Did you visit Florida as a kid? If so, you’ll no doubt have endless memories of theatrical rides and mind-boggling shows in some of the best theme parks in the world. There’s no end to the magic in the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, but the parks are constantly evolving. Some of your favourite childhood rides may have sadly closed for good to make space for new and exciting attractions.
Up for a throwback? Join us on a journey through Florida’s most loved and missed attractions from over the years…
Twister…Ride it Out – Universal Studios
For many years, Twister…Ride It Out was one of Universal’s most famous special effect attractions. It brought the 1996 movie to life on a rip-roaring adventure including exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with Twister stars, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, and a lifelike rendition of a scene from the movie.
The queue itself was impressive, taking you through the town of Wakita with footage of tornadoes playing on retro televisions. This ride is really all about the big finale though, where you get a taste of what it’s like to be a storm chaser. Dark clouds loomed, lightning struck outside a gas station and it all became very dark and eerie before the tornado appeared.
Guests loved this attraction because the special effects were so spectacular. The final scene descended into total chaos, with gas pumps exploding into flames, roofs collapsing and the likes of trucks and cows flying through the air. The whole experience left you feeling awe-struck and filled with adrenaline, but sadly the ride was closed in 2015 to make space for a new attraction, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Jaws – Universal Studios
This one is perhaps one of the most famous and most-loved rides in the whole of Florida. Based on the iconic movie, Jaws took guests on a boat ride through dangerous waters with a charismatic skipper trying hard to lead them to safety. There were so many twists and turns, and of course, more than a few scary shark sightings!
A boat ride through shark-infested waters is no mean feat, and some guests were white with fear and on the edge of their seats as they narrowly dodged a bloody attack. It was some of Universal’s best work, combining classic cinema with clever technology and special effects to give guests an unforgettable experience.
The theme park world was devastated when it was announced that Jaws would close for good in 2011. However, it was replaced by the phenomenal Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you look closely, you’ll find a nod to Jaws in the London area of Diagon Alley – The Quint Trio’s ‘Here’s To Swimmin’ With Bowlegged Women’ is on display in the record shop.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter – Disney World
The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter is probably one of the most frightening rides Disney has ever had! It’s even said that the scariness of this sci-fi thrill ride was the reason it closed back in 2003. If any of you have been on it, you’ll remember that for a Disney attraction, it was quite intense!
The experience started with an introduction to scientific organisation X-S Tech, at the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center. An animatronic robot told the guests about a new transportation technology before ushering them into a room where they would witness it for themselves. This is when things started to go wrong…
A terrifying extraterrestrial creature was transported into the tube at the centre of the room, soon smashing the glass, breaking free and terrorising the guests. The room plunged into darkness and along with alarming sounds, the audience felt the creature breathing on them, shaking their chairs and even drooling on them. The Alien Encounter was replaced with a tamer version centred around cheeky Disney favourite, Stitch, in 2003.
Back to the Future – Universal Studios
Journeying through time with the wild and wonderful Doc Brown from Back To The Future was an experience Universal Studios guests simply loved. This spectacular motion simulator was one of the finest we’ve seen and really threw you into the heart of the action.
The story followed notorious villain, Biff, stealing the original DeLorean and locking Doc away in his lab. The only chance of the world being saved was for the time travel volunteers (you!) to take Doc’s new eight-seater DeLorean and follow Biff through time. You would swoop through Hill Valley before hitting 88 miles per hour being catapulted back into prehistoric times.
The last trip aboard the DeLorean in Universal Studios was back in 2007, before it was replaced with a new Simpsons attraction using the same fantastic simulator. However, you can still get your photo taken with the DeLorean and Doc’s time travelling train next to Springfield.
Kongfrontation – Universal Studios
Kongfrontation opened in 1990 and was the main attraction in Universal’s New York area. Especially for its time, it was truly a spectacle. Guests would board an open-air tram vehicle on a mission to Roosevelt Island. As you’d expect, the journey was far from boring.
It didn’t take long for this ride to descend into chaos as Kong attacked the city, furiously grabbing at your tram and unleashing almighty roars before being struck down by helicopters in the skies above. With so much action and excitement, it quickly became one of Universal’s most famous attractions, welcoming visitors from all over the world.
The ride lasted 12 years, before closing down to make room for Revenge of the Mummy in 2002. The new attraction was sure to carry Kong with it though, with bananas subtly painted on the walls, a tourist at the beginning of the ride wearing a ‘Kong Rules’ slogan hat and even a three-foot golden Kong statue which can be spotted in the treasure room of the Mummy attraction.
The Great Movie Ride – Walt Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM Studios) is all about bringing movie magic to life. The Great Movie Ride was a firm favourite, taking you through some of the most iconic moments in the history of cinema, warming your heart, putting you on the edge of your seat and reigniting your love for the movies.
Some of the scenes you’d pass on your journey were from the likes of Indiana Jones, Fantasia, Alien, The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. Sometimes you would pass spritely animatronics, and sometimes you’d even see live actors along the way. This journey through the movies was truly one to remember!
After opening in May 1989 inside a replica of Hollywood’s famous Chinese Theatre, The Great Movie Ride made a name for itself as one of the most iconic rides in Walt Disney World’s history. The attraction sadly closed in 2017, and in its place is the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Shrek 4-D – Universal Studios
As soon as it came out back in 2001, Shrek won the hearts of people of all ages with its clever wit, classic adventure and tales of friendship and romance. Universal Studios took this success on board and opened their own themed attraction, Shrek 4-D, just two years later.
Shrek 4-D saw a new story, The Ghost of Lord Farquaad, brought to life through a pre-show scene in a Duloc dungeon with classic characters Pinocchio, the Three Little Pigs and Gingy, followed by a large 4-D production in a theatre auditorium. The experience awakened all the senses – guests were given OgreVision goggles and encountered various smells and feelings along the way!
Although this attraction has always been hugely popular, it sadly closed its doors for the last time at the start of 2022. The replacement for Shrek 4-D has not yet been announced, but knowing Universal, you can bet it’ll be something spectacular!
Missing the buzz of Florida and its many fun-filled theme parks? So are we! Check out our deals to Florida and get ready to explore the many exciting new attractions that have been added since your last visit. Magic awaits!
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