Shrek & SpongeBob Ride Vehicles Ready for Installation at Universal Kids Resort

Ride vehicles for two Universal Kids Resort attractions have returned to the staging yard. But unlike earlier appearances by Shrek convoy cars and SpongeBob barrels, this time Universal isn’t keeping anything under wraps. The plastic is gone. Could ride testing be far behind?

Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After

Last August, we caught our first glimpse of a Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After vehicle before it was quickly removed. One finally reappeared last month, suggesting others might not be far behind. Today, the rest arrived.

While each car features the wood paneling and onion carriage hood ornaments we expected, they’re not identical to the one we photographed previously. That vehicle — number 13 — appears to be an accessible unit, with a cutout and keyhole in the front row to assist with mobility transfers. A majority of the cars uncovered today don’t include that feature.

The eagle-eyed Aahs n Oohs caught that detail before I even finished editing today’s photos.

Zamperla takes accessibility seriously. We’ve seen that in Frisco and again on the floor at November’s IAAPA Expo, where the company showcased Wingz. Their updated take on a traditional swing ride includes wheelchair platforms, allowing more guests to ride without needing to transfer. Visit Zamperla’s website to learn more about their accessibility initiatives.

Bobbing Barrels

Parked in front of the Shrek-mobiles were several SpongeBob’s Bobbing Barrels. Those were among the first ride vehicles we photographed back in March 2025, providing the earliest hint at how Universal planned to theme its family rides.

The Watermania barrels recently returned to the yard, but remained under wraps. Yesterday, one emerged. Today, the entire fleet is on display.

We don’t expect any of these vehicles to linger in the future Team Member parking lot. If recent history is a guide, they’ll soon be installed in Shrek’s Swamp and Bikini Bottom, respectively. Last week, Minions-themed golf carts appeared briefly before moving on to the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby.

Eventually, these attractions will spool up for ride testing, bringing Universal Kids Resort one step closer to welcoming guests later this spring or summer.

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