The Universal Orlando Resort is an amusement park resort located in Orlando, Florida. It features two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, built on 107 acres (43 ha) and 101 acres (41 ha) of land, respectively.[1][2] Both parks feature several attractions and shows based on movies produced by Universal Pictures.
After several delays during construction, Universal Studios Florida opened to the public on June 7, 1990; however, several of the park's major attractions experienced frequent mechanical and technical problems, forcing the rides to close. Eventually, Universal filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Jaws, an attraction that was based on the film.[3][4][5] Despite being costly to maintain, Jaws remained a popular attraction until its closure in 2012.
Three years later, Universal announced the construction of a second theme park, Islands of Adventure, that officially opened on May 28, 1999.[6][7]
One of the most popular additions to the resort is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an incorporation of the Harry Potter franchise.[8][9] Opened in 2010, part of the Lost Continent area of the Islands of Adventure park was re-themed to Hogsmeade. Also, a replica of Hogwarts was constructed, with a dark ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located inside.[10][11][12] In 2014, an area themed after Diagon Alley opened in the former location of Jaws within Universal Studios Florida.[11] This addition included Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as well the Hogwarts Express based on the Hogwarts Express that allows guests to travel between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley without actually having to exit either park.[12][13]
In 2015, Universal permanently installed metal detectors at three of their roller coasters. These were Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the defunct Dragon Challenge and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.[14] The metal detectors would also be added to VelociCoaster in 2021.[15]
On January 15, 2023, the majority of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, which included Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster and Fievel's Waterslide, the play areas Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel's Playland, and the Shrek-themed meet-and-greet style attraction which was opened the year before after the closure of Shrek 4-D, was permanently closed to make room for an area to be themed to DreamWorks Animation.[16]
Attractions
editRoller coasters
edit
| Name | Year | Manufacturer | Park | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curse of the Werewolf | 2025 | Mack Rides | Universal Epic Universe | Dark Universe | A spinning roller coaster based on the 1941 Wolf Man movie. |
| Flight of the Hippogriff Formerly Flying Unicorn (2000–2008) |
2000 | Vekoma | Universal Islands of Adventure | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade | Vekoma Junior Coaster based on Harry Potter film series |
| Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure | 2019 | Intamin | Universal Islands of Adventure | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade | Motorbike roller coaster based on the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter film series |
| Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts | 2014 | Intamin | Universal Studios Florida | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley | An indoor roller coaster featuring motion-based 4D effects |
| Hiccup's Wing Gliders | 2025 | Intamin | Universal Epic Universe | How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk | A family launched roller coaster themed to dragon training based on the How To Train Your Dragon film franchise |
| Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit | 2009 | Maurer Söhne | Universal Studios Florida | Production Central | X-Car model that features on-ride music and video |
| Mine Cart Madness | 2025 | Unknown | Universal Epic Universe | Super Nintendo World - Donkey Kong Country | A “Boom Coaster” based on the Donkey Kong video games. |
| Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride | 2004 | Premier Rides | Universal Studios Florida | New York | An indoor launched roller coaster based on The Mummy film |
| Stardust Racers | 2025 | Mack Rides | Universal Epic Universe | Celestial Park | A duelling roller coaster themed to comets with onboard sound and LEDs |
| The Incredible Hulk Coaster | 1999 | Bolliger & Mabillard | Universal Islands of Adventure | Marvel Super Hero Island | Launched roller coaster based on fictional superhero Hulk |
| Trolls' Trollercoaster Formerly Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (1999–2023) |
1999 | Vekoma | Universal Studios Florida | DreamWorks Land | Vekoma Junior Coaster based on Trolls |
| VelociCoaster | 2021 | Intamin | Universal Islands of Adventure | Jurassic Park | Launched roller coaster based on the Velociraptor from the Jurassic World films, being the first ride at the resort to be based on the reboot of Jurassic Park. |
Motion simulators
edit.jpg){kind=link}
| Name | Year | Park | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | 2012 | Universal Studios Florida | Minion Land on Illumination Ave | Motion simulator dark ride based on the Despicable Me film franchise |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 2010 | Universal Islands of Adventure | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade | Motion simulator dark ride based on Harry Potter film series
Features real sets and screens |
| Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | Super Nintendo World - Super Mario Land | Interactive Motion simulator dark ride with 4D effects based on the Mario Kart video games |
| Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | Dark Universe | Motion simulator dark ride where riders encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s sinister experiments. |
| Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon | 2017 | Universal Studios Florida | New York | Motion simulator dark ride based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon |
| The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Marvel Super Hero Island | Motion simulator dark ride based on Spider-Man
Features real sets and screens |
| The Simpsons Ride | 2008 | Universal Studios Florida | World Expo/Springfield | Motion simulator dark ride based on The Simpsons |
| Transformers: The Ride 3D | 2013 | Universal Studios Florida | Production Central | Motion simulator dark ride based on the Transformers film franchise
Features real sets and screens |
Other rides
edit
| Name | Year | Park | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caro–Seuss–el | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Carousel based on fictitious animals found in works by Dr. Seuss |
| Constellation Carousel | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | Celestial Park | Carousel ride themed with star signs and constellations |
| Doctor Doom's Fearfall | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Marvel Super Hero Island | Space Shot based on Doctor Doom |
| Dragon Racer’s Rally | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk | Dueling Gerstlauer Sky Fly rides based on How to Train Your Dragon |
| Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Toon Lagoon | Log flume based on Dudley Do-Right |
| E.T. Adventure | 1990 | Universal Studios Florida | Hollywood | Dark ride based on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial |
| Fast & Furious: Supercharged | 2018 | Universal Studios Florida | San Francisco | Dark ride based on Fast & Furious film franchise |
| Fyre Drill | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk | An interactive boat ride based on How to Train Your Dragon |
| Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic | An omnidirectional lift ride based on the Harry Potter film series |
| Hogwarts Express | 2014 | Universal Studios Florida Universal Islands of Adventure |
Hogsmeade and London/Diagon Alley | Train ride based on Harry Potter that allows two-way access to and from Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for visitors whose park pass allow usage |
| Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast | 2023 | Universal Studios Florida | Minion Land on Illumination Ave | Shooting dark ride based on Villain-Con from Minions. The attraction features a moving pathway as its way of moving guests along the showroom. |
| Jurassic Park River Adventure | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Jurassic Park | Shoot the Chute water ride based on Jurassic Park |
| Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl | 2013 | Universal Studios Florida | World Expo | Aerial carousel based on the Treehouse of Horror series from The Simpsons |
| Men in Black: Alien Attack | 2000 | Universal Studios Florida | World Expo | Interactive shooting dark ride based on Men in Black |
| One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Aerial carousel water ride based on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss |
| Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Toon Lagoon | River rapids ride themed to Popeye |
| Skull Island: Reign of Kong | 2016 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Skull Island | 4D Kong-themed dark ride with trackless vehicles and animatronics |
| Storm Force Accelatron | 2000 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Marvel Super Hero Island | Teacups-style ride based on Marvel fictional superhero Storm |
| The Cat In The Hat | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Dark ride based on The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss |
| The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride | 1999 | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Powered train ride based on The Sneetches and Other Stories and various other works by Dr. Seuss |
| Yoshi’s Adventure | 2025 | Universal Epic Universe | Super Nintendo World - Super Mario Land | Omnimover ride based on Yoshi |
Live shows and play areas
edit| Name | Park | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Actors on Location | Universal Studios Florida | Hollywood | Live show |
| The Bourne Stuntacular | Universal Studios Florida | Hollywood | Live show based on Bourne films |
| Camp Jurassic | Universal Islands of Adventure | Jurassic Park | Play area based on Jurassic Park |
| DreamWorks Imagination Celebration | Universal Studios Florida | DreamWorks Land | Live show based on DreamWorks Animation |
| Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular | Universal Islands of Adventure | Back lot behind Seuss Landing | Seasonal live-action theater show based on the franchise How the Grinch Stole Christmas |
| If I Ran The Zoo | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Play Area based on Dr. Seuss |
| Le Cirque Arcanus | Universal Epic Universe | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic | Live show with mystical creatures |
| Me Ship, The Olive | Universal Islands of Adventure | Toon Lagoon | Play Area based on Popeye |
| Oh! The Stories You'll Hear! | Universal Islands of Adventure | Seuss Landing | Live show based on Dr. Seuss |
| Po Live! | Universal Studios Florida | DreamWorks Land | Live show based on Kung Fu Panda |
| Poppy's Playground | Universal Studios Florida | DreamWorks Land | Play Area based on Trolls |
| The Blues Brothers Show | Universal Studios Florida | New York | Live show based on The Blues Brothers |
| Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres | Universal Studios Florida | DreamWorks Land | Play Area based on Shrek |
| The Untrainable Dragon | Universal Epic Universe | How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk | A live stage show based on How To Train Your Dragon |
| Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show | Universal Studios Florida | Hollywood | Live show based on Universal Monsters |
Additional experiences
edit- Universal's Great Movie Escape is an escape room attraction nearby Universal's Orlando theme parks, in Universal CityWalk Orlando
- NBC Media Center is a seasonal survey attraction that allows guests to preview upcoming NBCUniversal films and shows, and is located within Universal Studio Florida's Hollywood area in a "Garden of Allah Villas"-themed section.
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Universal Studios Florida Fact Sheet" (PDF). Universal Orlando Resort. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ "Universal's Islands of Adventure Fact Sheet" (PDF). Universal Orlando Resort. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ Oliver, Mike (June 8, 1990). "Universal: Stardust And Static". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ "Travel Advisory". The New York Times. September 30, 1990. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ Strother, Susan (January 31, 1990). "Universal Delays Park Opening Date Pushed To June". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ "Company News; Universal to Expand Park in Florida". The New York Times. September 16, 1993. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ "Islands Park to Debut May 28". Lakeland Ledger. May 12, 1999. p. 25. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ Pedicini, Sandra (October 23, 2014). "Harry Potter sends Comcast's theme park revenue soaring". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Bilbao, Richard (June 18, 2014). "Harry Potter Hogsmeade's spell still strong after four years". Orlando Business Journal. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Albright, Mark (June 1, 2007). "A whole new magic kingdom". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
- ^ a b Lambert, Marjie (October 20, 2014). "3 Disney attractions close to make way for next wave". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ a b Bevil, Dewayne (July 31, 2014). "Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley: Sizing up 2 Potter 'worlds'". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ Neumaier, Joe (October 28, 2014). "'Harry Potter' still casting spells – with new theme park, London hotel, short story coming up". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ "Metal detectors become permanent at 3 Universal rides". April 22, 2015.
- ^ "One-word review for Universal's new VelociCoaster: Relentless". May 2, 2021.
- ^ "Universal Studios: DreamWorks land coming next year". Orlando Sentinel. July 20, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.