View source for Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest''}}
{{Parent Information|The Emperor's Quest}}
{{Real World}}
{{Infobox
| Box title   = Kung Fu Panda:<br />The Emperor's Quest
| image       = <gallery>
Emperor's Quest 04.JPG|Exterior
Emperor's Quest 03.JPG|Interior
</gallery>
| caption     = Attraction front entrance and theatre
| Row 1 title = Directed by
| Row 1 info  = Steve Hickner<br />Gary Trousdale<ref name="top40">{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=136071|website=Top40-Charts.com|title='TAG' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Available June 15th|date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref>
| Row 2 title = Produced by
| Row 2 info  = Karen Foster<br />Friend Wells<ref name="top40"/>
| Row 3 title = Music by
| Row 3 info  = Germaine Franco<ref name="prn"/><ref name="top40"/>
| Row 4 title = Voices of
| Row 4 info  = {{WP|Mick Wingert}}<ref name="mick"/><br />Others uncredited
| Row 5 title = Production company(s)
| Row 5 info  = {{WP|DreamWorks Animation}}<br />{{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood|Universal Creative}}
| Row 6 title = Location
| Row 6 info  = {{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood}}
| Row 7 title = Running time
| Row 7 info  = {{hovertext|~|Approximately}}10 minutes
| Row 8 title = Opening date(s)
| Row 8 info  = May 29, 2018 (soft opening)<ref name="socal"/><br />June 14, 2018 (opening ceremony)<br />June 15, 2018 (public opening)
}}
'''''Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest''''' (or simply '''''The Emperor's Quest''''') is a 4D {{WP|motion simulator}} attraction in the {{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood}} theme park. It is featured in the newly refurbished '''DreamWorks Theatre''', a re-design of the previous {{WP|Shrek 4-D}} attraction that will showcase all characters from {{WP|DreamWorks Animation}}'s various works, starting with those from the [[Kung Fu Panda (franchise)|''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-tr-dreamworks-universal-studios-hollywood-kung-fu-panda-20170605-story.html|website=''Los Angeles Times''|title=So long Shrek, hello Kung Fu Panda. Universal Studios to turn 4-D theater into DreamWorks showcase|author=Brady MacDonald|date=June 5, 2017|access-date=June 5, 2017}}</ref>

The attraction opened to the public on June 15, 2018.<ref name="nbcu">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcumv.com/news/universal-studios-hollywood-announces-its-all-new-dreamworks-theatre-featuring-%E2%80%9Ckung-fu-panda?network=33127|website=NBCUniversal Media Village|title=Universal Studios Hollywood Announces ... 'Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest' Officially Opens on June 15|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref>

==Description==
===Story===
'''Synopsis from NBC Universal:'''
<blockquote>"Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest" recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The [[Emperor]]'s [[Great Feast of Heroes]], [[Dragon Warrior (legend)|dragon warrior]] [[Po]] embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious [[Liquid of Limitless Power]] to the [[Emperor's Palace|Palace]], while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure filled with raging rapids, [[Kang's wolves|river pirates]], awesome magic and [[Kung Fu]].<ref name="prn">{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-studios-hollywood-debuts-the-all-new-dreamworks-theatre-with-the-technologically-advanced-immersive-attraction-kung-fu-panda-the-emperors-quest-in-summer-2018-300596018.html|website=PRNewswire.com|title=Universal Studios Hollywood Debuts the All-New DreamWorks Theatre With the Technologically-Advanced, Immersive Attraction 'Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest' in Summer 2018|author=Universal Studios Hollywood|date=February 8, 2018|access-date=March 16, 2018}}</ref><ref name="nbcu"/></blockquote>

'''Plot description from ''USA Today'':'''
<blockquote>... Po goes on a new quest — with his adopted duck father [[Mr. Ping]] and the red panda Master [[Shifu]] — to bring the Liquid of Ultimate Power to the Palace for the Emperor.

The mission is hijacked by the villainous [[Kang]] Wolf who wields the stolen [[Ming Hammer]], a relic so powerful that it knocks foes into the [[Spirit Realm|spirit world]].

