by Spencer Bollettieri, freelance writer for Theme Park Magazine
In 1993, Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park debuted in theaters, and now, Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating 30 years of an adventure 65 million years in the making. A marvel of movie magic, Jurassic Park always challenged Universal’s theme parks to bring its beloved characters, iconic locations, and its prehistoric stars to life for their visitors. However, as the world reflects on the legacy of Jurassic Park, the Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating it with unique offerings, classic attractions, and larger-than-life experiences with them at the center, staring down a T-Rex.
A Global Jurassic Jubilee: Commemorating the Anniversary Across Universal Theme Parks Worldwide
As part of a grander celebration from Universal and Amblin Entertainment, Jurassic Park is commemorating its milestone anniversary across the world and with its countless fans. Featuring nostalgic merchandise, special events, and new content expanding the world of Jurassic Park, people are experiencing the profound impact of this film like never before as its dinosaurs make their highly anticipated return for their big encore. “The legacy of Jurassic Park is felt across the world,” commented Melissa Rodriguez, vice president of franchise strategy for Universal Products & Experiences, emphasizing the franchise’s enduring pop culture presence, dedicated fan base, and global appeal that continues to captivate audiences.
Universal theme parks worldwide are hosting special events and experiences in celebration of Jurassic Park’s 30th anniversary. Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood feature inspired offerings such as 30th-anniversary merchandise and specialty culinary selections. However, it’s at Universal Orlando Resort where the dinosaurs have truly taken over, and imagination runs wild, opening up the gates of Jurassic Park to reveal its wonders not only for “Jurassic June” but all year round.
Step into the Past: The Jurassic Park Tribute Store
Front and center at Universal Orlando’s “Jurassic June” event, the Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store takes guests on a nostalgic journey behind the scenes and into the world of the classic film. Upon entering, the store transports guests to the pre-production offices in Los Angeles circa 1991. Surrounded by photographs, props, setups, and concept art that give them insight into Jurassic Park’s development, it showcases the innovation needed to set a new standard of cinematic magic. From there, visitors continue their self-guided tour, where they can immerse themselves in Jurassic Park’s memorable moments where they’ll be hiding from raptors in the kitchen, encountering a Dilophosaurus by the docks, and striking a pose atop a toilet while a T-Rex looms overhead. It’s an interactive experience designed to bring people back to another time (surprisingly, not the Mesozoic), as a love letter to Jurassic Park and the 90s dino-mania that ran wild in its wake.
Naturally, merchandise plays a vital role in Universal’s store, not only for guests to commemorate the occasion but to see how Jurassic Park became a cultural cornerstone. In the center of every exhibit, visitors will find Jurassic Park merchandise of all kinds. With items such as clothing inspired by all facets of Jurassic Park, dinosaur plushies, and molding machines that produce plastic figures, no stone seemed left unturned and as if inspected by Alan Grant himself. Additionally, for those seeking to satisfy a sweet tooth, there’s a large selection of specialty desserts, such as Mr. DNA cookies, T-Rex-brandished whoopie pies, and fudge themed around the dinosaurs. Although at the end of the store, guests will have the rare opportunity to see vintage merchandise on display and surrounding the beloved Jurassic Park compound playset. Through past food promotions, clothing, magazines, and toys, visitors see that Jurassic Park was more than a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that helped influence paleontology as the world knows it, along with their ongoing fascination with dinosaurs.
Beyond the Anniversary: Jurassic Park Attractions that Stand the Test of Time
In addition to the Jurassic Park store, Universal Orlando Resort also offers meet and greets, photo opportunities, and merchandise throughout their various properties as part of the tribute to all things Jurassic Park. However, Jurassic Park’s presence at Universal Orlando Resort doesn’t begin or end with the 30th anniversary. Since 1999, Universal Islands of Adventure has allowed guests to experience Jurassic Park through its attractions. To this day, among other experiences, guests can still embark on a thrilling dinosaur safari on the Jurassic Park River Adventure, explore the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and take off on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Additionally, for other immersive experiences, visitors can sign up for Universal’s Great Movie Escape, where they can star in their own adventure as part of their Jurassic World-themed escape room. Regardless, at Universal Islands of Adventure, as they put it, “The Adventure Lives On,” and in the case of Jurassic Park, this rings particularly true as its legacy continues to grow.
How Theme Parks are Celebrating Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary
Universal Orlando Resort:
- Explore Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure, including Jurassic Park River Adventure and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
- Visit the Jurassic Park Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida, offering a range of 30th-anniversary merchandise.
- Enjoy new Jurassic-themed menu items at Thunder Falls, including a Coconut Cajeta Churro, Prehistoric Raptor Wings, and a unique 30th Anniversary Fanta flavor.
Universal Studios Hollywood:
- Experience Jurassic World — The Ride, continuing the story of the Jurassic Park franchise.
- Purchase Jurassic Park 30th-anniversary merchandise at the UNIVRS and Universal Studios Store on CityWalk, or within the theme park at the Universal Studio Store and Jurassic Outfitters.
- Try new Latin American-inspired Jurassic-themed food and beverages at the Jurassic Cafe. The menu includes Grilled Veggie and Beef Skewers, Brazilian Cheese Bread, Raptor Hummus, Coconut Flan, Dino Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, and a Family Feast.
- Quench your thirst with Jurassic World-themed Boxed Water, a 30th Anniversary “Wild Refresherrrr” Fanta Flavor, an Amber Mojito, and new offerings at Isla Nu-Bar. Cocktails can be served in a new souvenir Volcano Tiki Cup.
Universal Beijing Resort
- New Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary products will be available at Jurassic Traders.
Explore More: Videos
Celebrating Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary at Universal Orlando
Celebrating 30 Years of Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park Tour Vehicle Safety 101 Video
Tour of Jurassic Park Tribute Store
Explore More: Resources
- Website: Universal Orlando Resort
feature image and all other images taken by Justin Zitro Ortiz for Theme Park Magazine.
About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.
