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Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida, United States. Owned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, it opened to the public on June 7, 1990, and features numerous rides, shows, and attractions that are primarily themed to movies, television, and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Universal Studios Florida was the first theme park to open at Universal Orlando Resort, joined later by Universal Islands of Adventure (1999), Universal Volcano Bay (2017), and Universal Epic Universe (2025).

The success of Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1980s, fueled by the popularity of Studio Tour attractions like King Kong Encounter, led to a desire to expand into the Orlando market to compete with Walt Disney World. The new park was designed to be both an amusement park and an active studio lot, incorporating some of the same behind-the-scenes elements popularized at the Hollywood location. As the interest to produce films in the Orlando area quickly faded, the studio backlot aspect was soon abandoned. Two of the early attractions at the theme park were developed in close collaboration with famed Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, and other attractions over the years followed suit, working closely with directors, producers, and actors of the films they are based on.

One of the biggest draws at the park is Diagon Alley, a Harry Potter-themed portion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that opened in 2014. Another notable attraction is E.T. Adventure, which is the oldest ride in the park and the last remaining remnant from the park's grand opening still in operation today. Universal Studios Florida also operates a well-known annual event during the fall season called Halloween Horror Nights, featuring haunted houses and scare zones on select nights. Over 9.5 million guests visited the park in 2024, ranking it as the thirteenth-most visited theme park in the world.[1]

History

In 1982, Universal contemplated the idea of opening an amusement park in Florida to compete with Disney. They considered building a similar version of their Studio Tour tram ride located at Universal Studios Hollywood, retaining the studio backlot tour theme to set it apart from what Disney was offering at Disney World. However, Universal abandoned the idea after attempts to partner with a skeptical Paramount Pictures failed to materialize. The Studio Tour in Los Angeles continued to thrive, especially with the addition of a new, massive scene based on the 1976 film King Kong. It opened in 1986 as King Kong Encounter and became an instant hit with guests, boosting attendance and prompting Universal to revisit the idea of building a theme park in Orlando.

That same year, former Disney Imagineer Peter Alexander, who worked on the life-size King Kong animatronic and later became an executive at Universal Creative, met with his friend and renowned director Steven Spielberg to discuss the creation of a Back to the Future simulator ride. Star Wars creator George Lucas, who recently helped Disney design the well-received Star Tours attraction at Disneyland, had previously boasted to Spielberg that Universal was incapable of building such a ride. Spielberg and Alexander gladly accepted the challenge and began working on the ride's concept.[2][3] Universal was already working on the design for its backlot tram tour attraction in Florida, which would include multiple scenes depicted at the Hollywood location.[4]

In 1987, Disney CEO Michael Eisner – previously the CEO at Paramount when Universal pitched their Florida park idea several years earlier – announced intentions to create their own studio backlot tour at Walt Disney World.[2][4] The new area, to be called Disney-MGM Studios, was a preemptive move to counter Universal's planned introduction into the Orlando market.[2][4] Universal claimed that Eisner took advantage of his prior access to their plans for Orlando, borrowing some of the concepts, but Disney denied Eisner ever saw them. They also noted that planning for Disney-MGM Studios began in 1981, long before Eisner was hired. The corporate war between the two had spilled over into the public relations sector, described as a "nasty feud" by the New York Times in 1989.[5]

Universal had publicly revealed their plans for Orlando ahead of Eisner's announcement, but Disney was in a better position to fast-track construction and open sooner.[4] This forced Universal to rethink their approach and abandon the tram tour concept design for the park.[4] Instead, they opted to build standalone attractions while retaining the overall studio backlot theme.[4] Their projected opening day lineup would include Kongfrontation, Jaws, and the Spielberg-Alexander collaborative project, Back to the Future: The Ride.

