Despite being one of the most iconic media conglomerates – with a massively successful theme park to boot – not a lot of people know Universal Studios’ history.
When did Universal Studios open, and how has it evolved over the years?
It couldn’t have just randomly popped up one day, after all.
It has a long history of movie and production magic.
And, as of today, it also has parks all over the world.
Here’s a quick recap of how Universal Studios started and how it grew into what it is now.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Where It All Began
Universal Studios started in Hollywood, California, back in 1915. B
ut it wasn’t a theme park, yet.
It was instead a movie studio built by Carl Laemmle.
Here, people could pay a small fee to watch movies being made.
That sort of interactive behind-the-scenes experience was pretty exciting for the time!
Then, in 1964, it became more like a theme park when they started the Studio Tour.
This tour let people ride a tram and see real movie sets, props, and even live effects like a fake flood.
It was a big hit.
So big, in fact, that The Studio Tour is still around today.
So the answer to the question, when did Universal Studios open, is technically 1915.
But if you want to know when Universal Studios officially opened as a theme park, the answer is 1964.
When Did Universal Studios Florida Open?
After Universal Studios in California came Universal Studios Florida.
It was a theme park that opened on June 7, 1990.
This park was built to be more than just a behind-the-scenes movie tour.
It was full of big rides and movie-themed areas from the start.
There were rides based on movies like Back to the Future, Jaws, and E.T.
Over the years, new lands and rides were added.
Now it includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — arguably one of the most popular and most attended theme park attractions to date.
Universal Studios Florida became more about letting guests feel like they were in the movie, not just watching it happen.
When Did Universal Studios Open in Japan?
In 2001, Universal Studios opened a branch in Osaka, Japan.
This marks the date Universal Studios officially went worldwide.
The Japanese branch brought in many of the same rides as the ones in the Hollywood and Orlando parks.
However, they also introduced some new features exclusively for Japan.
One of the most exciting ones that garnered a lot of attendance was Super Mario Nintendo World, which opened in 2021.
Here, you can ride Mario Kart, collect digital coins (like the ones in the game), and explore a real-life replica of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Many agree that Universal Studios Japan is a favorite for video game fans and anime lovers.
What Makes Universal Studios Japan Special?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you might want to visit Universal Studios.
It’s got Japan-exclusive rides you won’t find anywhere else.
The Flying Dinosaur, for instance, is a crazy coaster where you actually feel like you’re flying.
There’s also a One Piece-themed restaurant and a Death Note-themed escape room.
It also has Super Nintendo World, which is basically a video game lover’s dream.
When Did Universal Studios Singapore Open?
After Japan, Universal Studios opened shop in Singapore.
Universal Studios Singapore opened on March 18, 2011, as a part of Resorts World Sentosa.
Even though it’s one of the smaller Universal Studios to date, the Singapore theme park packs a lot of fun in one area.
There are rides based on crowd favorites like Shrek, Transformers, Jurassic Park, and more.
Some areas also have a Southeast Asian twist, making this park special in its own way.
How Has Universal Studios Changed Over Time?
Universal Studios started as a film studio.
Now, it’s one of the biggest theme park brands in the world.
At first, it focused on showing you how movies were made.
But over time, it changed to rides that put you inside the story.
The parks got bigger.
The rides got more exciting.
New lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World brought in even more fans.
And it doesn’t look like they’re stopping any time soon, with the promised addition of Epic Universe in Universal Studios Orlando, set for 2025.
The Impact of DreamWorks
In 2016, Universal Studios bought DreamWorks Animation.
This added popular characters like Shrek, Po from Kung Fu Panda, and the entire cast of Madagascar to the parks.
Now, you can see these characters in shows, rides, and themed areas.
The DreamWorks Theatre in Hollywood is one example. It’s a fun 4D show with Kung Fu Panda characters that kids really enjoy.
What’s the Difference Between Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando?
Aside from wanting to know when did Universal Studios open, people also want to know which Universal Studios park is better.
Given that both parks are in the U.S., the difference between the two isn’t immediately evident.
But here’s the key thing to remember:
Universal Studios Hollywood is built on a real movie studio.
Universal Studios Orlando is not. In Universal Studios Hollywood, you can take a Studio Tour for behind-the-scenes magic and even see movie sets.
In Universal Studios Orlando, you don’t get access to movie sets or production exhibits.
You instead get more land, bigger rides, and multiple amusement parks within the park — like Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
Universal Studios Orlando is also the Universal Studios park set to have the Epic Universe expansion added to it.
Popular Rides at Universal Studios
Across all Universal Parks are rides that people – regardless of their personal preference – highly recommend. Here are some worldwide favorites: Hollywood:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Orlando:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- E.T. Adventure
- Transformers: The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride
Japan:
- The Flying Dinosaur
- Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
- Hollywood Dream – The Ride
Remember that each park has its own crowning glory. So depending on what you like – from high-speed thrills to cutting-edge 4D interactive exhibits – you can definitely find a Universal Studios park that’s best for you.
What Time Does Universal Studios Open?
Now that you know the answer to, when did Universal Studios open?, it’s also worth knowing when the park actually opens.
As in, what are its hours of operation?
Generally speaking, Universal Studios’ opening times can change depending on the park and the season.
Hollywood usually opens at 10 AM and closes around 6 PM or 8 PM.
Orlando parks open at 9 AM and can stay open until 9 PM, especially during busy seasons.
Japan and Singapore also open around 10 AM.
It’s best to check the official website before your visit.
Best Times to Go
Universal Studios, as one might expect, is often packed.
If you want to avoid big crowds and long lines, here’s what to know:
Off-peak months in Hollywood are:
- January (after the holidays)
- February
- Late April
- May (before Memorial Day)
- Late August
- September
Peak seasons, for all parks, are:
- Summer (June–August)
- Spring Break (March–April)
- Halloween Horror Nights (Sept–Oct)
- Winter Holidays (December)
Plan around those dates for a smoother visit.
Ready to Visit This Universally-Loved Theme Park?
So, when did Universal Studios open officially?
The studios opened their door to the public in 1915, and then they opened a theme park in 1964.
And if you’re thinking of paying any of these parks a visit, give us a call!
At Team Thompson Travel, we can plan every detail of your trip, from park tickets and hotels to dining and crowd tips.
And it won’t cost you anything extra.
Our partnerships with parks, hotels, and more allow us to keep our services free of charge.
And our personal experience ensures we’re designing the best itinerary for you.
We’ve been there, done that, and can guide you every step of the way.
Let’s turn your Universal Studios dream into a real adventure.
Contact us today!