Two Classic Universal Attractions Are Permanently Closing in 2023

With Gru’s tiny, yellow employees claiming more real estate in Minion Park, certified classic attractions are getting the boot from Universal’s Park maps. Nestled between Minion Park and Jurassic Park is a fiery Hollywood show that’s been put on the back burner for three years—and it’s on the chopping block.

Based on Ron Howard’s 1991 film, Universal Studios Japan’s Backdraft demonstrated fire effects through an interactive show. After its slow reopening on September 14, 2020, following the COVID-19-prompted closures, Backdraft was put in limbo with another classic attraction.

Related: It’s Official: Universal Permanently Closing Beloved Attraction in 2024

The Arnold Schwarzenneger-fronted show, Terminator 2 3-D, was also put on ice after an underwhelming reopening in 2020. Following news of the beloved Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D shutting its doors in 2024, Universal Studios Japan confirmed both Backdraft and Terminator 2 3-D would hang their hats this year.

The last remaining worldwide Universal Park locations, Terminator 2 3-D, and Backdraft closures will mark the end of a Universal era.

These Rides Will Not ‘Be Back’

“When one ride’s door closes, another opens” marks the pattern Universal Guests have seen stateside. In 1996, Universal Studios Florida welcomed Guests on a journey into a world divided by humans and robots through Terminator 2 3-D. Arnold Schwarzenegger played T-800 and was joined by Edward Furlong, who portrayed John Conner in the interactive show.

Universal Studios Hollywood opened the former California Governor’s themed show three years later. Both Parks aimed to realize James Cameron’s vision of a mini-sequel to Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Still, Universal Florida and Universal Hollywood revamped the attraction into The Bourne Stuntacular and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, respectively.

As for Backdraft, the Hollywood location fired up the show in 1992 on the heels of the successful 1991 film of the same name. While it shut down in 2010 to create space for Transformers: The Ride, it held a spot in Universal Studios Japan until now.

What’s Next for These Terminated Attractions?

Universal Parks haven’t reported Terminator 2 3-D and Backdraft replacements in Japan. That said, Backdraft’s vacancy leaves space for more Minion-related expansions.

With Terminator 2 3-D across from the famed Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D, there’s a lot of crowd-pleasing potential to pack into the dueling closures.