Po and his sidekicks battle Kang in this ethereal world, along raging rivers and into the Emperor's Palace.<ref name="usa">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2018/05/25/first-look-universal-studios-kicks-open-kung-fu-panda-attraction/641791002/|website=''USA Today''|title=First look: Po kicks again at Universal Studios with 'Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest'|author=Bryan Alexander|date=May 25, 2018|access-date=May 26, 2018}}</ref></blockquote>

===Technical===
[[File:EQ-soft2.jpg|thumb|Main theatre; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001605740329558019 @SoCal360] via Twitter]]
The attraction features "cutting-edge technology" in its design, introducing "the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure." This integration technique is said to depict "a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within the interior space and enhance the story."

The main ride theatre uses seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors behind a 62-foot screen,<ref name="usa"/> as well as 360-degree surround sound audio used to enhance the ride experience with elements like water and wind. It also contains 241<ref name="usa"/> "ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action."<ref name="prn"/>

===Queue area===
[[File:EQ-soft7.jpg|thumb|left|Ticket booth featuring Pinocchio]]
The attraction is featured inside the newly constructed DreamWorks Theatre building, with its design "inspired by Mission revival architecture [harkening] back to the Golden Age of Hollywood's Art Deco period of the 1920s." The ticket booth reflects this by being designed as a "box office ticket seller booth" and staffed by "a three-dimensional Pinocchio character asleep on the job."

[[File:EQ-soft8.jpg|thumb|Outdoor queue]]
An outdoor garden awaits past the ticket booth, leading guests into the main theatre queue with thirty-six framed {{WP|DreamWorks Animation}} film posters. In the lobby, twenty statues of various DreamWorks accolades is on display; of these include {{WP|Emmy Award|Emmys}}, {{WP|Annie Award|Annies}}, {{WP|Golden Globe Award|Golden Globes}}, {{WP|Critics' Choice (Brit Award)|Critic's Choices}}, {{WP|People's Choice Awards|People's Choices}}, and {{WP|National Board of Review|National Board of Reviews}}. The lobby also features original sculpted maquettes of the attraction's [[Kung Fu Panda (franchise)|Kung Fu Panda]] characters, as well as magical artifacts obtained by [[Po]] from the [[Spirit Realm]].

[[File:EQ-soft1.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-show area; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001605740329558019 @SoCal360] via Twitter]]
Prior to the main ride, guests enter a "pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction's narrative." They then move to the main ride theatre.<ref name="prn"/>

==Summary==
{{revise}}
===Pre-show===
The pre-show area of the theatre presents a variety of iconic Dreamworks characters. The panda named Po, in particular, is informed by Master Shifu to deliver Mr. Ping’s bottle of ultimate power to the Emperor. Little did they know, Kang, the leader of a group of wolf pirates, steals the Ming Hammer and plans to get the bottle. The pre-show then ends with the front gates opening for guests to enter the theater.

===Main show===
The show begins with Po, Shifu, and Mr. Ping boarding a river boat. The trio travel throughout China on water, while crashing into some construction on the way. Water is also splashed onto guests during the process. After falling down a waterfall, Po, Shifu, and Mr. Ping enter the Dreaded Cave territory. While they are supposed to be quiet, Mr. Ping kept blurting out questions loudly and alerting the wolf pirates of their location. They stumble upon Kang with the Ming Hammer and his hideout. A battle ensues with Po trying to keep the bottle of ultimate power away from Kang. The group soon breaks free and escapes to the Emperor’s palace, but Kang reappears once again and uses the Ming Hammer to send Po and his friends into the Spirit Realm. Po and Shifu fend off Kang and his wolves while Mr. Ping protected the bottle. Kang manages to steal the bottle and gives Po the choice of either saving the bottle or his father from an incoming boulder. Po ultimately chooses the latter and uses the power of Chi to send them all back to the Mortal Realm. The Emperor thanks Po and Mr. Ping reveals that the bottle is only containing hot sauce. As the curtains close, Po bids goodbye to the guests and sends the Ming Hammer flying around the theater and into a wall. Guests then leave the building.{{clrl}}

