📜 Post with us on Reddit
📝 Create a new article
🏭 Create a company page
🇬🇧 - in English
🇫🇷 - en Français (FR)
🇵🇹 - em Português (PT)
🇩🇪 - in Deutsch (DE)
🇯🇵 - 日本語で (JA)
Sponsored articles

You can edit almost every page by Creating an account. Otherwise, see the FAQ.

List of former Universal Studios Florida attractions

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki

For a list of the park's current attractions, see List of Universal Studios Orlando attractions.

File:Usf-logo1990.jpg
The original logo for Universal Studios Florida, used from 1990 until 1998. During this time, many of the park's now former attractions were in operation.

This is a list of former Universal Studios Florida attractions.

History[edit]

Since Universal Studios Florida's opening on June 7, 1990, a total of 36 attractions have been retired, and usually replaced or re-themed into new attractions, 17 of them being original attractions.

The original entrance to the theme park, circa 1993. It was replaced with the current entrance in 1998.

The first major attraction to be retired from the park was An American Tail Theatre in 1992, due to low attendance capacity. The show was replaced in the same year by Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue, and the Fievel's Playland attraction, also based on the film An American Tail, opened in the park's Expo Center area simultaneously,[1] and is now part of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone.

In 1996, the interactive show attraction Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre was closed due to the cancellation of the Murder, She Wrote television show on which it was based; also retired around the same time was the next door MCA Recording Studio, also an interactive show. The two attractions were replaced the following year by Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen[2] and Stage 54.[3] The Hercules and Xena attraction was later closed and abandoned in 1999,[4] and Stage 54 followed in 2003, with the latter of the two replaced by "Donkey's Photo Finish", an interactive meet-and-greet.

Two further attractions were retired in November 1996. Ghostbusters Spooktacular closed on November 8[5] due to the end of a contract, and was replaced in the spring of 1998 by Twister...Ride it Out.[6] The nearby The Screen Test Home Video Adventure followed on November 11, and was replaced in the following year with the Islands of Adventure Preview Center. The preview center itself was closed following the grand opening of Islands of Adventure in 1999, and its former space was used for Universal Express distribution, and is now used as an extended queue area for Revenge of the Mummy.

Other closures of minor attractions occurred throughout the 1990s. The Swamp Thing Set, used for the production of the television series Swamp Thing up until 1993, was demolished in 1994. Men in Black: Alien Attack was constructed on the previous site in 2000.[7] How to Make a Mega Movie Deal was closed due to unpopularity in 1993. In 1998, Universal attempted to revive it with the similar AT&T at the Movies attraction, which would later close in 2001, with its entrance used for Universal Express distribution. In the New York area of the park, the StreetBusters show was performed from 1991 until 1993. In 2002, an update version of the show titled Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way was brought back,[8] and was later closed in 2005 when the park did not renew their contract to the Ghostbusters characters. The Marvel Show, also located in the New York area of the park, was discontinued in the summer of 1995. The Bates Motel Set, which was used for production of Psycho IV: The Beginning, was demolished in 1995, with A Day in the Park with Barney constructed on the site in the same year.[9] Similarly, The Bates Mansion Set, also used for production of Psycho IV, was demolished in 1998, with Curious George Goes to Town constructed on the re-landscaped site.

In February 2000, the park's finale show Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular set in Universal Studios' lagoon was closed[10] due to maintenance issues. Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular began inhabiting the space in July 2006.[11]

File:Tfwohb.JPG
The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera

In 2002, the park announced that The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera and Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies would both be closed by the end of the year.[12] Before that, Kongfrontation was retired in a grand closing ceremony on September 8, 2002,[13] and was replaced in May 2004 by Revenge of the Mummy.[14] The closure of Kongfrontation has been viewed as the most park changing and notable closure in Universal Studios' history which caused a great deal of controversy among theme park fans. Following the closure of Kongfrontation, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera closed on October 20, 2002, and was replaced in April 2003 by Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast,[15] which utilized the same ride system and technology. Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies was retired on January 3, 2003, and was replaced later in the year by Shrek 4-D, a 3-D short film.[16]

In early September 2003 The Wild West Show at Universal Studios Florida was closed[17] due to a loss of the attraction's usual capacity. It was replaced in 2005 by Fear Factor Live, another live stunt show.[18] Two years after Wild Wests closure, the Nickelodeon Studios facility and attraction were disestablished on April 30, 2005 due to Nickelodeon moving their production facilities to Burbank, California.[19] The former space was left abandoned until it was re-designed in 2007 for the opening of Blue Man Group Sharp Aquos Theatre, an attraction in Universal CityWalk.[20]

Earthquake: The Big One

In September 2006, half of the Back to the Future: The Ride attraction was shut down,[21] preparing the ride for a complete closure which eventually occurred on March 30, 2007.[22] It was replaced on May 15, 2008 by The Simpsons Ride.[23] The closure of Back to the Future has been viewed as the second notable attraction closure in the park after Kongfrontation. The second attraction to be retired in 2007 was Earthquake: The Big One, on November 5,[24] with the attraction's pre-show portions already having been discontinued on September 8. The ride was replaced two months later, in January 2008, with Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You!.[25] Similar to Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, the attraction uses the same ride system and technology as the previous attraction, however, the queue and pre-show portions are completely different. "Disaster!" closed in 2015 and was replaced by Fast and Furious: Supercharged, in 2018.

