The first of the Jurassic Park movies was released in 1993. The film stared Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, Richard Attenborough, and several others who worked together to make the first Jurassic Park film a hit. Since then, Jurassic World has become a top-rated film series. It consists of the Jurassic World movies (the newest Jurassic World Dominion being released in 2022) and even theme park attractions. But is Jurassic Park Disney?
You may be surprised to learn that Jurassic Park is not Disney. While Disney World does have a Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom, it's not actually a “Jurassic Park” attraction. However, the theme aligns closely with the new Jurassic World Velocicoaster. Although, you travel by train and not a roller coaster.
Who Owns the Rights to Jurassic Park? Disney or Universal?
There are several who own a part in the Jurassic Park franchise. Universal Studios and Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment own the rights to the Jurassic World films. This includes the new Jurassic World Dominion.
However, the theme park rights rest exclusively with Universal Studios.
Universal Studios Orlando has a large number of attractions inspired by the Jurassic World films at their Islands of Adventure theme park.
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What is Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure?
It's safe to say that Islands of Adventure has far surpassed the original Jurassic World – The Ride of Universal Studios Hollywood with their Jurassic World theme park. Universal Orlando has an entire section inspired by the Jurassic Park franchise It allows you to set foot on Jurassic Park land.
Universal's Islands of Adventure has attractions inspired by several different themes. The Jurassic World themed attractions are among the most favored experiences at Universal Studios Orlando.
The theme park provides the complete Jurassic World experience with many dinosaur encounters. Their newest Jurassic Park attraction is the Jurassic World Velocicoaster. The coaster is thought to be one of the fastest in Florida.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park River Adventure is one of the most thrilling rides at Jurassic Park. This fun water ride places you in a raft that takes you through the Jurassic World inspired jungle. At first, it appears to be a casual water ride where you see real dinosaurs in their natural habitat.
You soon see that's not the case when an enormous and enraged Tex charges you. However, all ends well when your raft narrowly escapes by going over the cliff's edge, dropping 85 feet.
Jurassic Park River Adventure could quickly become your next favorite new theme park ride if you love thrilling rides and getting wet.
Jurassic World Velocicoaster
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster was featured as USA Today's Best New Theme Park Attraction in 2021, and it definitely lives up to the award.
The storyline for the ride is set before the timeline of the original Jurassic Park Film. However, once the ride takes off, it doesn't slow down. In fact, the ride is probably going somewhere close to 45-50 MPH when the coaster flips upside down.
On top of that, you're upside down right above the lagoon. Considering the ride's speed and the close proximity it takes you to the water, it almost feels like you're about to plunge into the water.
What is the Raptor Encounter?
The raptor encounter is another way you can interact with a velociraptor at Islands of Adventure. The attraction features an impressively lifelike velociraptor named Blue, which is guided by the Raptor Trainer.
While Blue is a trained velociraptor, she still has an aggressive nature, so the attraction may be scary for smaller children if they get up close. Especially considering how close the lifelike creature gets when she's showing her aggressive nature.
For those who aren't quite ready for such an intense encounter, they can meet Sierra, the baby raptor. She stays calm and is held by her trainer the entire visit, which gives young and easily frightened Universal Orlando visitors a chance to experience a real dinosaur without being frightened.
Does Jurassic Park Have Anything for Kids?
Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando also has several other attractions that kids can enjoy without being frightened. From flying above the park to blasting water cannons, there's no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in Jurassic Park land.
Pteranodon Flyers
The Jurassic World theme park at Islands of Adventure doesn't just offer kid-friendly activities. Universal Studios rose well above the challenge by providing an attraction that's only for kids. In fact, if adults over 56″ tall want to ride the Pteranodon Flyers, they need a child to go with them.
The Pteranodon Flyers attraction allows children to soar above the Jurassic park land and take in an incredible view. This is an excellent way for them to experience rides without being scared by sudden movements, loud noises, and unexpected dinosaurs chasing them.
The only downside is the long lines, given the ride's popularity and low compacity.
Camp Jurassic
Camp Jurassic is a play area at Islands of Adventure that has climbing nets, water cannons, tons of rope bridges, and so much more. The area gives children who may be easily frightened by the more intense attractions to let loose and enjoy embarking on a journey in Jurassic World.
Another fun thing to do in the Camp Jurassic play area is the caves. Kids can find sparkling gems and cool down in the water mist.
The scariest thing at Camp Jurassic is the random dinosaur sound effects, which usually aren't very frightening for most children.
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
If you visit Universal Orlando Resort with children, they'll also love the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. They have trivia, you can watch a baby velociraptor hatch, and Mr. DNA from the Jurassic World movies will even help you mix your DNA with a dinosaur's DNA.
There's also a gift shop and The Burger Digs restaurant on the main floor of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center building, which is a great place to grab a family-friendly bite to eat.
Final Thoughts
While Disney may not own Jurassic Park, Universal Studios has done an exceptional job. It has made the Jurassic World movies and theme park a huge success. If you visit Univeral Studios Orland, the Jurassic Park theme park attractions are something you won't want to miss.
