Phone Home! Universal’s ET Adventure is Out of This World
When I was five years old, an adorably shriveled alien captured my heart. I wanted nothing more than for ET to come back to earth (or hop off the screen) and be my new best friend. Which is what director Steven Spielberg probably intended; after all, ET was based upon his own childhood imaginary friend.1
If you, too, have warm, fuzzy memories of watching ET, then Universal Studios Florida‘s amazing ET Adventure will hit you right in the feels!
Even if you’re new to the classic (or maybe introducing it to kiddos), ET Adventure is highly enjoyable and a super fun way to jump onto the cult-classic bandwagon. . .er, bicycle!
So secure your basket and make sure it’s cushioned with the coziest blankie for your fave extra-terrestrial, because it’s time to fly!
A Queue Like No Other
With the queue for ET Adventure being just as immersive – and almost as impressive – as the ET ride itself, it’s easy to understand how this opening day attraction has remained a favorite for thirty years. (It’s actually Universal’s only opening day ride still in existence!2)
Right away you’re greeted by Steven Spielberg and ET in video-form, and Mr. Spielberg urgently explains the situation. And let me tell you, it’s dire. ET’s home, the Green Planet, is dying. Only ET’s healing touch can save it, and only you can get ET back home!
Before you start your mission, give your name to an assistant and grab your intergalactic passport – it will end up being the coolest part of the ride, trust me!
As you continue with passport in hand, towering California Redwoods will begin to close in around you as you enter an eventide forest. It smells of fresh pine and Christmastime. Crickets chirp and frogs croak as ET’s fellow space-dwelling friend, Bottanicas, sits in a swirl of green mist, urgently summoning ET back home.
(The character of Bottanicas, as well as the Green Planet scenery throughout ET Adventure, was inspired by William Kotzwinkle’s ET fanfiction – I mean, sequel novel – ET and the Book of the Green Planet.3)
Items scattered throughout the queue scenery also pay homage to the movie, like a Speak & Spell flashing the message, “HELP ET”
When it’s time to board your bike (there are 3 rows of 4 bikes on an open air gondola), we recommend trying to get a front row seat, because ET’s basket is also front and center!
ET Adventure – Aim For The Stars
While the ET Adventure ride track is gentle for the most part (a few sharp turns here and there), the storyline starts off at a racing pace! You’re biking through the forest with ET in tow, but the pathways are crawling with police and NASA scientists who are after him!
(Photo: Denis Bourez via Flickr)
Much like the iconic movie chase scene with Elliott, you just barely dodge their grasp and suddenly begin to “fly.” From his basket, ET stirs to life and extends his giraffe-like neck to peek over the edge of his basket. (Awww!)
John Williams’ score swells to a crescendo as you bank over a nighttime cityscape. Through clever forced perspective and twinkling lights, it really does look like you’re miles above the Earth’s surface and surrounded by stars. If you’re truly eagle-eyed (and have the correct seat) you can make out the headlights of cars zooming through the streets!
As you fly, you’ll also notice the glowing, full moon is graced with the silhouette of several bicycle riders – oh, wait, that’s you!!
Suddenly the stars converge, and in a moment worthy of Star Wars: A New Hope, you’re warped through time and space before touching down on ET’s home planet.
Now, to be brutally honest, ET’s home is a little weird. But it’s also incredibly fun! And frankly, being weird is just integral to good sci-fi. (Yeah, I’m talking about you, Doctor Who.)
With ET’s healing touch, his planet is quickly overtaken by light and bright colors once more. Sentient plant-like residents sing and dance while a host of ET’s own species invite you to celebrate the resurrection of the Green Planet. (Okay, but seriously, who gave permission for the tiny ETs to be that stinkin’ cute?!)
It really is pretty heartwarming, and I wouldn’t blame you for getting a little (or a lot) emotional. The most touching moment (SPOILER) is when ET personally thanks you for helping him save his home. Remember that intergalactic passport? That’s right – ET will actually call you by name.
*happy cries while hugging an ET plush*
And that’s the real magic of ET Adventure. It’s not about the special effects, the speed, or animatronics. It’s about living the movie and experiencing the joy of first encountering ET all over again. It’s about remembering how he’ll always be right here.
Meet ET & Take Him Home!!
While the ride might be over, the ET adventure is not! Wipe those stray tears and head on in to ET’s Toy Closet and Photo Spot!
Here you can cuddle up with ET (and all the stuffies in Elliott’s closet) for an adorable, Instagram worthy photo-shoot! You can also opt for a photo where you’re riding a bike with ET in his basket and the full moon behind you. Yup, that one’s going into the scrapbook!
Of course, the best part of ET’s Toy Closet is the plethora of ET plushies! Sure, you can also get ET t-shirts, hoodies, socks, etc. (as well as ET Forest scented candles!) but obviously the dream is to take ET home with you! His plush iterations come in many forms – you can get him with a hoodie, wearing pajamas, in chibi style, or holding a plush heart with his name on it.
Whichever one you choose, you’re in for some great, intergalactic snuggles. Just be sure to keep a low profile, especially with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center so close by. . .
For feels-factor alone, we gotta give ET Adventure 10 out of 10 Reese’s Pieces! What about you? Does ET Adventure give you all the feels? Did you nab a plushie of your own? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
Cover Image
Photo: Luke Rauscher via Flickr
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