A large theme park with separate attractions was a new concept for Universal, and their creative team ran into multiple obstacles during development and testing.[3] Among the casualties from the early troubles was the Back to the Future ride, which had its opening delayed by nearly a year.[3]

Development

Many of the attractions over the years were developed in close collaboration with directors, producers, and actors from the films on which they were based. In many cases, actors reprised their roles, contributing new dialogue and footage to fill pre-show queues and action sequences within the attractions. Rip Torn and Will Smith collaborated and contributed to Men in Black: Alien Attack, a dark ride with mounted laser guns that guests use to shoot at various targets to score points. Revenge of the Mummy featured post-film footage of Brendan Fraser and Arnold Vosloo. Multiple members of The Simpsons cast collaborated on The Simpsons Ride. Other examples involve directors, such as Steven Spielberg's assistance on the development of several rides including E.T. Adventure, Back to the Future: The Ride, and Jaws.[6]

Production facilities

Universal Studios Florida was originally designed to function as both a theme park and working production studio. Several movies, television series, commercials, music videos, and other forms of media have been produced onsite throughout its history. Nickelodeon Studios was one of the early pillars behind the working studio concept, and it was featured in various locations throughout the park in the form of soundstages. Popular kids' shows such as Double Dare were produced on location, and guests could tour the facilities for a behind-the-scenes experience.

Film production also occurred onsite. Psycho IV: The Beginning was the first film to be produced at the Florida park location while it was open to the public,[7] and visitors during the park's first month of operation were able to get a glimpse of live production.[8] In 1991, John Landis was forced to move from Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios Florida to finish filming the comedy film Oscar, after a disgruntled employee set a fire that destroyed most of the set at the Hollywood location.[8]

For a brief time, Universal Studios Florida featured a backlot tour tram ride attraction, called the Production Studio Tour, with elements that were similar to the version at Universal Studios Hollywood.[7] Guests toured active production set facilities in use for film and television.[7] Disney heavily invested in the same working studio concept, but shortly after Universal Studios Florida opened, filming at the parks and even in the state was becoming less attractive.[7] Producers complained of the logistics, expenses, and limited available resources.[7] Consequently, Universal ended the Production Studio Tour only five years into the park's history in 1995, and Nickelodeon's TV production moved to California in 2005.[7] Smaller shows and commercials continued to be produced, but the backlot studio concept was becoming less of a draw for visitors.[7]

With each new attraction, Universal gradually moved away from the incorporation of the fourth wall convention, where cast and crew directly addressed guests. Instead of a behind-the-scenes filmmaking experience, the perspective shifted in the direction of putting guests in the middle of the action.[7] The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – with the completion of Hogsmeade in 2010 and Diagon Alley in 2014 – accelerated this transition and reflects the park's modern strategy and approach to the guest experience.[7]

Despite the evolution and growing emphasis being placed on the theme park aspect, some soundstages at Universal Studios Florida remained active. In 1999, Wheel of Fortune was relocated to the park for three days of filming, helping to promote the upcoming debut of Islands of Adventure.[9] Nickelodeon returned temporarily in 2008 for the shooting of My Family's Got Guts. The 2010–11 season of RTL Group's Family Feud was filmed on site, coinciding with the show's debut of new host Steve Harvey, but the show was relocated in 2011 to Atlanta, Georgia. The revival of Howie Mandel's Deal or No Deal in 2018 was filmed in Soundstage 21 for CNBC.[10] Local and national commercials were also shot at various soundstages.

Financing and ownership

Universal Studios Florida was built for an estimated $631 million, with 50% ownership in the hands of MCA Universal and 50% belonging to The Rank Organisation leisure company.[11] While owned by Seagram, MCA Universal would again partner with The Rank Group (corporate successor to The Rank Organisation) a decade later in a major $2.5 billion expansion that would transform the park into a resort. The expansion led to the creation of Universal Orlando Resort with the addition of Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and several hotels.[12] In 2000, The Rank Group sold its 50% stake to Blackstone Capital Partners for $275 million,[13] who in turn sold it to NBCUniversal in 2011 for $3.165 billion, giving the company 100% ownership of the resort.[14][15]

Branding

Slogans marketed by Universal Studios Florida over the years included: ''See the Stars. Ride the Movies. (1990–1998); No one makes believe like we do! (1990–1998); Ride the Movies (1998–2008); Jump into the Action (2008–2012); Experience The Movies (2012–2015) and Vacation Like You Mean It'' (2013–2019). The slogan was last changed in 2020 to "Let Yourself Woah" for the Universal Orlando Resort. It was eventually applied to all global tourist locations, including Universal Studios Hollywood.

Park timeline of events

Areas and attractions

Universal Studios Florida features eight themed areas all situated around a large lagoon.

