A bittersweet day in the land of Universal Studios. With the confirmation of a Pokemon themed expansion being added to the Super Nintendo World area we also got news that the classic Shrek 4-D attraction, which opened in 2003, will be closing permanently at Universal Studios Orlando.Â
Next to rides like Muppet*Vision 3D or Spongebob Squarepants 4D, Shrek 4-D is considered one of the classic 4-D experiences. Guests would enter a theater wearing 3D glasses. As the film begins the chairs that each guest would sit in would move around, shake or even squirt water on you, making you feel like you are in the adventure with the characters. 
Shrek 4-D opened in 2003. After the praise the first film received, this ride is set between the first film and the then upcoming 2004 sequel Shrek 2. You follow Shrek, Fiona and Donkey on their honeymoon as they are being persuade by the Ghost of Lord Farquaad. You run across various dangers from Farquaad’s Ghost, to a Stone Dragon and even a huge waterfall, all while trying to stay alive. In 2013 the short film was released as Shrek The Ghost of Lord Farquaad so that the film could be experienced at home, except without the 4-D effects.
The ride is one of Universal’s landmark rides next to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, as well as Hogwarts Castle. It was also used in various advertisements over the years.
In 2017 the Shrek 4-D ride was replaced with the Dreamworks Theater where there would seemingly be a rotating theme around various Dreamworks franchises like Trolls, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek. As of right now the Kung Fu Panda themed experience is playing at Universal Studios Hollywood called Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.
It is currently unknown if this will also be replacing Shrek 4-D at Orlando.
Since Shrek and Donkey are part of the lineup perhaps the Ghost of Lord Farquaad experience might not be lost forever, but is instead part of a rotating set of shorts. Only time will tell.
Did you ever ride Shrek 4-D? What were some of your favorite memories?Â
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