Universal Orlando Resort has never stayed the same for very long. Ever since Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, the company has constantly updated attractions, replaced aging experiences, and introduced newer franchises to keep the parks feeling fresh.
That strategy helped Universal grow into one of the biggest names in the theme park industry. But it has also meant watching some of the park’s oldest attractions quietly disappear over time.
Now, one of Universal Studios Florida’s final opening-day attractions has officially closed its doors.
The Early Days of Universal Studios Florida
When Universal Studios Florida first opened, the park focused heavily on practical movie effects and immersive experiences. Guests did not just board rides — they became part of giant Hollywood productions.
Classic attractions like Jaws, Kongfrontation, Earthquake: The Big One, and Back to the Future: The Ride quickly became fan favorites during the park’s early years.
But most of those attractions no longer exist today.
Revenge of the Mummy replaced Kongfrontation years ago. The Simpsons Ride eventually took over the Back to the Future building. Earthquake later became Disaster!, before Fast & Furious: Supercharged moved into the location.
Even that attraction is not expected to last much longer, with Fast & Furious: Supercharged scheduled to close in 2027.
Universal’s willingness to evolve has helped keep the resort competitive, though many longtime fans still miss the park’s original movie-studio atmosphere.
A Legacy Experience Goes Dark
Starting May 12, the Horror Make-Up Show is officially closed at Universal Studios Florida.
The attraction had operated since opening day in 1990, making it one of the oldest surviving experiences in the park before this temporary closure.
The show offered something very different from Universal’s major thrill rides. Instead of giant coaster tracks or screen-based technology, guests watched live performers demonstrate horror-movie effects using prosthetics, fake blood, makeup tricks, and practical illusions.
Comedy also played a huge role in the attraction. Performers constantly joked with the audience, and unsuspecting guests often found themselves pulled onto the stage.
That combination of humor and old-school filmmaking tricks helped the Horror Make-Up Show develop a loyal following over the years.
The Attraction Is Not Gone Forever
Fortunately for longtime fans, Universal is not permanently closing the Horror Make-Up Show.
Instead, the attraction is being updated with refreshed material featuring a mix of modern and classic horror franchises. Universal is expected to preserve the show’s core identity while modernizing portions of the presentation.
The updated version is scheduled to reopen later in 2026.
For many fans, that feels like a huge relief. So many classic Universal attractions have disappeared permanently that simply seeing the Horror Make-Up Show survive in some form feels important.
The attraction remains one of the few surviving reminders of what Universal Studios Florida originally looked and felt like during the 1990s.
Universal Orlando Resort Is Constantly Changing
The Horror Make-Up Show closure comes during a busy stretch for the entire resort.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift continues rising over Universal Studios Florida, while Jurassic Park River Adventure remains closed for refurbishment at Islands of Adventure.
Meanwhile, construction around Lost Continent continues drawing attention from fans curious about Universal’s long-term expansion plans. Guests have also noticed ongoing work around Epic Universe, sparking even more speculation about what could eventually come next.
Universal Orlando Resort continues to grow rapidly, but every new addition also reminds longtime visitors how much the original parks have changed over the years.
Todo muy bonito pero extremadamente caro fuimos a epic y estaba lloviendo y tubimos que esperar y para entrar a mario cart esperamos 2 horas en espera para una divercion de 5 min