The eight surrounding themed areas, clockwise from the entrance, are Minion Land on Illumination Ave, New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, DreamWorks Land, and Hollywood. Each area features a combination of rides, shows, attractions, character appearances, dining outlets, and merchandise stores.

Minion Land on Illumination Ave

Opened on August 11, 2023, this new area encompasses the existing Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and Super Silly Stuff store, as well as the new Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction, Minions' Cafe, Pop-a-Nana popcorn stand, Freeze Ray popsicle stand, Bake My Day sweets shop, and an Illumination Theater facade for character meet-and-greets.[54]

New York

The New York section of the park features several dining outlets: Finnegan's Bar and Grill and Louie's Italian Restaurant which were designed for the park as well as Starbucks Coffee and Häagen-Dazs which are commercial franchises. There are also two merchandise shops: Sahara Traders and Rosie's Irish Shop. The first two feature merchandise related to attractions within this area.[55][56] Also located here is a statue of longtime MCA/Universal executive Lew Wasserman, honoring his achievements and history while head of Universal.

As Nickelodeon was headquartered in the park at the time, the opening credits for Roundhouse and All That (two of its shows) were filmed around this area of the park.

San Francisco

In August 2015, Universal announced that it would replace Disaster! with a new attraction based on the film franchise The Fast and the Furious. The company later revealed that this attraction would use Universal's new "Virtual Line" system, allowing guests to select a time frame in which they want to ride. Fast & Furious: Supercharged opened on April 23, 2018.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley/London

Diagon Alley is the second half of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; adapting elements from the film series and novels by J. K. Rowling. Opened on July 8, 2014, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley/London features two attractions, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express, which connects the area to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley also features a restaurant The Leaky Cauldron and several "signature shops".[57] These include, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Borgin and Burkes, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.[58]

World Expo

Sometime after June 2005 the optical illusion of the Space Shuttle was removed from this part of the park. As you headed towards World Expo from San Francisco it was one of the many designated photo spots throughout the park. There was a hanging platform that you would place your camera on and take the picture. The Shuttle would look as though it was sitting on the top of Back to the Future: The Ride.

Springfield

Springfield used to be classed as a part of the World Expo until 2016.

Hollywood

Hollywood's two dining outlets are recreations of actual Hollywood outlets. Schwab's Pharmacy and Mel's Drive-In offer guests a variety of food and beverage options. A third outlet, named Cafe La Bamba, operates seasonally.[55][59] NBC Media Center and The Wicked Experience, a seasonal survey attraction that allows guests to preview upcoming NBCUniversal films and shows, is located within the Hollywood section in a "Garden of Allah Villas"-themed area.

DreamWorks Land

It includes characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.[60][61] It opened on June 14, 2024, as the park's most recent area, replacing Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.[62]

Retired attractions

Notable retired attractions include Kongfrontation, Back to the Future: The Ride, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, its replacement Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, A Day in the Park with Barney, its replacement DreamWorks Destination, Jaws, Twister...Ride It Out, T2-3D: Battle Across Time, Shrek 4-D, AT&T at the Movies, Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, and its replacements Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration. Universal Studios also housed other unique attractions that are now retired, like Nickelodeon Studios and the interactive film and live-action show Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies. The current location of Diagon Alley was once a section of the park named Amity Island, based on the fictional seaside town from Jaws, which contained the park's Jaws attraction. The area was completely demolished to make way for the Diagon Alley portion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction. As a homage to the Jaws attraction and Amity section that was available to so many visitors over the years, references to both are sprinkled throughout Diagon Alley, one being a set of shark jawbones appearing behind the herbs and potions of Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary. The restrooms for Amity Island are also still open outside Diagon Alley. Nickelodeon Studios became a Blue Man Group attraction and live show in 2007. In 2021, the Blue Man Group show would also be retired, leaving the original Nickelodeon Studios building empty for the first time since opening until 2022, when the Grinchmas show was moved into that theater.[63]

Character appearances

Universal Studios Florida has featured a number of well-known costumed characters throughout the park over the years, including:

