Earthquake: The Big One
Universal Studios Florida · San Francisco
Overview
One of Universal Studios Florida's original 1990 attractions, Earthquake put guests aboard a mock BART subway train that was struck by a magnitude 8.3 earthquake, complete with a collapsing platform, flooding tunnels, a runaway fuel truck fire, and a large-scale physical set that shook and broke apart around riders in real time.
ParksLog Verdict
A genuine piece of the park's founding lineup, remembered for its ambitious physical special effects at a time when most theme park attractions relied on simpler show techniques. Its finale effects were good enough that Universal kept them largely intact for over a decade across two different attractions.
About this experience
Motion simulator experience based on a massive earthquake striking a subway system and city infrastructure. Predecessor to Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You!
Best For
- Guests who rode it during the park's first two decades
- Universal park historians
- Fans of large-scale physical special-effects attractions
Tips
- Its earthquake finale was carried forward almost intact into Disaster!, its 2008 successor.
- It was one of the attractions open when Universal Studios Florida first opened its gates in 1990.
- The collapsing subway platform effect was considered one of the most technically ambitious physical sets in the park at the time.
Details
History
Earthquake: The Big One opened with the park in 1990 and closed in 2007. Its building and earthquake-simulation finale were carried forward into Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You!, which opened on the same site in 2008.
Fun Facts
- It was one of the original attractions when the park opened in 1990.
- Its physical earthquake set — including a collapsing platform and flooding effects — was reused almost entirely in its 2008 successor, Disaster!
- The ride depicted a fictional magnitude 8.3 earthquake striking a San Francisco BART station.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Earthquake: The Big One take?
- The experience runs about 6 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Earthquake: The Big One good for young children?
- Yes — Earthquake: The Big One is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- How intense is Earthquake: The Big One?
- ParksLog rates this as moderate intensity — some speed, movement, or simulated effects. May not suit guests with strong motion sensitivity. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- When did Earthquake: The Big One open?
- Earthquake: The Big One opened at Universal Studios Florida in 1990.
- Is Earthquake: The Big One still operating?
- ParksLog marks this attraction as retired or no longer operating. Check Universal Studios Florida's official site for the current lineup.