Celebrating Chinese New Year with Kung Fu Panda at Shrek’s Adventure, London

February 16, 2018

 

This week we celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with Kung Fu Panda at Shrek’s Adventure in London. Exciting stuff and a perfect school holiday treat that the whole family can enjoy together.

 

Image courtesy of Shrek’s Adventure, London

 

 

Finding Shrek’s Adventure

We love hanging out along the South Bank in London. There’s always something happening and whatever the weather, you can find good food, entertainment and of course Shrek’s Adventure which is right by the London eye. It was a pretty rainy day so we headed straight for Shrek’s Adventure once we got off the bus at South Bank.

*Top tip: take the bus to South Bank if you can as there are so many London sights to take in on the way.

 

Shrek's Adventure

 

 

Tickets Please

As expected, Shrek’s Adventure was super busy even at 3pm on a week day. We got our tickets in advance (I recommend doing this) so we didn’t need to queue up twice and headed straight in. I noticed quite a few families had the Merlin Annual Passes. These are something that we are going to look into for this year, as they can offer good savings if you have a few trips planned over the year to the different attractions that it covers.

 

 

Off on an adventure

This was our first ever visit to Shrek’s Adventure so everything felt exciting and fresh to us. There was a long (ish) queue once inside to catch the lift up to the main area where the adventure starts. And whilst there was a wait, the queue was moving and there were lots of props and imagery to engage with along the way. The lift itself was brilliant and Little Button got really excited to see the gingerbread man pop up to give a little warm welcome.

 

Shrek's Adventure

Image courtesy of Shrek’s Adventure, London

 

 

Once out, the further on we went, the more magical the settings became and eventually it clicked (for me) that we were going to be part of the adventure itself!

 

Shrek's Adventure

Shrek's Adventure

Shrek's Adventure

 

Setting the scene

A very cleverly set up entrance to the gateway of Shrek’s adventure features a narrator who also divides the queue into bunches of about 30 ish people. As we moved through to meet Princess Fiona towards the beginning, there was a bit of a relief as the larger crowd fell away and left us in a small group. Little Button was stunned and completely gripped by Princess Fiona. She eagerly joined in with the sing-song and actions that Princes Fiona had us all doing, and couldn’t wait to get on the tour bus to Far Far Away!

 

Shrek's Adventure

 

 

Off To Far Far Away

All aboard the tour bus to Far Far Away. No, really… you actually do get on a tour bus driven by Donkey! Though this isn’t an ordinary tour bus, it’s a flying one (courtesy of some very clever 4D effects). The story plot really starts unfolding during the tour, and before you know it, you are actually in the adventure itself and on a mission to find Shrek. For us, this was one of the real highlights and completely unexpected.

 

 

Interactive, engaging and utterly mesmerising

The scenery plunges you into the magical world of Far Far Away and helping you on your journey are a whole bunch of familiar faces from the movie who fully interact with the audience and make this such an unusual and magical experience. As an audience group, you walk through to different areas, as prompted by the featured cast members, which are all themed memorable places and spots within the movies. The Poison Apple Pub was amazing and very VERY real!

 

Who would have thought… it was like a stage show which you somehow became very much a part of!

 

 

It did get a bit scary

As we ventured further and further into the unfolding story it did get a touch scary. Shrek’s Adventure does clearly state that this experience is best of older children of at least 6 years and over (and very brave younger children). I think this is spot on. After being so drawn into the interactive show, I could tell that Little Button (aged 5) was very much on edge as the journey got a bit darker. A scene with Pinocchio (which I thought was completely brilliant) became a bit too much for her and we ended up having to do the great escape, helped by an actor who stayed in character the whole time.

 

I wanted to add this bit in, because I thought that the actors handled this so well. She was made to feel safe and welcome in the backstage area. She got chatting to a couple of princesses who had all the smiles for her. And instead of focusing on her being frightened, they put her at ease and whisked her along to meet Shrek (which does happen for everyone at the end of the experience). I was very impressed!