In 2008, The Boneyard attraction was retired, and was replaced in the spring of 2009 with the Universal Music Plaza Stage, and open-air amphitheatre used for the park's music concerts.[26]

On March 14, 2011, Universal announced that the Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast ride would begin operating on a seasonal schedule on April 1, 2011, preparing the ride for a permanent closure which eventually occurred on August 18, 2011. They confirmed on May 19, 2011 that it would be replaced with a new Despicable Me themed attraction which is among several new concepts in development for the Resort over the next few years.[27][28] Shortly after the closure of Nicktoon Blast, Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular was removed in early September 2011, to make room for Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories.[29]

Jaws

On December 2, 2011, Universal Orlando announced that the Jaws attraction, as well as the surrounding Amity area of the park, would be permanently closed on January 2, 2012 to make way for a new experience.[30][31] The removal of Jaws has been viewed as the third most notable attraction closure in the park's history after Kongfrontation and Back to the Future: The Ride.

Two further shows throughout the park's history have been revamped several times. The first was StarToons which replaced The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Show which closed in 1993. StarToons, located in the Production Central area, operated from 1993 until 1996. When the newest section of the park, Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, opened in 1998, the park brought back the show as StarToons Character Meet and Greet. It was revamped once again in 2008 as StarToons: 80's Rewind. The second of the two shows was Animal Actors Stage which was replaced by Animal Planet Live in 2001. When Universal's contract with Animal Planet ended in 2006, the show was revamped as Animal Actors On Location. The show is similar to the original but with updated segments.

Throughout the park's history of attraction closures, merchandise shops connected to major attractions have been closed and refurbished to fit the theming of the replacement attractions. The park's former gift shops include Nickelodeon Kiosk, Hanna-Barbera's Store, The Bates Motel Shop, Paranormal Store, Safari Outfitters Ltd., Shakin's Souvenirs, Back to the Future: The Store, Nick Stuff and Quint's Surf Shack, which have been replaced by Shrek's Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe, Aftermath, Sahara Traders, and Kwik-E-Mart.

Three dining establishments have also been retired since the park's inception. The first was The Studio Stars Commissary, which was themed to the various famous movie stars. Due to modest feedback from park guests, the eatery was closed in 1991, and replaced in the same year by The Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe. The second cafe to be retired was the original 1990 Hard Rock Cafe. While it was originally considered to be the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe, the company built a larger facility for the opening of Universal CityWalk Orlando in 1998, with the original Cafe closing shortly afterwards. The original building sat unoccupied in the park from 1999 until 2011, when it was demolished. The third dining establishment to be removed was The Midway Grill with Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, which was closed along with the park's Amity area on January 2, 2012.

Production Central[edit]

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Show[edit]

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Show opened in the summer of 1992.[32] The attraction was a live stage show featuring many characters from the television series of the same name including Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha and Snidley Whiplash.[33] The 16-minute show was removed in 1993 to make way for StarToons.[citation needed]

Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies[edit]

Main article: Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies (attraction)

Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies was a part-3-D film, part-live action show at Universal Studios Florida, and one of the theme park's original attractions.[34] The attraction featured attacks from birds similar to Hitchcock's film The Birds in the pre-show area, and featured the shower scene from Psycho in the main show with narration by Anthony Perkins who played the part of Norman Bates in Psycho.[35] It closed on January 3, 2003, and was replaced by Shrek 4-D in mid-2003.[36]

The Boneyard[edit]

The Boneyard was an outdoor attraction which opened with the park on June 7, 1990.[37] The attraction featured a variety of props from Universal Pictures films and TV programs including Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Back to the Future and as well as other films like MGM's Ben Hur.[37][38] The area also housed special events such as Halloween Horror Nights and concerts. It was removed on September 8, 2008, to make way for the Universal Music Plaza Stage.[citation needed]

The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera[edit]

Main article: The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera (ride)

The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera was a motion simulator ride with characters created by Hanna-Barbera including Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons and Dick Dastardly and Muttley.[39] The attraction was presented in two parts; a pre-show which established the attraction's storyline, and a main ride experience which utilized multiple motion simulation based cars manufactured by Intamin. It opened with the park in 1990 and closed on October 20, 2002. It was replaced by Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast in 2003 which was itself replaced by Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in 2012.

Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen[edit]

Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen opened in the summer of 1997,[40][41] replacing Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre.[2] The attraction was a live show demonstrating production on the Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess series.[40] The live-action show[42] also featured members of the audience fighting stunt performers.[43] It was similar to the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre which had previously occupied the attraction's soundstage building.[2] The final performance was on February 20, 2000.[44] It was replaced by Transformers: The Ride, which opened in 2013.

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast[edit]

Main article: Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast was a motion simulator ride starring Jimmy Neutron, and featuring guest appearances of other Nickelodeon characters, including Hey Arnold!, the Rugrats, The Fairly OddParents and SpongeBob SquarePants. The ride's experience featured park guests pursuing the villain Ooblar in a rocket chase through the worlds and soundstages of the Nicktoons. It opened on April 11, 2003, replacing The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, and was permanently closed on August 18, 2011. It was replaced by Despicable Me Minion Mayhem on July 2, 2012.

MCA Recording Studio[edit]

MCA Recording Studio was an attraction that opened with Universal Studios Florida on June 7, 1990.[citation needed] The attraction was a small interactive exhibit which allowed visitors to experiment with various sound and recording effects, which are used during post-production of a movie, television show, commercial, or music video. Guests could also sing along to their favorite songs and purchase a recording of their performance.[3] It was removed in 1996 and replaced by Stage 54.[3]

Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre[edit]

Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre was an interactive show that opened with Universal Studios Florida on June 7, 1990.[45] In the show, guests were selected to be executive producers on a new episode of the Murder, She Wrote television show. The 25-minute show focused on the production of a variety of effects including makeup, sound and visual effects before showcasing the editing process.[2][46] Following the cancellation of the Murder, She Wrote TV show,[47] the attraction was closed in 1996 and was replaced by Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen the following year.[2]

Nickelodeon Studios[edit]

Main article: Nickelodeon Studios

Nickelodeon Studios was a television studio and attraction that opened with the park on June 7, 1990. The 40-minute attraction allowed guests to take a tour of Nickelodeon's studio facility followed by an interactive live show which featured games based on Nickelodeon shows of the time. It was closed and disestablished on April 30, 2005, and was replaced by Blue Man Group Sharp Aquos Theatre which opened at Universal CityWalk on June 6, 2007.[20]

Production Studio Tour[edit]

The Production Studio Tour was an attraction that toured the studio and production facilities of Universal Studios Florida.[48] Inspired by Universal Studios Hollywood's Studio Tour, the Production Studio Tour opened with the park on June 7, 1990.[48] Guests would board a tram in front of soundstage 19 (which was located next to Nickelodeon Studios) or in the middle of two of the soundstages in the park's production facilities. From there they would be taken on a 15-minute journey into and around various sound stages as well as being taken on a general tour around the park. Upon the completion of the tour, guests would exit into The Universal Studios Store where they could purchase a variety of merchandise. The tour was closed in 1995, yet The Universal Studios Store remains open to this day.[49]

Stage 54[edit]

Stage 54 was an attraction which opened at the park in 1997, replacing the MCA Recording Studio.[3] The attraction was located within soundstage 54 of Universal Studios Florida.[3] Throughout the years, the attraction was constantly updated to feature displays and props from Universal Pictures films of the time[3] including The Lost World: Jurassic Park,[50] Babe,[51] Babe: Pig in the City,[52] Small Soldiers[50] and The Mummy.[53] On January 24, 2003, the attraction was closed and replaced with Donkey's Photo Finish, a meet and greet attraction related to the park's Shrek 4-D attraction.

StarToons[edit]

StarToons was a live stage show featuring Hanna-Barbera characters Fred Flintstone, George Jetson, Scooby-Doo, Yogi Bear, and Boo-Boo.[54] It opened in 1993 and closed in 1996.

New York City[edit]

Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way[edit]

Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way was an updated version of the park's previous StreetBusters show, with a slightly different plot and music. It opened on October 1, 2002[55] and was discontinued on February 25, 2005.

