Universal Studios Florida facts for kids
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Entrance to the theme park
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| Location | Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 28°28′31″N 81°28′01″W / 28.4752°N 81.4670°W |
| Opened | June 7, 1990 |
| Owner | NBCUniversal (Comcast) |
| Operated by | Universal Parks & Resorts |
| Theme | Show business and Universal entertainment |
| Slogan | Let Yourself Woah (as Universal Orlando Resort) |
| Operating season | Year-round |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 18 |
| Roller coasters | 4 |
Universal Studios Florida is an exciting theme park and a real working movie studio located in Orlando, Florida. It first opened on June 7, 1990. The park's main idea is to celebrate the entertainment industry, especially movies and TV shows. Universal Studios Florida invites its visitors to "ride the movies" with lots of cool attractions and live shows. It's a big part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort. In 2017, about 10.2 million people visited the park, making it one of the most popular theme parks in the world!
Contents
- Discovering Universal Studios Florida's History
- Exploring the Park's Design
- Production Central: Lights, Camera, Action!
- New York: City That Never Sleeps
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Fun
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley/London: Magic Awaits!
- World Expo: Global Adventures
- Springfield: Home of The Simpsons!
- Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone: Fun for Everyone!
- Hollywood: Glamour and Shows
- Lagoon: Nighttime Spectaculars
- Meeting Your Favorite Characters
- Behind the Scenes: Production Facilities
- Exciting Annual Events
- Universal Express Pass: Skip the Line!
- Park Visitors Over the Years
- Times the Park Has Closed Unexpectedly
- Images for kids
- See also
Discovering Universal Studios Florida's History
Many rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida were created with help from the actual people who made the movies. Even the original stars often appear in the attractions! For example, Steven Spielberg, a famous movie director, helped create the E.T. Adventure ride. He also gave ideas for Back to the Future: The Ride and Jaws.
Many actors from your favorite movies have returned to play their characters in the rides. You can see Will Smith in Men in Black: Alien Attack and the voices of The Simpsons characters in The Simpsons Ride. Brendan Fraser is in Revenge of the Mummy, and the voices of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy are in Shrek 4-D. Even Peter Cullen and Frank Welker voice Optimus Prime and Megatron for Transformers: The Ride 3D. The stars of the Fast & Furious movies are also in Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
How the Park Started
Universal Studios Florida was planned to be both a fun theme park and a real movie studio. It was the first time Universal Studios built a theme park from scratch. Universal Studios Hollywood in California mostly had a studio tour back then. The idea for the Florida park was put on hold until 1986. That's when Steven Spielberg suggested adding a Back to the Future ride. He saw that the park could become a big competitor to nearby Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando.
The park cost about $630 million to build. Universal Studios owned half, and a company called The Rank Organisation owned the other half. Years later, Universal Studios partnered with The Rank Group again. They expanded Universal Studios Florida into a huge $2.5 billion resort. This included Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and several hotels.
The original Universal Studios in Hollywood had a famous studio tour. It showed special effects and even a shark attack from the movie Jaws. For the Florida park, Universal Studios turned these tour scenes into bigger, separate rides. For example, in Florida, guests could ride a boat through "Amity Harbor" and meet the Jaws shark up close. Universal Studios Florida used to have a studio tour that visited the production areas, but it closed in 1995.
Park Slogans Over Time
Universal Studios Florida has had several catchy slogans:
- 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)
The current slogan is Vacation Like You Mean It (since 2013). This slogan is also used for the entire Universal Orlando Resort.
Key Moments in Park History
- 1986: Land was cleared for the park. Universal Studios Florida was announced, planned to open in December 1989.
- 1988: Nickelodeon opened its first studio inside Universal Studios Florida. This delayed the park's opening to May 1, 1990.
- 1989: Universal Studios claimed that The Walt Disney Company copied some of their park ideas for Disney-MGM Studios.
- 1990: Universal Studios Florida officially opened on June 7. It had five themed areas: The Front Lot, Production Central, New York, San Francisco/Amity, Expo Center, and Hollywood. Nickelodeon Studios also opened. Some rides had technical problems, so guests received vouchers to return later.
- 1991: Back to the Future: The Ride opened and was very popular. The park also started "Fright Nights," which later became Halloween Horror Nights.
- 1993: The Jaws ride reopened with changes. Universal announced plans to expand into the Universal City, Florida resort.
- 1995: Universal Studios Florida celebrated its 5th anniversary. The Production Studio Tour closed.
- 1998: A new area, Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, opened. Twister...Ride it Out also opened. CityWalk, a dining and entertainment area, opened outside the park.
- 1999: Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster opened. Islands of Adventure opened next door.
- 2000: Men in Black: Alien Attack opened.
- 2002: Universal Studios Escape was renamed Universal Orlando Resort. Kongfrontation closed.
