The History of Universal: When did Universal Orlando Resort Open?

There has never been a better time to visit Universal Orlando Resort. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park has opened its portals to 5 immersive worlds.  
 
This is the first new major theme park in Orlando this millennium. And untold adventures await in 2026, when for the first time, visitors will have unlimited access to all four Universal Orlando Resort Parks.  

But as tens of millions begin to write new travel tales, you might be wondering, where did it all begin? 

How old is Universal Orlando Resort? 

The first park to open in the resort was Universal Studios on 7 June 1990, complete with a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony by the great director, Steven Spielberg. Designed to be an immersive theme park based around popular movies and TV shows, this thrilling attraction quickly became a hit with tourists and has grown enormously in the last 35 years. Universal Orlando Resort now comprises the original park, Universal Islands of Adventure, the Volcano Bay water park, and the latest addition, open since 2025: Epic Universe. 

When did each Universal Orlando Resort park open? 

Just three years after Universal Studios opened, plans began to form to build a second park in the resort: Universal Islands of Adventure, which eventually opened its gates on 28 May 1999 after a string of delays. In that time, Universal CityWalk opened on 4 February 1999 and transformed an old parking lot into a dynamic complex of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment which serves as a gateway to Universal Parks. 

Universal Epic Universe is the newest area in the resort and opened on 22nd May 2025. The futuristic park plays host to a range of pioneering rides and attractions, immersive themed lands, and a mesmerising hub at its centre with entertainment, shops, and eateries. 

What were the opening day ticket prices? 

A day ticket price on the opening day for Universal Studios was a mere $15.95 for an adult. Compared to today’s price of about $134 for a day pass, it’s a steal! Of course, the parks are much bigger now, with many more rides and attractions today than there were over 30 years ago. Average day ticket prices at Universal Epic Universe start from $139 and go up to $199, depending on the time of year. 

What were Universal Orlando Resort’s first attractions? 

There were 13 main rides and shows featured at Universal Studios on the day it launched, including: 

• Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies 
• Animal Actors 
• Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular 
• Earthquake: The Big One 
• E.T. Adventure 
• The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera 
• Ghostbusters Spooktacular 
• Jaws 
• Kongfrontation 
• Murder She Wrote Mystery Theatre 
• Nickelodeon Studios 
• The Phantom of the Opera Horror Make-Up Show 
• Production Tram Tour 

Most of these have sadly ceased operation, except for the classic and much-loved E.T. Adventure. Despite lacking the white-knuckle excitement and high-tech sophistication of many newer attractions, its charm and imperfections give off a nostalgic vibe, particularly with regular park-goers. 

These days, visitors will get a taste of the latest blockbusters using innovative and immersive technologies in rides such as: 

• Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Studios - boasting dynamic, screen-heavy action where you fight alongside Autobots and race through vibrant cityscapes with amazing special effects. 
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios - a fun motion simulation / 3D ride in Illumination’s Minion Land. 
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Islands of Adventure - a 3-D experience that soars above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure.  
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure - The apex predator of thrills. Take on Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, reaching a top speed of 70 mph in 2.4 seconds and a maximum height of 155 feet.  
• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Universal Epic Universe - Travel via omnidirectional lift to the trial of Dolores Umbridge with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This thrilling motion-simulated ride is perfect for families with older kids. 
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge at Universal Epic Universe - an interactive motion-simulated journey. You will collect coins and compete against Team Bowser to win the Golden Cup with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach by your side.  

How much did it cost to build Universal Orlando Resort? 

When construction began on Universal Studios in the late 80s, costs were expected to reach around $630 million - pocket change in comparison to the recent Epic Universe, which is estimated to have cost between $7 and $7.7 billion! 

How long did it take to build Universal Orlando Resort? 

A 423-acre section of prime Orlando real estate was acquired in 1982, and the subsequent construction of Universal Studios laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world's top entertainment destinations. The next big leap in the development of the resort came 17 years later with the debut of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, a park created to take its guests on thrilling journeys through superhero cities, wizarding worlds, and prehistoric jungles. 

Fast-forward to 2017 and the resort made a huge splash with Volcano Bay, a tropical-themed water park packed with state-of-the-art slides and relaxing vibes. The next game-changing expansion came in 2025 with Universal Epic Universe, firmly cementing Universal Orlando Resort as one half of Florida’s major tourist pull. Each phase of development has had its own timeline, with some parts taking years of careful planning and construction to bring the magic to life. 

What was the first Universal Orlando Resort hotel to open? 

In 1999, Universal Orlando Resort opened its first incredible on-site accommodation, the Portofino Bay Hotel (now the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel), which debuted 750 beautiful rooms and suites. This luxury resort hotel benefits from a great location just a short water taxi, walk, or shuttle bus ride away, as well as offering a host of dining options, pools, and wellness facilities for guests in a sleek Mediterranean-style setting. 

Who owns Universal Orlando Resort? 

The Resort is 100% owned by NBCUniversal - a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation - and has had full ownership since 2011, enabling them to direct the park’s major developments, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Volcano Bay, and Epic Universe. 

Now that you’re an expert on Universal, you are ready to plan your Universal Orlando Resort holiday. View our bespoke packages and get in touch with our Florida specialists.