Ghostbusters Spooktacular[edit]

Ghostbusters Spooktacular was a 20-minute, Ghostbusters-themed stage show that opened with Universal Studios Florida in 1990.[56] The original version of the show was hosted by a production assistant and based upon events and ghosts in the films. The second version was hosted by Louis Tully and featured a pre-show. It was closed on November 8, 1996,[57] to make way for Twister...Ride it Out which opened in 1998.[58][59]

Islands of Adventure Preview Center[edit]

Islands of Adventure Preview Center was a preview center which operated during the construction of Islands of Adventure from 1997 to 1999. It replaced The Screen Test Home Video Adventure. The Preview Center was designed to give guests a sneak peek at some of the themes and attractions for Islands of Adventure. In the attraction, guests would walk through various rooms themed to the various "Islands" in the new park. The final room stated when the Islands of Adventure park would open, and showed guests Universal's future plans for the Universal Orlando Resort. The Preview Center was closed shortly after the opening of Islands of Adventure.[60]

Kongfrontation[edit]

Main article: Kongfrontation

Kongfrontation was an attraction that opened with Universal Studios Florida on June 7, 1990, based on the 1976 remake of King Kong. The ride experience allowed guests to encounter an audio-animatronic King Kong while on a New York tram car. The ride was considered to be the flagship attraction of the New York area at the time as well as the landmark attraction of the park.[61] It closed on September 8, 2002 and was replaced by Revenge of the Mummy which opened on May 21, 2004.

The Marvel Show[edit]

The Marvel Show was a seasonal outdoor show that went on, in front of, and on the building to the left of the Firehouse facade for Ghostbusters Spooktacular and featured multiple Marvel Comics characters, such as Spider-Man, Storm, Iron Man, and Wolverine.[62] It opened in the summer of 1993 and closed in 1995.

The Screen Test Home Video Adventure[edit]

The Screen Test Home Video Adventure was an interactive, upcharge experience which opened in March 1991. Guests were given the opportunity to star in one of two 10-minute films: Your Day at Universal Studios or The Star Trek Adventure. They would dress in costumes before being filmed in front of a blue screen. The final video could then be purchased by the guests for $29.95 plus tax.[63][64][65] It was closed November 11, 1996, and replaced by The Islands of Adventure Preview Center the following year.[66]

StreetBusters[edit]

StreetBusters was a seasonal show that opened in early 1991.[63] The plot of the show featured the Ghostbusters attempting to catch their biggest foe, Beetlejuice.[63] It was closed in 1993[citation needed] and later replaced with Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way.[55]

Twister...Ride it Out[edit]

Main article: Twister...Ride it Out

Twister... Ride It Out was a special effects simulation attraction located based on the 1996 film Twister. It was announced in 1997 and replaced the Ghostbusters Spooktacular attraction in the New York area of the park. The attraction was hosted by actors Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, who starred in the original film. The attraction closed on November 2, 2015 and was replaced with Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon which opened in Spring 2017.

San Francisco/Amity Island[edit]

On January 2, 2012, the Amity themed portion of this area was permanently removed to allow for the construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.[67] This move also resulted in the closure of the Jaws attraction as well as the removal of multiple shopping and dining establishments in the section such as The Midway Grill and Quint's Surf Shack.

An American Tail Theatre[edit]

An American Tail Theatre was a live stage show based on the animated film An American Tail: Fievel Goes West.[68] The show opened with the park in 1990 and was closed and removed in 1992 to make way for Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue.

Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue[edit]

Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue or Beetlejuice's Rockin' Graveyard Revue or Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show was a live stage show based on the film of the same name and Universal's Classic Monsters.

On August 25, 2015, Universal announced that the show at Universal Studios Florida would be "closing later this year" to make way for Fast & Furious: Supercharged.[69] The attraction closed its doors on January 6, 2016. The venue was demolished shortly after. The space is currently used as the queue entrance for Fast & Furious: Supercharged.

Earthquake: The Big One/Disaster![edit]

Entrance to Earthquake: The Big One in 2005

Earthquake: The Big One was an attraction that opened with the park on June 7, 1990.[70] The 20-minute experience allowed guests to experience an 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Embarcadero station from the comfort of their BART subway train.[59] Two versions of the ride operated. The first version ran from the park's opening in 1990 through to 2002. It was solely based on the film Earthquake.[59] From 2002 until the attraction's closure in 2007, the attraction was based on several films including E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, U-571 and Earthquake. Earthquake: The Big One only operated for short periods during the 5 months after opening due to a series of problems in the design of the ride. Fellow Universal Studios Florida attractions including Jaws also faced similar problems resulting in a lawsuit against Ride & Show Engineering Inc.[70][71][72][73] Earthquake: The Big One was permanently closed on November 5, 2007, to make way for Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! which opened in January 2008.[59][74]Disaster! closed its doors on September 8, 2015 to make way for Fast & Furious: Supercharged. A version of this simulation still operates as part of the studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Jaws[edit]

Main article: Jaws (ride)

