E.T. Adventure™
Universal Studios Florida · Hollywood
Overview
This is now the only E.T. Adventure ride left anywhere in the world — the Hollywood version closed in 2003, the Japan version in 2009 — which makes riding it in Orlando the sole way to still experience an attraction Steven Spielberg personally consulted on during development. Flying bicycles carry guests past forest scenery into E.T.'s alien homeworld, ending with a personalized goodbye where E.T. calls each rider by name, using information collected at queue kiosks before boarding.
ParksLog Verdict
A living artifact worth riding for the personalized ending alone — enter names at the kiosk for your whole group before queuing so nobody misses it. Adults who rode this as kids in 1990 will feel real nostalgia; it's one of the last original attractions from the park's opening day still running unchanged. Not thrilling, but warmer than almost anything else at the park.
About this experience
E.T.'s home planet is dying and he needs your help to save it. Board your flying bike and take off on a thrilling (but gentle) ride through the sky. You'll dodge bad guys and soar into the stars where his magical home awaits, filled with wondrous otherworldly creatures.
Best For
- E.T. and Spielberg film fans
- Families with young children (34" minimum)
- Guests who appreciate classic theme park dark rides
- Nostalgic adult visitors returning with children
Tips
- The personalized goodbye at the end — where E.T. calls each rider's name — requires name entry at queue kiosks; complete this step on entry for your whole group.
- As one of Universal's oldest original rides, its gentle pace and nostalgic charm make it a particularly resonant experience for adults who rode it as children.
- Lines move relatively quickly; visiting during peak afternoon periods when it tends to be shorter is a reasonable strategy.
Details
History
E.T. Adventure opened with Universal Studios Florida on June 7, 1990, making it a park founding-day attraction. Steven Spielberg served as a creative consultant on the ride's development. It is now the only E.T. Adventure ride operating anywhere in the world — the Universal Hollywood version closed in 2003 and the Universal Japan version closed in 2009.
Fun Facts
- E.T. Adventure is now the only E.T.-themed ride operating anywhere in the world — versions at Universal Hollywood (closed 2003) and Universal Japan (closed 2009) no longer exist.
- Steven Spielberg served as a creative consultant on the ride's development — making it one of a small number of theme park attractions with direct involvement from the original film's director.
- The ride opened on June 7, 1990 — Universal Studios Florida's opening day — and remains one of the last original 1990 attractions still operating at the park.