Universal Studios Orlando's Twister Ride: Replacement and Closing
Based on the venerable 1996 film "Twister," the Twister Ride at Universal Studios Orlando was a hit attraction formally titled "Twisters... Ride It Out." Featuring voiceovers from the actors of the original film, Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, the ride modeled a tornado encounter. Though first popular, the Twister ride closed its doors in 2015 after 17 years of running. The closing was ascribed to declining attendance, which finally resulted in the replacement by a new attraction, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Why did the Twister Ride close?
Two years after the movie came out, the Twister Ride opened in 1998. It first became rather popular and drew big numbers of people. But attendance on the ride started to drop with time. There are several reasons behind this fall in popularity:
Original Twister Film's Declining Interest
The interest in the ride dropped as the original "Twister" film's popularity declined. The ride's attractiveness mostly depended on the film's ongoing popularity; as the film's relevance dropped, the ride's appeal dropped as well. Less people seeking out the experience followed from this.
Rivals from Newer Attractions
New and thrilling attractions that Universal Studios Orlando constantly releases inevitably lead to rivalry for current rides. The Twister ride suffered more competition as more modern and immersive attractions opened up, which helped to further lower attendance.
Lessened Running Hours
The Twister ride first cut its running hours in 2009, opening just during busy times. Demand first remained strong enough to justify reopening the ride full-time, but it finally dropped and the ride closed in 2015.
Whipped the Twister Ride instead?
The closing of the Twister ride opened the path for a brand-new attraction to occupy. Opening "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon," a virtual reality simulator ride with riders on a whirl tour of New York City alongside the well-known late-night talk show host in 2017, Universal Studios Florida
race across New York starring Jimmy Fallon
Since its opening, this ride—which takes place in a structure evocative of 30 Rockefeller Plaza—has been a hit drawing big crowds. Using virtual reality technology to carry users through several famous New York City sites, including the Tonight Show studio, it presents a singular and immersive experience.
Though Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon has been a great substitute for the Twister ride, the ride honors Bill Paxton, who starred in the original Twister movie. The background of the attraction features a shirt Paxton's character in the film wears, which acts as a subdued reminder of the ride's forerunner.
Additional retired rides at Universal Studios Orlando
Closing the Twister ride was not a one-off occurrence. Ride retirements at Universal Studios Orlando have a history of freeing space for fresh attractions. The following are some other well-liked rides that the park has pulled from operation:
Riding
Year of Retiring
Lucy: A Memorial
2015
Teeth
2012
The Nicktoon Blast of Jimmy Neutron
2011
Back to the Future - The Ride
2007
Kong frontation
2001
The retirement of these attractions is a reflection of Universal Studios Orlando's dedication to provide guests an exciting and always changing theme park experience. Although fans of the Twister ride had mixed feelings about its closing, the park's commitment to creativity guarantees that there will always be fresh and unforgettable events to savor.
