Universal Studios Hollywood Map and Brochure (2024 – 1964)

Location: Universal City, California

Years Active: 1964 – Active

This page is an archive of Universal Studios Hollywood maps and brochures dating back to 1980. I’m proud to say (AFAIK) that we’re the only site on the Internet to document the annual updates to the official Universal Studios Hollywood map. But before you check those changes, let’s explore some fascinating history and fun facts about Universal Studios Hollywood…

Universal Studios Hollywood, located in Universal City, California, stands as an iconic amusement park that has captivated the hearts of visitors since its grand opening on July 15, 1964.

Nestled amidst the entertainment hub of Los Angeles, this captivating park seamlessly melds the enchanting world of movies with immersive attractions.

As one of the United States’ oldest and most cherished theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood offers an irresistible blend of cinematic magic, thrilling rides, and vibrant surroundings, making it an essential destination for entertainment enthusiasts of all ages.

Universal Studios Hollywood History

At Universal Studios Hollywood’s core, the park revolves around the theme of the silver screen, inviting visitors to step into their favorite movies and TV shows. Iconic attractions like “Jurassic World – The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride 3D,” and the world-famous “Studio Tour” offer guests an up-close and personal encounter with beloved cinematic universes.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also renowned for its annual events and festivals, such as “Halloween Horror Nights,” which both terrify and thrill visitors with haunted mazes and spine-tingling experiences. These events draw crowds from around the globe, solidifying the park’s status as a year-round entertainment destination.

With ambitious expansion plans on the horizon, Universal Studios Hollywood promises exciting new experiences and attractions, ensuring its enduring appeal and ability to evolve and innovate. This beloved institution continues to offer a captivating blend of cinematic magic, thrilling adventures, and immersive storytelling for generations to come.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1964

In 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened to the public as a modern theme park attraction. The Studio Tour debuted as the park’s signature experience, featuring open-air “GlamorTrams” that guided guests through dressing room walk-throughs, glimpses of active production, and staged events. Alongside the tour, the park introduced additional entertainment offerings including a live stunt show and make-up demonstrations, establishing the foundation for its blend of behind-the-scenes access and themed attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1965

In 1965, Universal Studios Hollywood expanded its attractions with the opening of the Universal Amphitheatre, initially known as The Universal Studios Stunt Men’s Theatre, which seated 1,000 guests and featured live-action stunt performances on the Upper Lot. That same year, the park introduced the Animal Actors Training Stage, showcasing trained animal performances and interactions, further diversifying the entertainment lineup alongside the Studio Tour and existing shows.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1966

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1967

In 1967, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced the “Parting of the Red Sea” attraction, a special effects experience inspired by The Ten Commandments. Added as part of the Studio Tour, it allowed guests to witness a large-scale water effect simulating the biblical scene, expanding the tour’s focus on showcasing Hollywood’s practical effects and movie-making techniques.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1968

In 1968, Universal Studios Hollywood added the Flash Flood sequence to the Studio Tour. This new special effects feature simulated a sudden rush of water engulfing a village set, giving guests a dramatic demonstration of movie-making techniques. The attraction became one of the tour’s signature experiences and was later replicated at other Universal parks, establishing its long-term role as a staple of the park’s behind-the-scenes offerings.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1969

In 1969, Universal Studios Hollywood relocated the Animal Actors’ School to a new amphitheater and reintroduced it under the name Sherman’s Animal Kingdom, offering a more structured animal performance show. Additionally, the park added a display of the Ma and Pa Kettle cars on the Upper Lot, highlighting props from Universal’s classic film series and expanding the collection of recognizable studio artifacts available for guests to view.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1972

In 1972, Universal Studios Hollywood permanently closed the Runaway Train special effect on the Studio Tour after an accidental derailment occurred. Although the effect was discontinued, the train itself remained on display for guests, positioned at the end of the Collapsing Bridge sequence, serving as a visible reminder of the retired attraction within the tour experience.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1973

In 1973, Universal Studios Hollywood rebuilt and reopened the Parting of the Red Sea attraction after it was destroyed by a fire. The restoration brought the special effects sequence back to the Studio Tour, allowing guests once again to experience the large-scale water effect inspired by The Ten Commandments, maintaining its role as a key feature of the park’s behind-the-scenes demonstrations.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1974

In 1974, Universal Studios Hollywood enhanced the Studio Tour with two major special effects attractions. The Collapsing Bridge was introduced, creating the illusion of a structure breaking apart beneath the tram as it crossed. Additionally, the Rockslide effect debuted, simulating a hazardous avalanche sequence for guests. These additions expanded the tour’s lineup of immersive, movie-inspired effects and became enduring features of the park’s behind-the-scenes entertainment.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1975