Jaws was a special effects water ride which opened with the park on June 7, 1990, and was based on the 1975 film of the same name. The attraction placed guests aboard tour boats for what should be a leisurely tour of Amity Harbor, but instead became a harrowing chase between the craft and a determined great white shark. Jaws experienced massive mechanical difficulties following the opening of the park, as did fellow attractions such as Kongfrontation and Earthquake: The Big One, which resulted in a large re-construction of the attraction's original ride system as well as a lawsuit against Ride & Show Engineering, Inc.[75] Jaws was permanently removed on January 2, 2012, along with the Amity Island themed area of the park to make way to an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show[edit]

The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show was a live stunt show based upon a wide variety of Universal's Western films. Opening on July 4, 1991, in the Amity Island section of the park, the show featured several cowboy themed actors surviving death defying stunts, shootings and explosions.[63][65][76][77] The show closed on September 1, 2003, and was replaced by Fear Factor Live which opened on June 3, 2005.[78][79][80] A similar show is still shown at former Universal-owned theme park PortAventura Park.

World Expo[edit]

Back to the Future: The Ride[edit]

Main article: Back to the Future: The Ride

Back to the Future: The Ride was a simulator ride based on and inspired by the Back to the Future trilogy that opened on May 2, 1991.[81] The ride story centered on a first-person adventure through time, in pursuit of Biff Tannen, the trilogy's villain. It was closed on March 30, 2007 and replaced on May 15, 2008 by The Simpsons Ride.[81][82]

The Swamp Thing Set[edit]

The Swamp Thing Set was a set of theatrical property that were built for the filming of the television series Swamp Thing.[83] Opening with the park on June 7, 1990,[83] the sets were featured as part of the park's Production Studio Tour. The sets were demolished in 1994, following the cancellation of the TV series one year prior. In 2000, the area which formerly held the Swamp Thing sets became the home of Men in Black: Alien Attack.[84]

Woody Woodpecker's KidZone[edit]

Animal Actors Stage[edit]

Animal Actors Stage was a live stage show which opened with the park in 1990 and featured Universal's animal actors performing amazing stunts and tricks. It was later closed in 2001 and replaced by Animal Planet Live.

Animal Planet Live[edit]

Animal Planet Live was a live stage show inspired by the TV channel Animal Planet, and featured multiple animals performing stunts and tricks. It replaced Animal Actors Stage when it opened at the park in 2001, and was closed in 2006 and replaced with Animal Actors on Location.

The Bates Mansion Set[edit]

The Bates Mansion Set was a set of theatrical property which recreated the set of the Bates Mansion from Psycho. Like The Bates Motel Set, it was also used to film Psycho IV: The Beginning. It opened with the park on June 7, 1990, and was later closed and demolished in 1998, being replaced in the same year by Curious George Goes to Town.

The Bates Motel Set[edit]

The Bates Motel Set was a set of theatrical property which recreated the set of The Bates Motel from Psycho, and was built for the filming of Psycho IV: The Beginning. It was later used to house the haunted house The Psycho Path Maze for several years during Halloween Horror Nights at the park. It opened in 1990 and was closed and demolished in 1995 to make way for A Day in the Park with Barney which opened later in the year.

A Day in the Park with Barney[edit]

A Day in the Park with Barney was a live show, based on the children's television show, Barney & Friends. It also had a "Barney's Backyard" playground area with a chance to meet Barney in a meet and greet session before and/or after the main show in the Barney Theatre. It opened in 1995 and was closed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida.

StarToons Character Meet and Greet[edit]

StarToons Character Meet and Greet was a live show where Universal Studios' cartoon characters would briefly sing and dance, followed by them posing for autographs and pictures with park guests. It was the second of four versions of the StarToons show to be featured at the park, the former being StarToons which operated in the Production Central area from 1993 until 1996. It opened in 1998 and was re-themed in 2008 as StarToons: 80's Rewind.

Hollywood[edit]

Lucy: A Tribute[edit]

Lucy: A Tribute was a walk-through museum featuring the best of "America's favorite redhead", Lucille Ball. The attraction opened at the park in May 1992, and was permanently closed on August 17, 2015. It was replaced with an interactive Hello Kitty-themed store which opened in March 2016.[85]

AT&T at the Movies[edit]

AT&T at the Movies was an interactive attraction that included various AT&T-based technologies presented in a movie style. It replaced How to Make a Mega Movie Deal when it opened at the park in 1998, and was closed in 2001. It got replaced by Cafe la Bamba the following year.[86]

How to Make a Mega Movie Deal[edit]

Main article: How to Make a Mega Movie Deal

How to Make a Mega Movie Deal opened a year after the park, in 1991,[64][87] and was closed in 1993 to make way for AT&T at the Movies which opened 5 years later.

