Twister… Ride It Out
Universal Studios Florida · New York
Overview
A standing special-effects attraction where guests filed into an outdoor drive-in movie set and watched a five-story-tall simulated tornado tear through the scene, complete with flying debris, flooding, a collapsing structure, and a ruptured propane tanker fire, all built around the 1996 film Twister.
ParksLog Verdict
Remembered as one of the more visceral, purely physical special-effects experiences the park ever built — no seats, no screen, just guests standing feet away from a simulated tornado tearing a set apart. A distinctive attraction format that Universal hasn't really revisited since.
About this experience
Walk-through preshow and standing special-effects experience simulating a tornado tearing through a drive-in movie set. Closed in 2015; replaced by Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Best For
- Guests who experienced its tornado effect in person
- Twister film fans
- Theme park special-effects enthusiasts
Tips
- Its site became Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, which opened in 2017.
- It used a genuine simulated funnel-cloud effect rather than film or projection to depict the tornado.
- It was one of the park's few standing (non-seated) special-effects attractions.
Details
History
Twister… Ride It Out opened in 1998 and closed in 2015, making way for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, which opened in 2017 in the New York area of the park.
Fun Facts
- It used a real, physically simulated funnel-cloud effect rather than a projected or filmed tornado.
- It was directly based on the 1996 film Twister and its production design.
- Its site became Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon after a roughly two-year gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Twister… Ride It Out take?
- The experience runs about 15 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Twister… Ride It Out good for young children?
- Yes — Twister… Ride It Out 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 Twister… Ride It Out?
- 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 Twister… Ride It Out open?
- Twister… Ride It Out opened at Universal Studios Florida in 1990.
- Is Twister… Ride It Out still operating?
- ParksLog marks this attraction as retired or no longer operating. Check Universal Studios Florida's official site for the current lineup.