I’ve heard some things about Universal Orlando’s Kid Zone, Springfield, and Toon Lagoon areas of their Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.

Let’s start with what I first learned which was about Toon Lagoon. There is information that the Betty Boop store will soon be closing for the anticipated UOAP Lounge conversion. There is also word that there will eventually be meet and greets in Toon Extra. You can read about those updates that I posted on March 17.

Most of Kid Zone closed closed on January 15, 2023. Universal closed and started dismantling the area without an announcement of what was to come. I’ve since heard rumors about the majority of what the replacements will be.

The area that was formerly a Fievel themed play area with water elements is becoming a Shrek swamp water play area. This makes total sense. I really loved the old area with it’s mouse-sized theming and most excellent water slide. I’m hoping the rumor is true and that the swamp will be just as much fun to play in.

I hear that Woody’s Nuthouse Coaster will be re-themed to Trolls. You can see the track beyond the walls, so I’ll keep checking to see if it gets a bright new paint scheme that can add evidence to this rumor. I happen to love the Trolls and I’m pretty excited about this. We can also be on the lookout for a merchandise cart called “Trolls & Trinkets” or “Trolls Trinkets.”

The super fun and beloved Curious George area is supposedly turning into Kung Fu Panda. I haven’t heard what sort of attraction would be coming, but I do hear that a quick service restaurant is in the works.

I haven’t heard anything about the space formerly occupied by Barney. Dreamworks has a pretty amazing catalog of animated movies that Universal could pull from to add something cool. I’d love to see something Chicken Run, Home, Madagascar, The Croods, or even Rise of the Guardians go there.

When Disney bought Fox, they became the new owners of The Simpsons. This immediately sent out rumors of Universal parks losing their Springfield lands. This next rumor is probably going to make a few of you pee your pants a little with excitement. I have heard that Universal is working on a new version of Back to the Future to go into it’s old space that currently holds The Simpsons Ride. If you’ve been around a while, you remember the old Back to the Future ride and the huge amount of sadness that occurred when it closed to become The Simpsons Ride. I’ve heard this new version will be a coaster. While I like Springfield, I would welcome a new BTTF ride with open arms.

That’s all I’ve got for you at this time. Only time will tell if the rumors are true. What do you think about all this?

*This article contains affiliate links and/or advertising. This means that Theme Park MoJu may earn a small profit if you shop through the links. Please refer to the Policies & Disclaimers tab under Categories for more information.