Universal Studios stories

Universal Studios is a series of theme parks and resorts based on IPs from the Universal Pictures film and television production company. Founded in 1912 by nine pioneering executives, Universal remains the oldest surviving film studio in the US and the fifth oldest worldwide.

The Universal Studios parks include a wide selection of IPs and brands from its back catalogue. They also feature IP from subsidiaries including Amblin Partners and DreamWorks Animation.

The first Universal Studios park opened in Hollywood in 1964 on the site of a real working studio backlot. The main attraction is a Studio Tour that takes guests on a route through the 400-acre Universal production facility. Other parks have since opened in Florida (1990), Japan (2001), Singapore (2011) and Beijing (2021). Unlike major competitor Disney, the company currently has no parks in Europe.

Universal has also used some external IPs in its parks. One of the most popular, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, debuted at Orlando’s Islands of Adventure in July 2014. The JK Rowling franchise has since been expanded to its sister park, Universal Studios Orlando, as well as Japan (2014), Hollywood (2016), and Beijing (2021).

Orlando is unique in that it has a recreation of the Hogwarts Express. This runs between the two Harry Potter-inspired lands. It also replaced the former Dragon Challenge coaster with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Other popular non-Universal IPs found at the parks include Despicable Me and its spin-off series, Minions, as well as The Simpsons.

Universal has announced its third park for Orlando, Epic Universe. This is expected to open in 2025. The site will be the operator’s first of its type. It is expected to feature IPs from brands including DreamWorks, Illumination, and Nintendo.