T2-3D: Battle Across Time[edit]

Main article: T2-3D: Battle Across Time

T2-3D: Battle Across Time was an attraction at Universal Studios Florida. The version of the show at Universal Studios Florida closed in 2017 to make way for The Bourne Stuntacular, which opened in June 2020.

Lagoon[edit]

Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular[edit]

Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular was an attraction that opened with Universal Studios Florida on June 7, 1990. The attraction was a live stunt show themed to Miami Vice located on the Lagoon in the center of the park. The show featured pyrotechnics and explosions, mixed with live actors on jet skis.[88][89][90] The 20-minute show was always performed during the final hour of the park before its closing for the day. It closed on February 17, 2000, after almost 10 years of performances. Many of the props and sets in the show still remained in place until 2006, when the show was replaced by Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular.

Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular[edit]

Main article: Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular

Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular was a nighttime show attraction located at Universal Studios Florida. It featured famous scenes from Universal Pictures' films projected onto four large inflated domes in the middle of a lagoon, while various fireworks, flame effects, lasers, lights and water effects are set off. The show generally took place at the hour of the park's closing. The show opened at the park on July 1, 2006, replacing Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular, and was removed in September 2011. It was replaced by Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories on May 8, 2012.[29]

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories[edit]

Main article: Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories was a lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida. The attraction replaced Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular in the park's center Lagoon. It featured famous scenes from Universal Pictures films projected onto large waterfall screens mixed with fountains and pyrotechnics. The show was narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, and was part of the 100th anniversary celebrations for Universal Studios throughout 2012. It opened on May 8, 2012. The music for the "spectacular" was a combination of scores from different films, with some original pieces composed by Brian Tyler, who also adapted Jerry Goldsmith's Universal Pictures fanfare for the studio's current logo and composed the "Universal Centennial Fanfare" that was also based on Goldsmith's fanfare. The closure of the show was announced on October 10, 2017. Universal stated that the show will be replaced with a new night show named Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, which opened in Summer 2018.

Events[edit]

A Celebration of Harry Potter[edit]

Main article: A Celebration of Harry Potter

A Celebration of Harry Potter was an annual three-day weekend event held on the last weekend of January at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort. The event was a celebration of the fandom of the Harry Potter books authored by J. K. Rowling and the Wizarding World franchise (including the Harry Potter film series and Fantastic Beasts film series), in a collaboration between Universal Parks & Resorts, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Scholastic.

Former services[edit]

The former Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios Florida in what is now the Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone area. It was closed in 1998 for the opening of Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, and was demolished in October 2011.

Below is a list of retail and dining establishments that have been closed since the park's inception, grouped by the section of the park in which they were formerly located.

Production Central

New York City, New York

San Francisco, California/Amity Island

  • Shaiken's Souvenirs (Earthquake: The Big One) (1990–2008)
  • Quint's Surf Shack (Jaws) (1990 – January 2, 2012)
  • Jaws Gift Stall (Jaws) (1990 – March 22, 2015)
  • The Midway Grill (1990 – January 2, 2012)
  • Boardwalk Snacks (1990 – January 2, 2012)

World Expo

  • Back to the Future: The Store (Back to the Future: The Ride) (December 1990 – May 2007), now Kwik-E-Mart (The Simpsons Ride)
  • International Food and Film Festival (1990 – November 13, 2012), now Fast Food Boulevard (Springfield)

Woody Woodpecker's KidZone

  • Hard Rock Cafe (original location) (1990–1998)
  • Universal Studios Cartoon Store (1999–2012) now SpongeBob StorePants