  • Back to the Future: Doc Brown and Marty McFly
  • The Bad Guys: Mr. Wolf
  • Beetlejuice
  • Betty Boop
  • The Blues Brothers
  • Despicable Me: Gru, Lucy Wilde, Margo, Edith, Agnes, Vector and the Minions
  • Dog Man
  • Dora the Explorer: Dora Marquez, Boots and Diego
  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: E.T. and Elliott Taylor
  • Earl the Squirrel (only during Christmas)
  • Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby and Vera
  • Ghostbusters: Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, Phoebe Spengler, Trevor Spengler, Winston Zeddemore, Janine Melnitz, Louis Tully and Gozer
  • Hashtag the Panda
  • Hello Kitty
  • I Love Lucy: Lucy and Ricky Ricardo
  • Jaws: Chief Martin Brody, Mayor Vaughan, Quint and Bruce the Shark
  • Jurassic World: Owen Grady, Claire Dearing, Baby Raptors, Echo, Delta, T-Rex and Maisie Lockwood
  • Kung Fu Panda: Po the Panda and Tigress
  • Madagascar: Alex, Gloria, King Julien XIII, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Men in Black: Agent K, Agent J and Frank the Pug (only during Passholder Nights)
  • Mummy stilt walkers and Anck-su-namun
  • Popeye the Sailor Man and Olive Oyl
  • Scooby-Doo: Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred
  • Shrek: Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, Gingy, Three Blind Mice and The Big Bad Wolf
  • The Simpsons: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob
  • Sing: Johnny, Rosita and Gunter
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Squidward Tentacles
  • Transformers: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron
  • Trolls: Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond
  • Universal Monsters: Frankenstein's Monster, Count Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy and The Wolf Man
  • Wicked: Elphaba and Glinda[64]
  • Wizarding World: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, The Knight Bus conductor and shrunken head, Death Eaters[65] and The Tales of Beedle the Bard
  • Woody and Winnie Woodpecker (only during Passholder Nights)

Annual events

Universal Studios Florida features several seasonal events throughout its operating calendar. Some are included in the daily park admission, while others are separately-ticketed events.

Grad Bash and Gradventure

Grad Bash and Gradventure are two separate events held in April and May at the park. Grad Bash is an event for graduating high school senior classes who can gather for an exclusive, all-night party at both theme parks of Universal Orlando Resort, live performances, dance parties, and live pre-parties at the Universal Music Plaza Stage.[66] After Disney's retirement of Grad Nite, Grad Bash was held for five nights in 2012. Gradventure is aimed to junior high/middle school graduating students.[67] During the event, the park closes to the general public, and some attractions may be closed.[68]

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is a hard-ticketed event where the park transforms into a haunted playground. Featuring costumed actors, scare zones, haunted houses, special effects, and themed shows—all inspired by popular horror films, TV shows, and original concepts. The event takes place annually in late September, October, and early November.[69]

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, formerly known as Macy's Holiday Parade, is a month-long event in December featuring authentic balloons from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in celebration of Christmas at the park. The parade was rebranded in 2017, adding holiday floats, balloons, and choreographed characters based on Illumination's Despicable Me franchise, as well as the Madagascar and Shrek franchises from DreamWorks Animation.[70][71]

Mardi Gras

Generally in February through to April, a parade and concert series inspired by New Orleans' Fat Tuesday party is held at the park.[72] The parade takes place in the evening and consists of park employees and other appointed park guests throwing beads to other park guests.

Rock the Universe

Rock the Universe is the park's Christian music festival, featuring two days in January or February (as of 2019, prior years held this event in September. This was likely done in response to the cancellation of the event in 2017 due to Hurricane Irma.) of concerts with leading contemporary Christian, Christian rock, and Christian rap artists live at the Universal Music Plaza Stage.[73]

Summer Concert Series

The Summer Concert Series occurred occasionally from 2013–2018 and featured a variety of popular musical acts performing live at the Universal Music Plaza Stage.[74]

Universal Express

Universal offers an optional, pay-per-person pass known as Universal Express, which gives guests access to shorter lines at many attractions throughout its theme parks. The cost for Universal Express is in addition to the cost of park admission, and there are limited quantities available each day. Guests with Universal Express are given priority boarding status and enter a separate line queue at attractions that support it. The standard Universal Express pass allows guests to access the Universal Express line once per attraction, while the more expensive Universal Express Unlimited has no such restriction.[75]

Attendance

Closures

The park has had some unscheduled closures from March 16 – June 4, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic[92][93].

Awards

In 2023, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida won the 'Best Halloween Event of 2022' at the Golden Ticket Awards.[94]

See also

External links

References

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