Retired Attractions at Universal Orlando That You May Have Forgotten About
Universal Orlando Resort is always evolving, always innovating, always improving. When it’s time to make room for new amazement, saying goodbye to old favorites is never easy. Here’s a look back at some beloved rides, shows, and attractions from the past.
Here are a few to be a blast from the past.
Back to the Future – The Ride
Great Scott! Doc Brown sent you screaming through time and space on a 1.21-jigowatt adventure—in Sensurround, no less. You’d fly from 2015 Hill Valley through an Ice Age avalanche, into the clutches of a dinosaur and back to the future, all to stop Biff from altering the future. Doc and friends left us in 2007 to make way for The Simpsons Ride™.
Fast Facts
- The Doc Brown strolling character is available for meet-and-greets in Universal Studios Florida™.
Disaster!® – A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring YOU
You went behind the scenes at Disaster Studios and learned the secrets of disaster films from the “Master of Mayhem” himself, writer/producer/director/studio executive/self-proclaimed genius Frank Kincaid. Disaster! closed in 2015 in preparation for Fast & Furious – Supercharged™.
Fast Facts
- The ride vehicle was a recreation of the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) subway system in San Francisco.
Dragon Challenge
This rollercoaster ride within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ sent you twisting and looping across the sky as you rode aboard one of two dragons—an aggressive Chinese Fireball or a ferocious Hungarian Horntail. Dragon Challenge™ closed in 2017 to make way for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™—now open.
Fast Facts
- Dragon Challenge was actually two high-speed roller coasters—and each “dragon” offered a completely different ride.
Jaws
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, a giant fin sliced through the waves and you were suddenly face to face with three tons of Great White fury—Jaws®. The big beast left the park in 2012 to make room for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™.
Fast Facts
- The Quint Trio’s recording, “Here’s to Swimmin’ with Bowlegged Women” can be seen in the record shop in the London area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™.
- Guests can take pictures with the hanging shark in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida™.
Kongfrontation
When Universal Studios Florida™ opened in 1990, Kongfrontation was a main attraction. Kong was on the loose in Manhattan and riders were threatened as he grabbed their tram, dropping it after being fired on by police helicopters. Kongfrontation closed in 2002, replaced by Revenge of the Mummy™.
Now there’s an all-new way to experience the great beast. Discover Skull Island: Reign of Kong™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™.
Fast Facts
Reminders of Kongfrontation can be found throughout Revenge of the Mummy™. Look for:
- Bananas painted on the wall
- The tourist dummy at the beginning of the attraction wearing a hat that reads “Kong Rules”
- A three-foot-tall golden Kong statue inside the treasure room of the attraction
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