10 Universal Studios Attractions That Are Gone Forever

Universal Studios Florida is now one of the top theme park destination for families from around the world. However, when the park opened in 1990, that was not the case. Most of the original rides had exceedingly long wait times and numerous mechanical problems. This left guests dissatisfied, swearing to never return again. They’ve since bounced back from this failed launch, but the original opening was still pretty abysmal. Out of nowhere, Universal Studios recently announced that they would be bringing back the infamous King Kong ride that has been closed since 2002. Since 1990, 35 rides have closed. This list covers 10 of the most popular attractions that are no longer running at Universal Studios Florida, and probably never will be again.

Back to the Future: The Ride

Opening in 1991, this ride was based on the iconic Back To The Future films. This simulation ride allowed guests to travel through time as they chased down the film’s villain Biff Tannen. In 2007, the ride was unfortunately closed, and now The Simpsons Ride stands in its place. It’s highly unlikely it will return due to the lack of studio interest in the franchise.

Star Toons Character Meet and Greet

Meeting characters is a highlight for guests of all ages. After all, it’s not every day you can get a big hug from a real cartoon character. After watching the characters dance and sing on stage during the Star Toons performance, guests could take pictures and get their autograph books signed. The show had a decent run from 1993 to 2008.

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Show

This infamous stage show opened in 1992, but it failed to make an impact at the park, so it closed down a year later. This 16-minute show featured characters from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. In its place, Star Toons was built. Most people don’t even know the duo of Rocky and Bullwinkle, so it’s safe to say that this show won’t be making a comeback.

Kongfrontation

Modeled after the 1976 remake of King Kong, the zeitgeist surrounding this ride is still going strong, even after its closure in 2002. Fans have been clamoring for the return of a King Kong attraction for many years. With the recently announced Skull Island: Reign of Kong, fans are finally getting what they want, but it probably won’t bear any resemblance to the original ride design. Kongfrontation will have to live on in the memories of those who experienced it.

Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast

90’s children probably remember the boy genius Jimmy Neutron, but might not know that there was once a Jimmy Neutron themed ride at Universal. It opened in 2003 but was replaced in 2012 by Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. With no word of the Jimmy Neutron franchise returning and the popularity of Minion Mayhem, don’t hold your breath for this one to return.

Star Toons

Star Toons was a short-lived stage show at Universal Studios Orlando. It was only around three years, but it did a great job highlighting the classic characters from the Hanna-Barbara universe. The focus on cartoons of the yesteryear doesn’t really resonate with people the way it used to, so this attraction is as good as gone.

Stage 54

Debuting in 1997, Stage 54 was a must see for movie enthusiasts. The attraction showed props from popular Universal Pictures films. It was constantly updating with new props from the new films that were being released. Some of the movies displayed were Babe, Small Soldiers, The Mummy, and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It eventually closed in 2003, so guests could meet Shrek’s favorite pal Donkey at a new meet and greet location. Guests really enjoyed the novelty of Stage 54, but it’s unlikely we’ll see it return in the future.

Jaws

Jaws was one of the staple attractions at Universal Studios when it first opened, and the ride generated quite the reputation for itself. This water ride would transport guests into the world of Jaws and brought them up close and personal to the giant shark. Even with the popularity, it didn’t make sense for the park to keep the ride operating due to constant mechanical issues. It opened in 1990 and had its final day of operation in January of 2012. This one is dead in the water.

Earthquake: The Big One

Probably the most memorable attraction in Universal Studios history, this ride allowed guest to experience an 8.3 magnitude earthquake from inside a subway train. It went through many changes and updates over the year, but due to mechanical issues not dissimilar to Jaws and Kongfrontation, it was closed down. In 2008, it was replaced with Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You!

Ghostbusters Spooktacular

If you ask Universal Studios fans to name the 5 best attractions from the park’s past, a majority of them will mention the iconic Ghostbusters Spooktacular show. This 20-minute stage show was extremely popular but closed down in 1996 so the production of Twister…Ride it Out could begin. Even with the new Ghostbusters film on the way, it’s hard to imagine that Universal would develop a new attraction based on the franchise. Consider this ride busted!