Universal Studios Florida has changed substantially since opening in 1990, retiring several attractions that once defined the park’s movie-production identity.
Among the earliest departures was Kongfrontation, an opening-day attraction that took guests through a simulated New York City encounter with King Kong. It closed in 2002, and Revenge of the Mummy, an indoor coaster based on the 1999 film, opened in the space in 2004.
Back to the Future: The Ride closed permanently in 2007 after more than 15 years of operation. Universal replaced the motion simulator with The Simpsons Ride in 2008. The park’s JAWS attraction followed in January 2012; its former waterfront area became The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which opened in 2014.
Other practical-effects attractions also made way for screen-based experiences. Twister…Ride It Out closed in November 2015 and was replaced by Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2017. Disaster!, which had evolved from opening-day attraction Earthquake: The Big One, closed in September 2015. Fast & Furious: Supercharged opened in that location in 2018.
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Fast & Furious: Supercharged later had its final operating day on August 16, 2026, and closed permanently the next day. Universal has announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, an outdoor roller coaster scheduled for 2027, but has not announced what will replace Supercharged in its former building.
The resort has also retired Terminator 2: 3-D, Shrek 4-D, Dragon Challenge, Poseidon’s Fury and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The changes come as Universal continues to add franchise-based lands and newer ride technology, including the May 2025 opening of Epic Universe, its fourth theme park alongside Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