==Voice cast==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* {{WP|Mick Wingert}} as [[Po]]<ref name="mick">{{Cite tweet|MickWingert|status/1001890385273147392|[[Wikipedia:Mick Wingert|Mick Wingert]]|quote=Reviews are starting to roll in, the New #KungFuPanda attraction (featuring Yours Truly) at Universal Studios, Hollywood is a major hit and visually stunning!!}}</ref>
* Fred Tatasciore{{cite}} as [[Shifu]]
* James Hong{{cite}} as [[Mr. Ping]]
* ''Unknown'' as [[Kang]]
* ''Unknown'' as the [[Emperor]] (main show only)
* ''Unknown'' as Bunny children (main show only)
* Michael Gough{{cite}} as {{WC|Shrek|Shrek}} (pre-show only)
{{col-2}} 
* Dean Edwards{{cite}} as {{WC|Shrek|Donkey}} (pre-show only)
* Phil LaMarr{{cite}} as {{WC|Madagascar|Marty}} (pre-show only)
* Tom McGrath{{cite}} as {{WC|Madagascar|Skipper}} (pre-show only)
* Conrad Vernon{{cite}} as {{WC|Madagascar|Rico}} / {{WC|Shrek|Gingerbread Man|Gingy}} (both pre-show only)
* Anna Kendrick{{cite}} as {{WC|Trolls|Princess Poppy|Poppy}} (pre-show only)
* Chris Miller{{cite}} as the {{WC|Shrek|Magic Mirror}} (pre-show only)
{{col-end}}

==Production==
===Announcements===
On June 5, 2017, {{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood|Universal Studios}} made the first announcement of renovating the DreamWorks Theatre into a [[Kung Fu Panda (franchise)|Kung Fu Panda]]-themed attraction, replacing the previous {{WP|Shrek 4-D}} ride with a "brand-new multisensory attraction" featuring [[Po]] and various franchise characters on an "adventure of awesomeness". The announcement also included the ride's planned release period of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/just-announced-new-attractions-coming-soon/|website=Universal Studios Hollywood|title=Just Announced – New Attractions Coming Soon|date=June 5, 2017|access-date=June 5, 2017}}</ref>

In March 2018, Universal narrowed the attraction's release date to summer 2018, providing additional details on the ride's technical aspects.<ref name="prn"/> Then in April, they announced its slated opening date of June 15, 2018.<ref name="nbcu"/>

===Development===
The attraction was created by {{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood|Universal Creative}} in collaboration with {{WP|DreamWorks Animation}}; the story and animation are presumably done by DreamWorks, while Universal handled the ride's detailed technical aspects. In one visit, a sound technician from Universal Creative "repeatedly played a scene featuring a flaming arrow shot seemingly over the audience's head, making sure the thumping impact sounds had just the right quiver."<ref name="usa"/>

==Release==
On May 29, 2018, the attraction had a soft opening, in which only a handful of invited people sampled the ride.<ref name="socal">{{Cite tweet|SoCal360|status/1001605740329558019|Attractions 360°|quote=The New Kungfu Panda attraction @UniStudios Hollywood is fantastic & visually stunning! ...}}</ref>

The attraction had its dedication and opening ceremony on June 14, 2018, and then officially opened to the public on June 15, 2018.<ref name="nbcu"/>

==Reception==
{{stub-sec}}
The guest reception of the attraction's soft opening was very positive.<ref name="socal"/>