Hollywood

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Universal Previews 4 New Attractions Orlando Sentinel. (March 10, 1992).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Universal Replaces 'Murder'". Orlando Sentinel. March 6, 1997. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Spitz, Jill Jorden (October 20, 1997). "Espn Grill, Coming To Disney, Hopes Club's Popularity Rubs Off". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ↑ Hercules, Xena Bite Dust At Universal Orlando Sentinel. (August 12, 1999).
  5. ↑ Ghostbusters Attraction Closes Orlando Sentinel. (October 16, 1996).
  6. ↑ "TRAVEL ADVISORY; Virtual Tornadoes Are Swirling in Orlando". The New York Times. June 7, 1998.
  7. ↑ Alien Attraction Orlando Sentinel. (March 9, 2000).
  8. ↑ Have Some Hot Fun In The Summertime Orlando Sentinel. (June 17, 2002).
  9. ↑ Barney The Dinosaur Gets A Home At Universal Studios Orlando Sentinel. (July 7, 1995).
  10. ↑ Universal Will Close 2 Shows This Month Orlando Sentinel. (February 4, 2000).
  11. ↑ What Has Director John Landis Done Now? – Today's News: Our Take. TVGuide.com (June 30, 2006).
  12. ↑ "Boca Raton News – Google News Archive Search". Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  13. ↑ Universal Will Close King Kong Attraction Orlando Sentinel. (August 21, 2002).
  14. ↑ Mummy's The Word Orlando Sentinel. (April 21, 2004).
  15. ↑ Jimmy's Wild Ride Orlando Sentinel. (April 21, 2003).
  16. ↑ Will Shrek Make Us Shriek? Orlando Sentinel. (June 12, 2003).
  17. ↑ Last Roundup For Wild West Show Orlando Sentinel. (September 4, 2003).
  18. ↑ Strother, Susan. (April 22, 2005) Fear Factor Live Pleases Visitors, Not Tummies Orlando Sentinel.
  19. ↑ NintendoPower. "Nickelodeon Studios- A History". Retro Junk Article. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS THE NEW FACE OF ENTERTAINMENT BLUE MAN GROUP OPENING IN JUNE 2007" (Press release). Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011.
  21. ↑ Strother, Susan. (August 9, 2006) Universal ride's future in doubt Orlando Sentinel.
  22. ↑ Universal sends `Future' ride back to the past Orlando Sentinel. (March 22, 2007).
  23. ↑ Clark, Jayne (April 4, 2008). "Orlando unveils a few new tricks to boost bookings". USA Today.
  24. ↑ Bye, bye Earthquake – The Big One – Tourism Central Florida Orlando Sentinel. Archived May 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ Universal Studios launches Disaster ride in Orlando Orlando Sentinel. (January 18, 2008).
  26. ↑ Topic Galleries Archived April 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. OrlandoSentinel.com.
  27. ↑ Bilbao, Richard (Apr 21, 2011). "What's with the banana?". Orlando Business Journal.
  28. ↑ MacDonald, Brady (May 19, 2011). "Universal Studios Orlando plans 'Despicable Me' attraction and digital upgrade to Spider-Man ride in 2012". Los Angeles Times.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Universal Orlando Resort Media Site Archived February 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Media.universalorlando.com (January 25, 2012).
  30. ↑ Jason Garcia and Dewayne Bevil (December 2, 2011). "Universal Studios to close Jaws to make way for new attraction". Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Ride Announcement". Universal Orlando Resort. December 2, 2011. Archived from the original on December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  32. ↑ Mulzac, Lystra (August 21, 1992). "Quilting a form of art taught through generations". Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved 2016-11-27. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
  34. ↑ Engelhardt, Lisa (May 16, 1990). "Universal Studios Park Not Soup Yet". Ocala Star-Banner. p. 2A. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Universal Studios Opens In Orlando". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. June 1, 1990. p. 4E. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  36. ↑ "Universal Studios Orlando plans to add two new attractions". Boca Raton News. May 20, 2002. p. 10. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Shrieves, Linda (June 1, 1990). "Universal Appeal". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  38. ↑ Kraft, Randy (May 24, 1998). "Universal Appeal Fans Get To 'Ride The Movies' At Universal's Spectacular Florida Theme Park". The Morning Call. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  39. ↑ The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera FULL EXPERIENCE!. YouTube (October 20, 2002).
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Attractions – Universal Studios". Lakeland Ledger. May 30, 1997. p. 13. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Attractions – Universal Studios". Lakeland Ledger. July 5, 1997. p. 6. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  42. ↑ Ryan, Joal (June 19, 1997). "Zena: Warrior Princess from A to Z". Lakeland Ledger. p. 10. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Orlando – The most-visited city offers more than The Mouse". Kingman Daily Miner. May 25, 1997. p. 4. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  44. ↑ Barker, Tim (August 12, 1999). "Hercules, Xena Bite Dust At Universal". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  45. ↑ Drew, Mike (April 23, 1989). "Universal Studios to join the fun (and profit) soon". The Milwaukee Journal. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  46. ↑ Morris, Bob (June 7, 1991). "Universal Studios Still Struggling 1 Year Later". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  47. ↑ Pierce, Scott D. (May 16, 1996). "'Murder, She Wrote' retires with sense of humor intact". The Deseret News. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Shrieves, Linda (June 1, 1990). "Universal Appeal". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
