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AT A GLANCE...
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Jimmy Neutron's
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Twister....Ride It Out!
Blues Brothers Show
Revenge Of The Mummy

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Disaster... A Major
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  Coming Spring 2008!

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Lucy - A Tribute

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INTRODUCTION

While tornadoes are not the norm in New York City, here on the soundstages of New York at Universal Studios Florida you can experience the thrill or frightening effects of a twister. This is a theater attraction where you will walk and stand your way through through separate theaters/soundstages leading up to the "Big One." Located on 57th Street, next to the BoneYard.

ATTRACTION

When entering Twister... Ride It Out, you will work your way through re-creations of  artifacts and props from the wildly successful 1996 movie Twister that includes stage chairs for the stars Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. But they pale in comparison to the next chair that belongs to Steven Spielberg, one of the movies producers and a creative contributor to Universal Studios.  As you travel through the queue, which is complete with mister fans, you enter Wakita, Oklahoma, population 585.  Be sure to check out "Dorothy" on the way into the theater.  This attraction actually has a snack stand in the middle of the queue but it is rarely used due to decreased wait times and crowds.  

When you enter the first of the three theaters used in this attraction as known as Sound Stage 50, try to head to the front and to your right. Tell you why later.  During this pre-show, Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt discuss the special effects and stunts used to enhance the viewing experience of the movie. Our introduction to the world of Twisters are shown on twin video screens in this Prop Room (theater).   

Next stop on our journey is Aunt Meg's house in Wakita. If you were standing toward the front and right in the Prop Room, you will be one of the first guests to enter the next stage, Aunt Meg's tornado-destroyed home. Take your time and check out the car hanging from the ceiling with the wheel still spinning and tree limbs that were sent through the kitchen window as you approach the twister demolished bathroom, your final stop before entering the Twister Theater.  If you followed my instructions, you will be in or near the front of the group. After watching the overhead TV monitors that give you more info on the impact and power of tornadoes, the doors will open to the next and final theater. As the doors open stay to your right and you will end up in the front row.  This is where the payoff comes for enduring all the video information you have been watching. 

The amazingly realistic show is about to begin so you may want hold on to the railing in front you. Look around and take in the set before the action gets going. You are right outside the Galaxy Drive-In featuring a double feature of The Shining and Psycho with a gas station next it. That can't be good! As lighting strikes and a huge tree splits in half before our eyes you have to wonder how bad is this going to get. And that's a good premonition. Don't worry -- the rickety tin roof over our heads will protect us. Without giving too much away, cows will be flying by as a five story tornado comes to life right before your eyes. And don't be surprised to you leave the theater a little wetter than when you went in and wondering how did they do that?

TOURING TIPS

Twister...Ride It Out is an Universal Express Attraction.

The entire show lasts 20 minutes but the tornado scene takes only 3 minutes from beginning to end.

No height restrictions.

The closest restrooms are located on Amblin Blvd.  Simply head to your right when exiting this attraction. It is located directly next to The BoneYard. 

Twister....Ride It Out's gift shop is called the The Aftermath. This store has some unique items not normally found in a theme park.

Wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicle users may remain seated. Not recommended for: expectant mothers, or those with a history of neck or back conditions, heart trouble, conditions aggravated by fog or strobe effects or susceptible to motion sickness. Audio available for portions of the attraction through Assistive Listening Devices. Closed captioning is available at this attraction.  

DINING

Finnegan's Bar & Grill - Enjoy one of only two full-service restaurants in the park. Great Irish Food in both the dining room and bar area. Happy Hour and entertainment in the lounge daily. 

Louie's Italian Restaurant - Pasta, pizza and salads. And as a bonus, there is a Starbucks inside Louie's with great coffee and desserts. This Restaurant participates in the Universal Meal Deal, when available.

Universal Studios Restaurants at a Glance

SHOPPING

Aftermath -- Interesting collection of Twister souvenirs and other country collectibles. 

Sahara Traders -- Revenge of the Mummy apparel and souvenirs as well as recreated Egyptian artifacts.

Delancey Street Psychic Shop -- Readings, henna tattoos, incenses and jewelry.

Universal Studios Shopping at a Glance

INTERESTING FACTS

Guests in the back row come out of Twister...Ride It Out the wettest. 

The funnel cloud is 5 stories tall and 12 feet wide and is largest indoor tornado ever created. 

110 decibels of sound is pumped through a 42,000 watt sound system with over 50 speakers.

Twister... Ride It Out attraction replaced the Ghostbusters Show, which had very long run. 

If you have comments or tips to share with others about touring Universal, please email us. Thank you.

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