by Danielle Plato
Back in the early 90s, soon after Universal Studios Florida opened its gates, the park’s main tagline and advertising slogan was “Ride the Movies!” This invited guests not only to put themselves in the role of protagonist in all their favorite classic Universal Studios films, but also to learn more about the movie-making process from industry professionals who had developed these rides. From understanding models and props to exploring the exciting world of blue screen, Universal broke down the movie magic for guests to understand, enjoy, and take part in.
While many of these experiences, like the original Jaws ride or the Back to the Future ride, ended when you left the park, there was one attraction you truly could take home with you… for a price.
Bringing the Magic Home: The Attraction
The Screen Test Home Video Adventure was an attraction housed in what is now the Revenge of the Mummy lockers space. Operating from 1991 to 1996, it allowed guests to star in their very own Universal production via blue screen and Chroma Key technology. This attraction, sponsored by JVC, offered guests a choice of two videos to star in:
- Your Day At Universal: A 10-minute film that showed guests enjoying a day at the park. Activities varied from riding attractions to directing their own action films on Universal’s backlot.
- The Star Trek Adventure: Guests were taken to costuming, suited up in Enterprise uniforms, and inserted into their very own episode of the classic Star Trek television show.
This attraction, though short-lived, produced hundreds of family home videos, some of which are still circulating today. And while this attraction has been long forgotten by many, it’s safe to say that the experience was something many families will never forget – mostly because they got to keep their film at the end of the experience.
Regardless of which movie guests chose, they would then be presented with the option to take home their own movie magic. For an additional $29.95 plus tax, guests who went through this experience could leave with a copy of their film on VHS, branded by JVC and Universal Studios Florida.
Filming Your Role: The Experience
Guests who chose the Your Day at Universal attraction were given short directions to follow, such as waving to the camera, laughing, or pretending to be jostled around on the Kongfrontation tram. This attraction only featured one spoken line required by guests, making it a less intensive experience than its counterpart. The Your Day at Universal video showcased some of the most captivating parts of theme park culture at the time, with professionally-filmed B-roll of some of the most beloved Universal Attractions of the 90s, like E.T. Adventure, Kongfrontation, Earthquake!, and Back to the Future. Many of these rides have now been lost to time.
Most notably, The Star Trek Adventure version of this attraction featured a foreword by Gene Roddenberry, creator of the Star Trek franchise, as well as a guest appearance by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. They played the roles of co-directors, instructing the guests in their on-screen Star Trek debut. Guests played the part of Enterprise Captain and crew, including the Vulcan Science Officer, interacting with some of the most iconic characters of the Star Trek franchise. This was achieved through a combination of blue-screen technology and physical props, like the captain’s chair.
The more in-depth experience of the two, The Star Trek Adventure required guests to recite lines and interact with other characters in their party, as well as exchanging dialogue with on-screen characters. This made it a more challenging but richer experience. In the plot, a training mission went awry, and it was up to the Captain and Science Officer to save the day with quick thinking.
Of course, guests’ mileage varied depending on their ages, roles, and acting skills. But for many, the point of these videos wasn’t to win an Oscar; it was, instead, to commemorate their day at Universal Studios, sealing forever in time that one incredible moment where they were on the silver screen, or, at the very least, on the family television back home! While some of Universal’s guests excelled at their roles and were more than ready to be part of the Star Fleet Command, the overall experience was heavily colored not only by the demographic of participants as family units and young children, but by the technology of the 90s and the limitations of blue-screen operations at the time.
Technological Legacy and Closing
Universal would employ similar Chroma-key technology in their future attractions, like Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You! In this ride, guests would be instructed in the pre-show to perform certain tasks and then edited into the final cut of the newest Frank Kincaid film, titled Mutha Nature. Unlike The Screen Test Home Video Adventure, however, guests would not have the option to take a copy of their disaster film home.
For both versions of this lost attraction, the editing system used was made possible by Anitech Systems, which was founded in 1981 and still operates today in the animation and attraction industry. They produce control systems, audio and video systems, and motion simulator technology. Video Engineering for this attraction was provided by Television Engineering Services.
While many people are unaware that Star Trek ever found a home at Universal Studios Florida, those who were lucky enough to experience The Screen Test Home Video Adventure were able to see firsthand the movie magic that Universal Studios Florida was capable of. It transformed everyday guests into decorated Star Fleet commanders or famous movie directors.
This attraction closed on November 11th, 1996. It made way for the Islands of Adventure Preview Center, which would open shortly after in 1997. However, many families who experienced Universal Studios Florida in its early years still remember this attraction fondly, considering it an enriching experience that produced decades of family memories and nostalgia.
Explore More: Videos
Screen Test Home Video Adventure
My 1993 Universal Studios Florida STAR TREK Screen Test Home Video Adventure
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Danielle’s favorite stories have always been about magic and far-off adventures, and growing up in Orlando, Florida allowed her to experience those adventures in real life. As an adult, she graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2023 with a degree in Literature. Her inner child, however, still has a deep love for fairies, dragons, magic, and adventure. When not writing her next big adventure, she enjoys drawing, puzzle platformers, theme parks, and fast roller coasters.
The Attraction Archaeology column is published every other Thursday. #ThrowbackThursday