  49. ↑ "Production Central Shopping". Universal Studios Florida. Archived from the original on March 15, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Lancaster, Cory (June 29, 1998). "Haunted House Scares Up More Space, Memorabilia". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  51. ↑ Lancaster, Cory (November 23, 1998). "New Disney-mgm Show Adding Seats To Handle Crowds". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  52. ↑ "Holiday Scoop". Orlando Sentinel. April 9, 1999. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  53. ↑ Stage 54 – The Mummy | Behind the Scenes at Universal Studios Florida (YouTube). UniversalEvolution. March 16, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  54. ↑ http://www.wgntv.com/features/orl-universal-studios-photos,0,1981500.photogallery?index=54. Retrieved July 25, 2011. Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Vadnie, Rebecca Swain (June 17, 2002). "Have Some Hot Fun In The Summertime". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  56. ↑ Berg, Ken (June 29, 1990). "New Universal Studios Is Getting Its Act Together". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  57. ↑ "Ghostbusters Attraction Closes". Orlando Sentinel. October 16, 1996. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  58. ↑ "Universal News Coming Soon". Orlando Sentinel. February 6, 1997. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 Powers, Scott (November 6, 2007). "Universal Studios to replace Earthquake attraction by December". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  60. ↑ futureboy107. "Islands of adventure Preview Center". Video. YouTube. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  61. ↑ King Kong: The Monster Who Created Universal Studios Florida Archived October 10, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. The Totally Fun Company.
  62. ↑ Lunarpages Contact Support Page Archived June 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Theuniversalevolution.com.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 "Travel Advisory; Universal Adds 3 Shows in Florida". New York Times. April 21, 1991. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 Universal Studios Florida (1991). "Universal Studios Florida 1991 Park Map". The Psycho Movies. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved June 10, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Strother, Susan G. (March 21, 1991). "Park To Give Preview Of New Attractions". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  66. ↑ "Islands of Adventure". Lakeland Ledger. May 8, 1997. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  67. ↑ Garcia, Jason. (December 2, 2011) Universal closing JAWS: Universal Orlando is closing JAWS Orlando Sentinel.
  68. ↑ "Travel Advisory; Universal Adds 3 Shows in Florida". The New York Times. April 21, 1990. p. 3. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2017. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  69. ↑ "New Fast & Furious ride coming to Universal Orlando, Disaster attraction to close". insidethemagic.net. Inside the Magic. August 25, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 Vaughan, Vicki (August 22, 1990). "Park Sues Designer Of Jaws, Earthquake". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  71. ↑ Strother, Susan G. (July 21, 1990). "Ailing Kong, Earthquake Rides Still Not In Working Condition". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  72. ↑ Strother, Susan G. (October 9, 1990). "Universal Puts 2 Thrill Rides On Full Time Earthquake, Kongfrontation Improve Reliability Ratings". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  73. ↑ "Universal: 'Earthquake' and 'Kong' rides working". Ocala Star-Banner. October 9, 1990. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  74. ↑ Belcher, Walt (May 2, 2008). "Woo Hoo! Itchy For Fun? Ride With The Simpsons". Brandon News and Tribune. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  75. ↑ 'Angry' Universal Shuts Jaws Until '91 Orlando Sentinel. (August 23, 1990).
  76. ↑ Strother, Susan G. (July 12, 1991). "Universal Kicks Off Western Show". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  77. ↑ "How the West was stunted". Lakeland Ledger. July 12, 1991. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  78. ↑ Pack, Todd (August 8, 2003). "Universal To Close Wild West". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  79. ↑ Mussenden, Sean (January 17, 2005). "Never Fear – Creepy-crawly Fun Is On Way". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  80. ↑ Strother Clarke, Susan (April 22, 2005). "Fear Factor Live Pleases Visitors, Not Tummies". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 "Back to the Future: The Ride (Universal Studios Florida)". Parkz. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  82. ↑ "The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios Florida)". Parkz. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 Hinman, Catherine (February 24, 1980). "Universal Is Ready For Action". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  84. ↑ "MiB Alien Attack". Unofficial Universal Studios Orlando. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  85. ↑ "Universal: Lucy attraction out, Hello Kitty in". Orlando Sentinel. August 17, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  86. ↑ Charming, Cheryl (October 31, 2007). The Everything Famil Guide to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and Greater Orlando: A Complete Guide to the Best Hotels, Restaurants, Parks, and Must-See Attractions. Everything Books. p. 300. ISBN 978-1-59869-390-4. Retrieved June 8, 2011. Search this book on
  87. ↑ "Travel Advisory, Universal Adds 3 Shows in Florida". New York Times. April 21, 1991. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  88. ↑ "Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular Information". Joe Investor Online. Archived from the original on May 27, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  89. ↑ Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular (YouTube). Universal Studios Florida. July 31, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  90. ↑ Dynamite Nights Stuntacular – Original 1990 Version – Universal Studios Florida (YouTube). Martin Smith. April 17, 2009. Retrieved June 21, 2011.

Retrieved from "https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=List_of_former_Universal_Studios_Florida_attractions&oldid=1644979"
License CC BY-SA 3.0
Powered by MediaWiki
Powered by Semantic MediaWiki