Universal Studios Japan has confirmed the much-anticipated return of the long-closed roller coaster Space Fantasy – The Ride.
Universal’s Thrill Ride Supremacy
Although Disney remains Universal’s primary theme park competitor, Universal has long excelled in delivering high-octane thrill rides. From the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster set to debut in 2026 – to its latest park, Universal Studios Beijing, adrenaline-inducing experiences take center stage across the globe.
Among Universal’s most iconic thrill rides is Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, which offers an intense, high-speed chase through a prehistoric landscape. Additionally, Revenge of the Mummy, inspired by the Brendan Fraser film franchise, delivers an exhilarating indoor coaster experience at Universal locations in Hollywood, Florida, and Singapore.
In recent years, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has received particular acclaim, particularly at Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This family-friendly yet exhilarating ride invites guests to join Hagrid on an unforgettable journey through the Forbidden Forest, where they can experience sudden drops, backward launches, and speeds up to 50 mph, all set against breathtaking surroundings and impressive animatronics.
Space Fantasy – The Ride Returns
Further afield, Universal Studios Japan’s Space Fantasy—The Ride has garnered praise since its debut in 2010, replacing the beloved E.T. Adventure (which says a lot, considering how beloved the latter is among parkgoers).
This innovative spinning roller coaster offers a spectacular array of special effects and immersive theming that transports guests to a fantastical realm. “Embark on an adventure through space, full of a sense of freedom,” states the Universal Studios Japan website. “An adventure through space filled with a sense of freedom is about to begin!”
Riders are immersed in a dynamic experience featuring interactive projection screens, onboard audio, dazzling lasers, and vibrant fiber optics. Occasionally enhanced with cutting-edge virtual reality technology, Space Fantasy – The Ride also highlights Japan’s Cool Japan initiative, which promotes elements of Japanese culture that international visitors often find “cool.”
Reopening Plans for Space Fantasy – The Ride
Space Fantasy—The Ride last operated in January 2023. Now, Universal Studios Japan has announced that it will officially reopen on January 25, 2025!
While the ride will return, reports indicate it will not feature any VR overlays for Cool Japan in 2025. Allegedly, the entire park will skip this event due to budget cuts.
Other Attractions Closed at Universal Studios Japan
Several other attractions at Universal Studios Japan remain closed. Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race, Sesame’s Big Drive, and Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood have all been closed indefinitely since 2020. Jurassic Park—The Ride also closed indefinitely in September 2023 for what has been described as a two-year refurbishment.
Additionally, Shrek’s 4-D Adventure and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic are currently closed, with plans to reopen on November 18. The park is also set to launch its SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expansion featuring Donkey Kong Country before the end of the year, following a delay in its spring opening.
What’s your favorite Universal ride?
