Remembering Twister…Ride It Out at Universal Studios Florida

Creating a Twister

Universal had caught wind sometime earlier of Ned Kahn, an artist who created a real vortex sculpture. Kahn shared some names to Universal of other wind specialists; they were eventually brought in to help Universal make a real twister.

The team set up inside the empty Ghostbusters Spooktacular venue where they began engineering a complex system of fans that would generate a large-scale vortex. The simulated tornado would be the centerpiece of a special effects presentation; although, the patent does show the possibility of it being a ride with moving vehicles. In any case, Twister was becoming another action-packed attraction for the park’s thrilling lineup.

“We just tore everything out and just about started from scratch.”

— Mike Hightower, project director, via The Orlando Sentinel, 1998

During trials, the team did a lot of fine-tuning to generate a sustainable vortex. The vortex, however, reacted differently every time changes were made in the venue, like when new set pieces were added. This of course was all before the attraction opened—just imagine what could happen if and when an audience of theme park guests were in the room with an unpredictable vortex. So, the crew brought in some Universal team members to stand in the room during trials, but they needed more people for a more accurate simulation.

They ended up ordering 240 mannequins, dressed them in clothes from the costuming department, and placed them in the showroom. The team continued constructing the attraction and tweaking the conditions as progress moved forward.

“This special effect is the most difficult at Universal because we don’t have direct control over it. For instance, if we want the Jaws shark to move faster, we just turn up the pressure.”

— Mike Hightower, project director, via Orlando Business Journal, 1998

In February 1997, Universal Studios Florida officially announced Twister…Ride It Out, coming the following year. The park revealed the first-of-its-kind special effects show would feature a 50-foot tornado, and guests would stand only 20 feet from the action, feeling water and heat from the fiery storm. It was going to be the real deal—no 3D glasses needed.

“Twister will again raise that bar by combining—for the first time ever—special effects with the forces of nature.”

— Tom Williams, president of Universal Orlando, via The Tampa Tribune, 1997

Stormy Allegations

Production for the new attraction took a twist in 1997. Reel EFX, a special effects firm in North Hollywood, alleged Universal Studios stole its tornado-generating technologies to create the upcoming Twister attraction, according to a Los Angeles Times report. The firm had previously used similar methods for productions like a Volvo commercial.

In response to the claims, Universal reportedly requested for the firm to specify which parts of the design were stolen. Things got a little stormy as, allegedly, the two parties previously met the year prior when Universal began developing Twister. They never made it past negotiations as Universal partnered with other vendors.

Reportedly, Universal won the case by proving artificial tornadoes had been made before; it wasn’t a brand-new concept.

Storming Toward an Opening

Construction for Twister…Ride It Out continued. Twister’s themed gift shop opened in late 1997 as the attraction neared completion. Twister was almost ready for guests, but unfortunately, its debut had to wait.

Tornadoes struck the Central Florida area in early 1998, taking the lives of 42 people and heavily affecting nearby communities. The outbreak was called the Night of the Tornadoes and was the deadliest tornado event in Florida history.

Universal immediately halted all marketing for Twister out of compassion for the disaster. At this time, Universal closed the Twister gift shop and instead used that space where guests could donate to tornado relief efforts. Universal Orlando donated $100,000 to the cause.

After a month, Twister quietly opened for periodic technical rehearsals in March 1998. Universal did not publicly advertise the soft opening, instead relying on word-of-mouth.

Marketing for Twister…Ride It Out gently resumed in April as Universal Orlando softened its approach.

“It would be fair to say that we have softened the message a bit, primarily in the state of Florida.”

— Jim Canfield, Universal Orlando spokesperson, via The Orlando Sentinel, 1998

By May 1998, Universal Orlando rolled out an interactive experience to promote the attraction. The Twister Truck was a semi-trailer with a 100 mph wind tunnel simulation inside. Adults could go inside one at a time and strap in to weather the storm while wearing a poncho, ear protection, and goggles. A storm-chaser from the National Severe Storms Laboratory was on location to educate visitors about tornadoes. The Twister Truck visited science centers in more than 15 cities across the U.S.

After delays and altered marketing efforts, Universal Orlando was finally ready to debut its newest attraction to the public.

“All indications were that this was the appropriate time.”

— Jim Canfield, Universal Orlando spokesperson, via The Orlando Sentinel, 1998