What does Alfred Hitchcock have to do with the Minions? Let’s explore that and other hidden details at Universal Studios Orlando.
If you’re a fan of Universal Studios Orlando, you probably already know that it’s full of thrilling rides, fun shows, and classic movie references. But did you know there are also tons of hidden gems and easter eggs sprinkled throughout the park? These little secrets add an extra layer of magic to your visit and make for a fun scavenger hunt while exploring.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 hidden gems you can find at Universal Studios Orlando. While these secrets aren’t necessary for having a great time, they’ll certainly enhance your experience and give you a new appreciation for the level of detail Universal puts into its attractions. Let’s jump in!
1. Jaws Easter Eggs
One of the most iconic attractions in Universal Studios history was Jaws. Though it’s no longer in operation, there are a few easter eggs to remind visitors of this classic ride.
- London Section: Look for a record called “Here’s to Swimmin’ With Bow-legged Women” by the Quint Trio in a record store window. This references a famous line from the Jaws movie.
- Diagon Alley: In the Apothecary shop window, next to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find a great white shark jawbone on display.
- Knockturn Alley: If you listen closely to the shrunken heads, you’ll hear them occasionally sing “Show Me the Way to Go Home,” a favorite tune from the movie.
2. Twister… Ride It Out
Though Twister… Ride it Out has long been replaced by Race Through New York, Starring Jimmy Fallon, there are still fun nods to the old attraction near Jimmy’s marquee:
- Look out for an advertisement for “Twister Cola” and a shirt that looks like the one Bill Paxton wore during the Twister preshow.
3. Ghostbusters Spooktacular
Though the Ghostbusters Spooktacular show is no longer running, the iconic firehouse façade remains as a tribute. You can spot a window for the Above & Beyond Paranormal Travel Agent in this area, a nod to the former attraction.
4. Kongfrontation
When Revenge of the Mummy replaced Kongfrontation in 2004, it brought with it some fun easter eggs honoring Kong. While going through the treasure room in Revenge of the Mummy, look to the left and you’ll spot a small statue of King Kong.
5. Fast & Furious: Supercharged
The Fast & Furious attraction replaced Earthquake: The Big One and Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You, but it left behind some interesting callbacks:
- In the Fast & Furious Supercharged queue’s mechanic room, there’s a jacket with a Disaster Studios patch on it.
- You can also spot a Beetlejuice figure in the same mechanic’s room, a reference to the Beetlejuice Graveyard Review attraction.
- For fans of Earthquake: The Big One, look for a keychain with the Earthquake ride logo in Dom’s trophy case in the single rider queue.
6. Bourne Stuntacular
The Bourne Stuntacular pays homage to Terminator 2: 3D with a fun reference outside the attraction. On the display for motor accessories, look for a can of Terminator Motor Oil—a direct nod to the now-closed Terminator 2: 3D.
7. Villain-Con Minion Blast
Did you know that the Villain-Con Minion Blast ride was once home to an Alfred Hitchcock attraction? There’s a nod to Hitchcock’s Psycho in the ride’s queue with a schedule of presenters where the top presenter is Norman Bates. That’s a fun Easter egg for movie buffs!
8. London Phone Booth
Over in the London section of the park, there’s an old-fashioned British phone booth near the entrance to Diagon Alley and King’s Cross Station. If you pick up the phone and dial 62442 (which spells M-A-G-I-C), you’ll hear a pre-recorded message from the Ministry of Magic announcing that it’s closed for the day.
9. Springfield Phone
In Springfield, there’s another interactive phone near Cletus’s Chicken Shack. If the phone rings while you’re nearby, pick it up for a prank call from none other than Bart Simpson. It’s a fun way to interact with the Simpsons universe.
10. Men in Black
The Men in Black ride has a few hidden gems within its queue and ride. Try jiggling the door handles to trigger some fun sound effects, such as an air-sucking sound from the “Oxygen-Free Zone” door or an electric effect from the “Fingerprint Removal” door.
- While riding Men in Black, look for an alien in a baseball cap reading a newspaper. If you zap him just right, the newspaper will lower, revealing Steven Spielberg, the executive producer of Men in Black.
- If you’re lucky, you can ask a Universal team member for a secret immigration tour, which will take you behind the scenes to see animatronic alien twins and snap photos.
Bonus: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
In a previous episode (Episode 50), I talked about the hidden music codes for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. To access a hidden list of music, press and hold the Rockit logo for about 5-10 seconds. A keypad will appear, and you can enter codes for secret tracks. For example, the code for Rainbow Connection is 902. It’s a fun Easter egg for music lovers!
These hidden gems and Easter eggs are just a few examples of how Universal Studios Orlando fills its parks with delightful details. Whether you’re a movie buff, an avid theme park fan, or just someone who enjoys discovering the little things, these secrets make the experience even more enjoyable.