 

 

Meeting Shrek and Kung Fu Panda’s Po

The taking of photos and use of any video footage is very limited as expected. However, there were some lovely opportunities to get photos and a hug with Shrek in the DreamWorks arrivals hall at the end of the tour.

 

Wow! If you’re yet to try @shreksadventure do it now! I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. A full out, interactive show where the audience becomes part of the adventure. A huge thumbs up from us. #happylittlebuttons #myfamilyadventures #letthembelittle #curiouslittleexplorers #rememberingthesedays #myhappycapture #littlefierceones #Ukparentbloggers #visitlondon #london #shreksadventure

A post shared by Annette, 3 Little Buttons (@3littlebuttonsblog) on


Poor Little Button was a bit teary for this photo, but meeting Shrek really cheered her up.

 

 

As a little bonus and just when you think the adventure is over, there’s an extra area immediately after the arrivals hall where you can explore scenes from Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. We were really excited to see it all decked out in beautiful Chinese lanterns ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year which looked stunning!

 

Shrek's Adventure

Shrek's Adventure

Shrek's Adventure

 

We also got to meet Po from Kung Fu Panda which was a lovely addition to have.

 

 

We Loved It

Despite leaving the adventure a bit early, we did have a fab time and would definitely recommend it for a family day out with children of an appropriate age. In fact, I’ve been checking out Shrek’s Adventure, London Lates (especially for over 18’s) for Mr Button and myself so I can get to do a full run…. Because that’s how much I loved it.

 

Shrek's Adventure

 

Have you been to Shrek’s Adventure, London? We would love to hear what you thought.

 

 

Disclosure: We received complementary tickets to Shrek’s Adventure, London. All views are my own.

41 responses to “Celebrating Chinese New Year with Kung Fu Panda at Shrek’s Adventure, London”

  1. Mrs Lighty says:

    Wow this looks fantastic! Will wait until Baby Lighty is the recommended age, having read this, but it will definitely be going on my list xxx

  2. I would love this! Shrek is one of our all time fave films and this looks like such an exciting and immersive experience! One for our wish list when we’re next near London I think! Dx

  3. This looks like a great trip! Pretty cool that an actor helped you leave when your little button was overwhelmed. #dreamteam

  4. This looks like an awesome day out. I’m jealous that I live on the other side of the world from it.

  5. Tash says:

    Oh my goodness. I am so jealous our kids would love this! My son looooove Kung Fu Panda & How to train your dragon and we love Shrek. #dreamteam

  6. This looks like so much fun – my daughter is too young to appreciate it, but actually I think my husband and I would really enjoy it. We’re basically big kids anyway, #dreamteam

  7. Wow this looks like a fantastic adventure trip to Far Far Away Land. My girls would’ve love it. Thanks for sharing.#Dreamteam

  8. We absolutely love it here too. We had Merlin passes last year and went a few times. Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did! #Dreamteam

  9. Chloe Wood says:

    Looks like you had a fantastic day – Shreks Adventure is on my bucket list! #DreamTeam

  10. Tubbs says:

    That does look really fun 🙂 I’ll see if Rev T and the Tubblet are up for it

  11. This looks amazing! it was only this weekend that Hubby put Kung Fu Panda on and Ben didn’t seem to mind it! Sod taking the kids – I think we’d love it! #dreamteam

  12. Looks amazing fun for kids, I love shriek! X #dreamteam

  13. Wow this looks like heaps of fun! The kids aren’t old enough to go yet but I actually think I’d enjoy this sans kids! #dreamteam

  14. We took the boys to Shrek’s Adventure last year. Unfortunately I think my two are too old for it because they were rather bored. By the time we were finished they were ready to leave and complaining about why these people were pretending to be characters from the movie. It was a shame because I thought they’d enjoy it but never mind. I definitely think it’s one for younger kids (under 8) so they can believe in the magic. 🙂
    #DreamTeam

