By Susan Berg
The History of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal
Orlando resort was built as Universal's answer to the popularity of Walt Disney World. The park features rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, such as "The Mummy" and "The Simpsons." Like the Disney World complex, Universal Orlando also features hotels and an entertainment complex housing shows, restaurants and shopping facilities.
Development
Universal Studios was developed as a result of the popularity of the original Universal Studios theme park in California.
Construction
Construction on Universal Studios in Florida began in 1987. It opened to the public on June 7, 1990. The complete park complex was renamed Universal Orlando Resort.
Early Attractions
Attractions included versions of the "Earthquake," "King Kong" and "Jaws" experiences similar to those seen on the Hollywood studio tram tour.
Original Attractions
Original attractions included "Ghostbusters," "Back to the Future: The Ride," "The Wild, Wild, Wild West Stunt Show," and "Beetlejuice Graveyard Review." Current attractions include "The Simpson's Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Revenge of the Mummy" and "Men in Black Alien Attack."
Park Development
In 1999, a separate theme park was opened called Islands of Adventure. This park features attractions, such as "The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman," "The Cat in the Hat," "Jurassic Park Adventure" and "Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges."
Other Developments
In the early 2000s, Universal Studios opened several on-site hotels, including the Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. During this time period, Universal CityWalk, an entertainment, shopping and dining complex also opened to the public.
About the Author:
A writer and editor based in southeastern Wyoming, Susan Berg has over ten years of experience in the field. Berg earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Dayton. Her work has been published in the "Dayton Daily News" and online at websites including BiologyBiozine.com, Wcities.com, Trails.com, Travels.com and eHow.com.
Photo Credits:
Brandon Wholey (Wikimedia Commons)
