Jurassic World Ride

Overview

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of prehistoric predators and lush landscapes aboard Jurassic World – The Ride, a captivating dark water ride attraction located within Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, United States. Opened on July 12, 2019, this high-tech experience offers a journey into the cinematic universe of the 'Jurassic World' films, replacing the beloved 'Jurassic Park: The Ride'. Guests embark on a river raft adventure, encountering life-sized dinosaurs and navigating a narrative where the park's genetically engineered creatures escape their enclosures.

Situated in the Lower Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood, the ride culminates in an exhilarating 84-foot water plunge, ensuring a memorable, and likely wet, finale. The attraction has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches (107 cm), with children under 48 inches (122 cm) needing a supervising companion. The entire experience, from queue to splashdown, lasts approximately 7 minutes and 6 seconds, plunging visitors into a dynamic story where they become part of the action.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of Jurassic World – The Ride dates back to the original 'Jurassic Park: The Ride', which operated from June 21, 1996, until its closure on September 3, 2018. The original attraction was a monumental undertaking, reportedly costing $110 million, making it one of the most expensive theme park rides of its era. Its concept was inspired by Michael Crichton's 'Jurassic Park' novel and its film adaptation, specifically a river raft sequence cut from the movie.

The decision to re-theme the ride was officially announced on May 10, 2018, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebration of Steven Spielberg's iconic 1993 film, 'Jurassic Park'. The refurbishment aimed to align the attraction with the newer blockbuster films, 'Jurassic World' (2015) and 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' (2018). Universal Creative, led by project director Jon Corfino, collaborated closely with filmmakers such as Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall, and even sought final approval from Steven Spielberg, ensuring the new experience remained faithful to the franchise's spirit while incorporating modern storytelling and technology.

What Makes It Special

Jurassic World – The Ride stands out for its deep immersion and cutting-edge technology. The attraction seamlessly blends a thrilling water ride with an original narrative that unfolds within the established 'Jurassic World' timeline. Visitors are transported to Isla Nublar, a vibrant yet dangerous island, where they embark on what begins as a serene tour of dinosaur habitats.

A key feature is the integration of high-definition digital screens and sophisticated animatronics. Guests encounter a massive Mosasaurus in its Aquarium Observatory, brought to life with 3D effects and realistic visuals designed in collaboration with Industrial Light & Magic. The ride also features advanced animatronic dinosaurs with more fluid and lifelike movements than their predecessors, including a dramatic, updated Indominus rex animatronic in the ride's climax. Adding to the authenticity, Chris Pratt as Owen Grady, Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing, and BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu reprise their film roles, appearing in video segments throughout the experience to guide and warn guests.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The journey on Jurassic World – The Ride begins with an apparent tranquil boat tour, guiding guests through zones like Herbivore Valley to observe a peaceful mother Stegosaurus and her baby, alongside a Parasaurolophus. However, the peaceful facade quickly shatters when alarms signal the escape of the formidable Indominus rex.

Guests are then thrust into Predator Cove, where signs of chaos, such as a crashed Gyrosphere and squabbling Compsognathus, hint at the danger ahead. The narrative intensifies with encounters featuring predatory Velociraptors and even venom-spitting Dilophosaurus, all leading to an epic showdown between the Indominus rex and the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. The ride culminates as guests narrowly escape this fierce battle by plunging down an 84-foot waterfall. For a touch of nostalgia, keen-eyed visitors might spot subtle 'Easter eggs' or throwbacks to the original ride, such as a classic raptor animatronic in the lift hill area.

Beyond the main attraction, the surrounding 'Jurassic World' mini-land at Universal Studios Hollywood enhances the immersion. Visitors can engage in a Raptor Encounter to meet Blue, the intelligent Velociraptor, or participate in the Triceratops Encounter with Juliet. For younger paleontologists, the DinoPlay area offers an interactive space to excavate giant dinosaur fossils. Themed dining at Jurassic Cafe and refreshing beverages at Isla Nu-Bar complete the experience, extending the adventure beyond the ride vehicle itself.

Visitor Perspective

From a visitor's perspective, Jurassic World – The Ride delivers a high-octane, immersive adventure that captures the essence of the 'Jurassic World' films. The transition from a calm boat ride to a suspenseful escape creates a compelling narrative that keeps guests on the edge of their seats. The state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects contribute significantly to the feeling of being truly surrounded by dinosaurs, making each encounter feel palpable.

Given its nature as a water ride, guests should anticipate getting wet, especially from the dramatic final splashdown. For convenience, the attraction offers Universal Express access and a Single Rider Line to help manage wait times. Families traveling with small children can utilize the Child Switch service, allowing adults to experience the ride while another supervises non-riders. Additionally, guests can purchase photos of their thrilling 84-foot drop as a souvenir from Jurassic Outfitters, a themed retail store located nearby.