Jurassic World - The Ride Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood

By: Sabina Graves

Escape from a dangerous dinosaur encounter on "Jurassic World - The Ride" at Universal Studios Hollywood and feel like you’re on Isla Nublar in the newly updated areas inspired by the blockbuster films.

Grand Opening!

Kidzworld recently visited Universal Studios Hollywood for the Grand Opening of "Jurassic World - The Ride" which included awesome pyrotechnics to celebrate the occasion! Also, there in attendance were stars of the film Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, as well as the director of Jurassic World Colin Trevorrow. And let’s not forget the real star of the movie Blue, the Velociraptor who shared a cute moment with her on-screen trainer Pratt.

It Just Got Real!

The classic Universal Studios ride based on Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park just got a new makeover to make you feel like you’re entering Jurassic World on a trip to the theme park John Hammond dreamed of--as if things are totally under control this time and by things, we totally mean the dinosaurs.

The in-universe immersion has so much attention to detail between a new storyline that fits the latest films in the Jurassic series and the look of the cool blues and greys of the new theme park in Colin Trevorrow’s recent installment. Walking in the queue you see educational signs that teach you about the dinosaurs you will see on the “peaceful” water boat ride through the dino environment. On the screens above the queue, you see familiar faces like Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), Dr. Henry Wu (Bd Wong) talking about their work with the living giants that are walking the earth again. Or swimming like the Mosasaurus whose tank you pass by as you adventure through Jurassic World where things are completely normal until they’re not.

The premise of the ride places you right in the center of the action of when things go horribly wrong in the first Jurassic World. You see the Indominus Rex cage ripped open and are suddenly surrounded by spitting dinosaurs as Owen warns you to remain calm. Up until that point you’re swept from a beautiful majestic cruise surrounded by your fave herbivore’s to suddenly finding yourself in the middle of an epic fight between the colossal T-Rex and the Indo. With the help from Blue the Velociraptor, you make a perilous escape into the waters below on a drop to safety. 

Exit Safely Through the Gift Shop

At Jurassic Outfitters you will find a keepsake photo of the thrilling adventure you just had and awesome items inspired by the movies from both Jurassic World and Jurassic Park. Whether it’s gear for raptor training, or masks to mix in with the dinos, there’s something for everyone. There’s also amazing collectible pieces inspired by the movies and maybe a dinosaur or two to take home. Safety not guaranteed--of course.

If you’re not into drops or have little ones with you, there’s also a new interactive Dino Play area that invites you to some exploration around giant dinosaur fossils. There’s a massive Triceratops skull you can walk through and some areas to sit while the rest of the party gets on the ride.

Meet Life-like Dinos

Walking around the Isla Nublar inspired area, you’ll meet various trainers and their friends including a cute baby Raptor named Tango. You can get up close to it but be careful, she’s a little nibbly! There’s also a life-size and very life-like Triceratops you can get near and an updated Raptor Encounter with Blue that’s equal parts thrilling and amazing. It’s the best interactive experience in the area where you get to help a raptor trainer and also get a picture with the Jurassic World dino heroine.

Carnivorous or Hominvourus: There’s Food For Everyone!

The new menu at Jurassic Cafe boasts a great selection of Costa Rican inspired meal options for all sorts of eaters in your family. We loved the slow-roasted (and Gluten-Free) Mojo Pork and if you’re looking for meat alternative with the same flavor-- there’s the Mojo Jackfruit. Additionally, there are burgers and chicken plates as well as filling snacks like guacamole with plantain chips, fresh fruit salads, and chorizo potato empanadas. The empanadas were our snack fave and easy to munch on while in line for the ride! For parents not too keen on getting on the water adventure, there are waterside drink adventures to be had at the Tiki Isla-Nu Bar.

Summer at Universal Studios

As we’re in the thick of summer, there’s so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood. For Harry Potter fans, the Dark Arts Nighttime show in the Wizarding World will be going on until August 11^th with amazing drone Patronus magic. New characters are also making appearances in the parks like Trolls’ Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond (who farts glitter and yes, it is as exciting as that sounds to see).

"Stranger Things" are Happening this Fall

At Halloween Horror Nights (September 13^th - November 3^rd), you can experience Netflix’s "Stranger Things" in a maze inspired by seasons 2 and 3 of the show where you can run from Demodogs and through scenes like the Battle at Starcourt! Fingers crossed for some Scoops Ahoy inspired ice cream too. This maze leads the charge at Universal’s annual Halloween event which will also include mazes based on movies like Ghostbusters and the original Universal Monsters.

Share With Other Kidzworld Users

Are you planning a trip to Universal? When is your favorite time to go and what are your favorite rides? Let us know in the comments below if you’re excited for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Jurassic World ride, Harry Potter Dark Arts or Stranger Things at Horror Nights later this year!!!