On November 1, Universal Studios Resort in Orlando made an announcement about its plans to close several attractions in 2023, but it sounds like at least one fan-favorite attraction is here to stay.
During the first week of November, Universal Studios announced some big changes at its resort in Orlando:
Universal Orlando Resort will soon begin work on bringing exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida that will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters. To make way for these new additions, Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet will close on January 16, 2023 (the last day of operation will be January 15, 2023).
Effective January 16, 2023, five separate attractions will be closed at the resort to make room for “exciting new family entertainment” that Universal says “will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.”
An announcement like that can make fans a bit nervous–several attractions are saying farewell to the resort in January; are more saying goodbye soon after that?
Whether Universal knew fans were nervous, or they were just trying to calm any fears that might pop up, the resort took to Twitter to offer some relief to fans of one of the resort’s most popular attractions.
Them: It’s time to go.
Us: Not until we ride E.T. Adventure.
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 5, 2022
Universal’s E. T. Adventure attraction is located at Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone at Universal Studios Florida park and invites guests to “fly with E. T. to his home planet.” Per Universal’s website, E. T.’s home planet is in peril:
E.T.’s home planet is dying, and he needs your help to save it. Board your flying bike and take off on a thrilling (but gentle) ride through the sky. You’ll dodge bad guys and soar into the stars where his magical home awaits, filled with wondrous otherworldly creatures.
The recent tweet from Universal was one of several tweeted by the resort, seemingly calming the fears of any fans who were concerned that E. T. might just fly home and never return.
Not to fear, however, as E. T. is here to stay–except, of course, for his daily flights to his home planet alongside Universal fans who dare to make the journey with him.