  15. Megan says:

    This looks like such a fun day for kids! Trip to London in my future lol? #DreamTeam

  16. Perdita says:

    Mine has a couple of years before she’s old enough for the scary bits. She loves Sheep though so I hope to take her there eventually. #dreamteam

  17. We love walking down Southbank whenever we visit London and have often wondered about the Dreamworks tour. It looks fantastic inside and that Shrek is great! #DreamTeam

  18. Wow, this seemed like loads of fun!!! Must do sometime in the future x
    #DreamTeam

  19. This looks amazing! Sign us up

  20. Sarah says:

    Ah, sounds like a fab day, out even with your great escape! We have done the shriek adventures to Santa’s grotto in Westfield a few times and love it, so I’d imagine this is even better. Miss our adventures on the Southbank it’s a great part of the city. #DreamTeam

  21. Jen says:

    This sounds fantastic! I think my boys would love it. It’s great they were so good with your little one when she was scared. #dreamteam

  22. How fun does this look.!! And great photos too. Love it #dreamteam

  23. Chloe says:

    Oh we love Shrek in our hose and must try and make time to visit this. It loooks like a fab way to spend the afternoon #DreamTeam

  24. Lucy At Home says:

    This looks amazing! I’ve never heard of it before! Kung Fu Panda is one of our family’s favourite films. They haven’t really gotten into Shrek yet as I think the jokes are a bit over their heads at the moment. #dreamteam

  25. This looks great. My little girl has just started watching Shrek so would love this! #dreamteam

  26. Ross says:

    Looks really good! Still haven’t watched Kung Fo Panda though, which is mad considering we’re massive on animated films! #DreamTeam

  27. Kirsty Hall says:

    I was wondering about how accurate the age guide was so thanks for sharing your little ones experience. Totally on our list of things to do this summer.

  28. Kate says:

    You have introduced me to something I have never heard of before so thanks for that and glad you enjoyed #DreamTeam

  29. Excellent, excellent, excellent! Enough said.
    #DreamTeam

  30. Wow, this seems like a really special and fab place! #DreamTeam

  31. #DreamTeam
    What an amazing looking day out! I am embarrassed to admit that, despite living in London, I’ve never heard of Shrek’s Adventure. I’ll put it on my To Do When She’s A Bit Braver List!

  32. Nita says:

    We’ve walked pass this so many times, but still haven’t ventured in. My little boy hasn’t seen a single shrek movie, so I’m not sure he would understand what this is all about, but it looks like you guys had a lovely time! #DreamTeam

  33. This looks soon good! My son is only 3 and just got into Shrek. He also wants to go to London but now I’m thinking of waiting till he’s a bit older so we can take him here! #DreamTeam

  34. OMG! This looks like so much fun! And can I just say, how adorable your little is — and she is growing up! Did you have as much fun as she did? I hope so! #dreamteam xoxo

  35. Michelle says:

    That looks like an amazing place to take the kids for a day! My boys love Kung Fu Panda! A great place to go on a rainy day too:) #DreamTeam

  36. Laura Dove says:

    Ooh I am so jealous! That looks like the most fun! We love Kung Fu Panda here too, my kids would adore this! #dreamteam

  37. Alan Herbert says:

    This looks like a fantastic day out! When the teens were younger we had the various Shreks on repeat play for a year!!

    #dreamteam

  38. Helena says:

    Sorry to read that you cut your experience short but it’s wonderful to read that the cast did a marvelous job of cheering her up. #DreamTeam

  39. I love Shrek but haven’t watched it with the kids yet. I didn’t know this was part of the Merlin Pass (which we are also hoping to buy) #dreamteam

  40. Crummy Mummy says:

    What fun! This post has made me realise I’ve never shown Shrek to our older two! #DreamTeam

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