- 2003: Shrek 4-D opened.
- 2204: Revenge of the Mummy opened.
- 2005: Nickelodeon Studios closed. Fear Factor Live opened.
- 2008: The Simpsons Ride opened.
- 2009: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster opened.
- 2012: Jaws and the Amity area closed. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem opened.
- 2013: Transformers: The Ride 3D opened. The new Simpsons Land, called Springfield U.S.A., opened.
- 2014: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley officially opened. The Hogwarts Express connected it to Islands of Adventure.
- 2015: Disaster! and Twister...Ride it Out closed to make way for new attractions.
- 2017: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opened.
- 2018: Fast & Furious: Supercharged opened. A new night show, Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration, debuted.
- 2020: The park closed for almost three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bourne Stuntacular opened in June.
Remembering Past Attractions
Like all theme parks, Universal Studios Florida sometimes closes older rides to make room for new ones. Some famous rides that have closed include Kongfrontation, Back to the Future: The Ride, and Jaws. The park often includes small tributes to these old rides for long-time visitors.
For example, the area where Diagon Alley is now used to be called Amity Island, based on the town from the Jaws movie. When Diagon Alley was built, Universal added small nods to the Jaws ride. You can find shark jawbones in Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary!
Nickelodeon Studios, which was once a big part of the park, became a Blue Man Group show in 2007.
Exploring the Park's Design
Universal Studios Florida has eight themed areas, all built around a large lagoon. In 2012, the lagoon became the stage for Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories. This amazing show featured scenes from Universal movies with lasers, projectors, fountains, and fireworks.
The eight themed areas are Production Central, New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, and Hollywood. Each area has rides, shows, character meet-and-greets, places to eat, and shops. The newest area, Diagon Alley, opened in July 2014.
Production Central: Lights, Camera, Action!
This area is all about movie making and big attractions.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (2012): A fun simulator ride with characters from the Despicable Me movies.
- Shrek 4-D (2003): A 4-D film show that brings the Shrek characters to life.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (2009): A thrilling steel roller coaster where you can choose your own music!
- Universal Music Plaza Stage (2009): An outdoor stage next to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. It hosts many concerts and can hold up to 8,000 people.
- Transformers: The Ride 3D (2013): A 3D dark ride based on the Transformers movies.
- Universal's Superstar Parade (2012): A colorful parade featuring characters from Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
You can also find places to eat like TODAY Cafe and Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe. Shops include Universal Studios Store and Super Silly Stuff.
New York: City That Never Sleeps
This area makes you feel like you're in the middle of New York City.
- Revenge of the Mummy (2004): An exciting indoor roller coaster based on The Mummy movies.
- The Blues Brothers Show (1991): A live musical show featuring The Blues Brothers.
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (2017): A ride based on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where you race through New York City.
You can grab a bite at Finnegan's Bar and Grill or Louie's Italian Restaurant. There's also a Starbucks Coffee and Ben & Jerry's. Look for a statue of Lew Wasserman, a key person in Universal's history.
San Francisco: Golden Gate Fun
- Fast & Furious: Supercharged (2018): A thrilling dark ride based on The Fast and the Furious movies. This ride uses a "Virtual Line" system, so you can pick a time to ride!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley/London: Magic Awaits!
This magical area is the second part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (2014): A dark indoor steel roller coaster where you join Harry Potter and his friends on an adventure.
- Hogwarts Express (2014): A train ride that takes you between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. You can see scenes from the Harry Potter movies outside your window!
Opened on July 8, 2014, Diagon Alley also has the Leaky Cauldron restaurant. You can visit famous shops like Ollivanders Wand Shop and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
World Expo: Global Adventures
- Fear Factor Live (2005): A live stunt show based on the TV show Fear Factor.
- Men in Black: Alien Attack (2000): A shooting dark ride where you try to zap as many aliens as you can!
Springfield: Home of The Simpsons!
- The Simpsons Ride (2008): A simulator ride that takes you on a wild adventure with all your favorite Simpsons characters.
- Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl (2013): A spinning ride featuring the aliens Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons.
This area used to be part of World Expo until 2017.
Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone: Fun for Everyone!
This area is perfect for younger guests and families.
- Animal Actors on Location (1990): A live show where trained animals show off their amazing talents.
- Curious George Goes to Town (1998): A fun play area with water features and soft foam ball cannons.
- Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster (1999): A simple, family-friendly roller coaster themed to Woody Woodpecker.
- Fievel's Playland (1992): A playground based on An American Tail. It has a 30-foot spider web and a 200-foot water slide!
- E.T. Adventure (1990): Based on Steven Spielberg's famous movie. You ride bikes to help E.T. get back to his home planet. This is the only E.T. Adventure ride left in Universal Parks!