==Trivia==
* The attraction uses the same footage from ''Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness'' in Hollywood-inspired theme park {{WP|Motiongate Dubai}} located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.<ref>[https://www.motiongatedubai.com/en/rides/motiongate-dubai/dreamworks/kung-fu-panda-unstoppable-awesomeness Official Motiongate Dubai website - "Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness"]</ref> The Hollywood version features the following additional/alternative scenes and adjustments:
** The Dubai version features [[Po]] and [[Shifu]] escorting the [[Emperor (The Emperor's Quest)|Emperor]]'s mother in delivering a package to her son. The Hollywood version replaces the Emperor's mother [[Madame Yi]] with [[Mr. Ping]], and the box with a bottle instead.
** [[Kang]] steals the [[Ming Hammer]] and uses it throughout the Hollywood attraction, while Dubai does not.
** The Dubai version features additional boat riding scenes, but most of it was cut in the Hollywood version.
** The Dubai version ends with Po losing the Emperor's delivery while Kang gets his hands on the items inside: fireworks for the Emperor's birthday party, before ending the attraction. The Hollywood version in comparison adds an additional ending scene with Kang uses the Ming Hammer to send Po and his friends into the [[Spirit Realm]], then ending with a defeated Kang and the bottle revealed to contain hot sauce.

==Gallery==
===Promos===
<gallery>
Universal_KFP_Poster.jpg|Announcement promo poster
DreamWork's Theater.jpg|Early website promo
KFPEQ-web-promo.jpg|Revised web promo
Emperor-quest-poster.jpg|Show poster
</gallery>

<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Images from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

===Development===
<gallery>
KFPEQ-dev1.jpg|Development display; taken by [https://twitter.com/Hubert_Wong2/status/995481024044847105 @Hubert_Wong2] via Twitter
KFPEQ-dev2.jpg|Development display; taken by [https://twitter.com/Hubert_Wong2/status/995481024044847105 @Hubert_Wong2] via Twitter
KFPEQ-dev3.jpg|Development display; taken by [https://twitter.com/Hubert_Wong2/status/995481024044847105 @Hubert_Wong2] via Twitter
</gallery>

<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Images from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

===Theatre previews===
<gallery>
EQ-soft12.jpg|Entrance archway
EQ-soft13.jpg|Entry logo
EQ-soft9.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018
EQ-soft11.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018
EQ-soft3.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001599437918035968 @SoCal360] via Twitter
EQ-soft4.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001599437918035968 @SoCal360] via Twitter
EQ-soft5.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001599437918035968 @SoCal360] via Twitter
EQ-soft6.jpg|Soft opening on May 29, 2018; taken by [https://twitter.com/SoCal360/status/1001605740329558019 @SoCal360] via Twitter
</gallery>
<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Images from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

===Show previews===
<gallery>
Emperor's Quest 01.jpg
Emperor's Quest 02.jpg
Emperor's Quest 05.jpg
Emperor's Quest 06.jpg
Emperor's Quest 08.jpg
Emperor's Quest 09.jpg
Emperor's Quest 07.jpg
Emperor's Quest 10.jpg
</gallery>

<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Images from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

===Concepts===
<gallery>
DWT_concept2.jpg|Main entrance
KFPEQ-concept.jpg|Show interior
DWT_concept1.jpg|Show interior (early)
DWT_concept3.jpg|Attraction courtyard
DWT_concept4.jpg|Attraction queue
DWT_concept5.jpg|Attraction interior
</gallery>

<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Images from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

===Videos===
<gallery position="center">
DreamWorks Theatre Promo|Video announcement
Emperor's Quest Opening Ceremony|Full opening ceremony on June 14, 2018
DreamWorks Theatre - Kung Fu Panda The Emperor's Quest|Full queue, pre-show and ride
</gallery>

<div class="gallery-button">[[:Category:Videos from DreamWorks Theatre|<span class="button">View more...</span>]]</div>

==Quotes==
{{Quote
|quote= Join Master [[Po]] and the [[Furious Five]] in an All-New Multisensory Attraction
|speaker= Early tagline
}}

<div class="gallery-button">[[{{PAGENAME}}/Quotes|<span class="button">Read more...</span>]]</div>

==See also==
* [[{{PAGENAME}}/Transcript|Show transcript]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/dreamworks-theatre Official webpage] on the {{WP|Universal Studios Hollywood}} website

==Site navigation==
{{KFPmedia}}
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Non-canon]]