exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios that will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters,” the resort said in a statement.

Universal has not yet said what will be replacing the former KidZone attractions, however, the resort previously teased that more details would be released in “the months ahead.”

Nearby attractions and shops such as  E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, the SpongeBob StorePants gift shop and KidZone Pizza Company remain open.

Universal Studios is undergoing a number of changes. A new attraction featuring the Minion characters is under construction at the park. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is scheduled to open this summer. It replaces the former Shrek 4-D attraction.

Ashley Carter - Digital Journalist

Ashley Carter is a digital journalist who covers the fast-paced and ever-changing world of Florida theme parks and attractions. She joined Spectrum News 13 in 2013 and produced around-the-clock news coverage — first on TV and then for the station’s digital platforms.

Twitter