Hollywood: Glamour and Shows
- Universal's Horror Make-Up Show (1990): A live show that reveals how special effects for horror movies are made.
- The Bourne Stuntacular (2020): A live action stunt show based on the Jason Bourne film series.
You can eat at Mel's Drive-In, which looks like a classic diner.
Lagoon: Nighttime Spectaculars
- Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration (2018): A fantastic nighttime show on the lagoon. It features water screens, fireworks, and dancing fountains. The show brings moments from movies like Jurassic World, The Fast and the Furious, Harry Potter, and films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation.
Meeting Your Favorite Characters
Universal Studios Florida is home to many famous characters you can meet!
Characters You Can Meet Now
- In Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, Hello Kitty, Doc Brown, Scooby-Doo and his friends, Dora and Boots, and characters from Madagascar.
- In Production Central: Gru, the Minions, and other Despicable Me characters. Also, Beetlejuice, Frankenstein's monster, Count Dracula, Shrek and his friends, and Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
- In World Expo: Agent K and Agent J from Men in Black.
- In Springfield: The whole Simpsons family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Also Krusty the Clown.
- In Woody Woodpecker's KidZone: Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, Curious George, SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends, characters from Trolls, E.T., and Fievel.
- In New York: The Blues Brothers and Hashtag the Panda.
- In San Francisco: Bruce the Shark from Jaws.
- In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley: You can see live performances by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. You can also interact with The Knight Bus conductor.
Past Characters You Might Remember
Some characters who used to appear include Barney the Dinosaur, Chilly Willy, Yogi Bear, Fred Flintstone, George Jetson, Ren and Stimpy, and Jimmy Neutron.
Behind the Scenes: Production Facilities
Universal Studios Florida is not just a theme park; it's also a real working studio! Many movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos have been filmed here. It was once the home of Nickelodeon Studios from 1990 to 2005.
The park has six soundstages, which are large studios used for filming. Soundstage 18 was once part of Nickelodeon Studios and later became the Sharp Aquos Theatre for the Blue Man Group. Soundstage 21 was used by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling) for their TV shows. During Halloween Horror Nights, these soundstages are sometimes turned into haunted houses!
Many TV shows like SeaQuest DSV and Superboy were filmed here. Game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud have also taped episodes at the studios. Even parts of movies like Parenthood and Psycho IV: The Beginning were filmed at Universal Studios Florida.
Exciting Annual Events
Universal Studios Florida hosts several special events throughout the year. Some are included with your park ticket, while others require a separate ticket.
Grad Bash and Gradventure
These are special parties for graduating high school (Grad Bash) and middle school (Gradventure) students. They get to enjoy the park's rides, live music, and dance parties all night long!
Halloween Horror Nights
During Halloween Horror Nights, the park transforms into a giant haunted place. It features scary zones, haunted houses, and special shows. This event happens every year in late September, October, and early November.
Macy's Holiday Parade
In December, you can see some of the giant balloons from the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade right here in Orlando! This month-long event celebrates Christmas at the park.
Mardi Gras
From February to April, Universal Studios Florida hosts a parade and concert series inspired by New Orleans' Fat Tuesday celebration. Guests can catch beads thrown from the parade floats!
Rock the Universe
Rock the Universe is a Christian music festival. It features two days of concerts with popular Christian music artists. This event usually takes place in January or February.
Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series brings a variety of popular music artists to perform live at The Universal Music Plaza Stage during the summer months.
A Celebration of Harry Potter
This annual three-day event in late January celebrates the amazing world of Harry Potter. Fans can enjoy special activities and shows at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Universal Express Pass: Skip the Line!
Most rides at Universal Studios Florida offer an Express Pass. This pass lets you use a separate line that moves faster, so you spend less time waiting. You can enter the Express Pass line whenever you want. This pass is not included with your regular park admission.
Park Visitors Over the Years
Universal Studios Florida welcomes millions of guests each year!
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Worldwide rank |
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| 6,231,000 | 5,530,000 | 5,925,000 | 6,044,000 | 6,195,000 | 7,062,000 | 8,263,000 | 9,585,000 | 9,998,000 | 10,198,000 | 10,708,000 | 11 |
Times the Park Has Closed Unexpectedly
The park has had to close a few times for safety reasons:
- September 15, 1999, due to Hurricane Floyd
- September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attacks
- August 2004, due to Hurricane Charley
- October 7, 2016, due to Hurricane Matthew
- September 10–12, 2017, due to Hurricane Irma
- March 16 – June 4, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Images for kids
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Soundstages 18 and 19 at the park were home to Nickelodeon Studios prior to the debut of the Blue Man Group show.
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Universal Studios Florida 2012.jpg
Universal Studios Florida's lagoon at night, during the Cinematic Spectacular
See also
In Spanish: Universal Studios Florida para niños
