Jack Black and Jackie Chan have come to Universal Studios Hollywood. Sorta.
Did you know there's a Kung Fu Panda ride at Universal Studios Hollywood? I mention it because many people don’t seem to know about it. I still remember visiting the DreamWorks Theater and enjoying Shrek 4D, but that lovable green ogre is now old news. The cozy, martial arts panda voiced by Jack Black has taken center stage in a fun and safe movie perfect for families… or if you're just looking to enjoy some air conditioning.
What we like about Kung Fu Panda Adventure
This is a great theater for families, especially young children. It’s colorful and fun, with nothing too scary for the little ones. The queue is also a big plus, featuring a pre-show that lasts about 3 minutes and includes several DreamWorks characters, such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and that zebra from Madagascar whose name I can’t quite remember. Sorry. All the characters are beautifully animated on digital screens, and there are some props and practical effects that definitely make the experience more interesting.
One thing that a lot of people don’t know about this one is that the movie is actually in 2D. Some people might not like it, since some 3D effects can be fun, especially for the little ones, but lately I think I’ve been preferring 2D movies more. One of the reasons for that is that the screen looks way better, with better colors and textures, and that’s extra important in an animation like Kung Fu Panda.
The movie itself is fun, and kids will definitely enjoy it. You follow Po in a first-person view, with your seat moving slightly depending on what's happening on screen. You won’t move forward, just a little side to side, similar to Star Tours at Hollywood Studios. However, the chairs here are more modern and offer a greater range of motion. In addition to that, there are a few practical effects, like water splashing around, but nothing that will soak you.
The theater itself is probably the best part of this ride. The screen is huge, and definitely bigger and more impressive than the one used for Shrek 4D. In later sections of the movie, the screen expands even further, with set pieces taking place across a vast area that reminds me of the old Terminator 3D theater. I guess that’s possible because the animation is in 2D. Another win for 2D, guys!
What we don’t like about Kung Fu Panda Adventure
The main drawback of this ride is that it plays it a bit too safe. If you’ve been to classic 3D theaters like It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom, Star Tours, or Mickey's PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom, you’ll know what to expect here. The main difference is that this one is in 2D and features a larger screen, but there aren’t any mind-blowing practical effects to set Kung Fu Panda Adventure apart from other rides of this type.
Still, this is a fun option for those with young children. The movie is very colorful, full of action, and the pre-show is also entertaining. While there are definitely better choices for adults, you can't go wrong if you decide to learn a bit about kung fu by coming here during your next vacation in California.
Kung Fu Panda Adventure FAQ
Is Kung Fu Panda Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood in 3D?
No, Kung Fu Panda Adventure is in 2D, so you don’t need 3D glasses.
What’s the runtime for the Kung Fu Panda Adventure movie at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Kung Fu Panda Adventure runs for about five minutes, not including the pre-show.
Is Kung Fu Panda Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood scary?
No. The movie has a lot of action scenes, but nothing that’s particularly scary.
Does your vehicle move in Kung Fu Panda Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Your vehicle twitches a bit side to side and back and forth, but it remains in the same spot, never moving forward.
