When you think of classic Universal Studios attractions, where does your mind go? JAWS? Back to the Future? Kongfrontation? Wow, there’s a lot missing now!
While the park continually evolves with new, sometimes questionable additions (looking at you, Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon), there’s something special about the classic attractions that have stood the test of time. These three favorites still stand today, bringing us back to Universal’s roots in both theming and storytelling.
E.T. Adventure
One of the earliest attractions in Universal Studios Florida, E.T. Adventure has remained a beloved classic since it opened with the park in 1990.
The nostalgic charm and sense of wonder pays tribute to Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, capturing the heart of the movie’s magic and emotion, and exploring the once-unknown realm of the Green Planet, inspired by the 1985 novel E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet, which serves as a written sequel to the film. The queue itself is one of the greatest theme park queues of all time, transporting you to an LA forest in the middle of a nighttime search for E.T.
This gentle, family-friendly suspended dark ride embarks on an intergalactic journey to help E.T. return to his home planet. The adventure begins once you board cleverly-designed bicycle ride vehicles, and travel through a series of woodsy landscapes, soaring high above Los Angeles, before encountering cute and weird alien creatures on the Green Planet and a final personalized send-off from E.T. himself.
Revenge of the Mummy
Since its opening in 2004, this indoor roller coaster has captivated thrill-seekers with its mix of fast-paced roller coaster action and spooky theming. The ride is set in the cursed tombs of ancient Egypt, before gliding through a maze of traps and terrifying moments, all while trying to escape the wrath of Imhotep.
The combination of dark ride elements, audio-animatronics, impressive special effects, Brendan Fraser getting his cup of coffee [ghostly swoosh], twisting, dropping, and backwards high-speed coaster moments creates a thrilling, spooky story experience. Despite the initial trepidation of replacing the incomparable (but technically inconsistent) Kongfrontation, Revenge of the Mummy was an immediate success, and reigns as a true classic itself today. Your souls are miiiiine!
Horror Make Up Show
If you’re a fan of horror films or just curious about the magic behind special effects, Horror Make-Up Show is an absolute must-see. This live-action show has been a Universal Studios staple since its debut in 1990. It’s locked into the time of “behind the scenes” edutainment experiences, and remains as one of the park’s classic attractions today.
Hosted by a humorous pair of “special effects artists”, the show takes the audience behind the scenes of some of the most iconic Universal horror films, showcasing the art of makeup, prosthetics, and visual effects that gave us all childhood nightmares.
During the show, you’ll witness a live demonstration of how some movie-magic special effects work, with an actual volunteer from the audience. The lobby of the theater acts as a sort of preshow, with actual props and factoids on display from classic Universal Monster movies to Spielberg blockbusters of the 1990s. It’s a mix of humor, horror, and educational content that makes it a unique and fun experience for all ages.
Honorable Mention
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Mega Movie Parade which debuted last summer, and returns in April 2025. This epic parade pays larger-than-life homages to Universal classics such as JAWS, E.T., Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic Park. These beloved IPs also show up via water projections and drones in the nighttime spectacular, Cinesational. Don’t miss them!
Why These Classics Matter
While Universal Studios Florida is home to thrilling, state-of-the-art attractions, the classic rides like Revenge of the Mummy, The Horror Make-Up Show, and E.T. Adventure are an essential part of the park’s identity. These attractions offer a unique mix of nostalgia, creativity, and entertainment that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned park-goer, these timeless experiences will always have a place in the hearts of Universal fans.
So, the next time you visit Universal Studios Florida, be sure to carve out some time for these classic attractions. They’re more than just rides – they’re a part of the park’s rich history and a tribute to the movie magic that has made Universal a legendary destination for thrill-seekers and movie lovers alike.