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1976

In 1976, Universal Studios Hollywood debuted the Jaws attraction on the Studio Tour, officially opening the weekend of April 10. This new feature simulated an attack by a great white shark, immersing guests in a dramatic recreation inspired by the hit film. The addition quickly became one of the tour’s most recognizable special effects sequences, further strengthening the park’s connection between blockbuster movies and live entertainment experiences.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1977

In 1977, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced two new live entertainment offerings on the Upper Lot. The Land of a Thousand Faces opened as a make-up demonstration show, highlighting transformative effects in film. That same year, the Screen Test Comedy Theater debuted, giving audiences the chance to participate in staged performances. Together, these additions expanded the park’s lineup of interactive and behind-the-scenes attractions beyond the Studio Tour.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1978

In 1978, Universal Studios Hollywood retired the Rockslide special effect from the Studio Tour and replaced it with the new Avalanche Tunnel. This rotating tunnel effect simulated the disorienting experience of being caught in an avalanche, creating a more immersive sequence for tram passengers. The update marked a major change in the tour’s lineup of practical effects, ensuring guests continued to encounter fresh and large-scale demonstrations of Hollywood movie magic.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1979

In 1979, Universal Studios Hollywood added The Battle of Galactica to the Studio Tour. This new attraction, built at a cost of $1 million, featured large-scale animatronics and special effects inspired by the Battlestar Galactica television series. As one of the most ambitious additions to the tour at the time, it expanded the park’s focus on immersive, science fiction–themed entertainment and showcased Universal’s investment in blending live-action elements with advanced technology.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1980

In 1980, Universal Studios Hollywood closed The Land of a Thousand Faces make-up show on the Upper Lot and replaced it with the Castle Dracula walk-through horror maze, which operated in the same theater space. That year also saw the debut of The Flintstones Show, a live musical revue performed at the Universal Amphitheatre, adding a new entertainment offering to the park’s lineup alongside its growing roster of themed attractions and shows.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1981

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1982

In 1982, the Universal Amphitheatre underwent a major transformation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The venue was extensively rebuilt and expanded to accommodate 6,251 seats, shifting its purpose from a theme park stunt show arena into a premier full-time concert venue. Renamed the Universal Amphitheatre, it became a significant Southern California destination for live music and large-scale performances, marking a key rebranding and reopening milestone for the park’s entertainment offerings.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1983

In 1983, Universal Studios Hollywood closed two attractions: the long-running Western Stunt Show, which had operated since 1965, and the Castle Dracula walk-through horror maze on the Upper Lot. That same year, the park introduced the A-Team Live Stunt Show, which replaced the Western Stunt Show and brought a more modern, action-driven production to audiences. These changes marked a major shift in the park’s live entertainment lineup.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1984

In 1984, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular, a live stage show inspired by the Conan the Barbarian films. Opening one year after the release of Conan the Destroyer, the production featured swordplay, special effects, and fantasy-themed action, adding a new large-scale entertainment offering to the park’s lineup of live shows and attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1985

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1986

In 1986, Universal Studios Hollywood premiered the King Kong Encounter on June 14 as a major new addition to the Studio Tour. This technologically advanced attraction featured a massive animatronic of King Kong and elaborate special effects, immersing guests in a simulated encounter with the giant ape. The addition marked one of the most ambitious and high-profile upgrades to the Studio Tour during the decade.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1987

In 1987, Universal Studios Hollywood closed the A-Team Live Stunt Show on the Upper Lot and introduced its replacement, the Miami Vice Action Spectacular. The new stunt show, themed after the popular television series, brought high-energy action sequences and effects to the same venue, continuing the park’s tradition of live stunt entertainment while refreshing the lineup with a more contemporary property.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1988

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1989

In 1989, Universal Studios Hollywood retired the Avalanche Tunnel from the Studio Tour and replaced it with Earthquake: The Big One. This new large-scale attraction simulated a catastrophic earthquake in a San Francisco subway station, complete with collapsing structures, fire, and flooding effects. The addition represented a major upgrade in immersive disaster simulations, becoming one of the Studio Tour’s headline experiences and expanding its lineup of cinematic special effects demonstrations.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1990

In 1990, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced two new attractions: The World of Cinemagic, a show exploring special effects, sound, and 3D film, and An American Tail Show, a live stage musical set in a re-themed New York area near the Animal Actors stage. That same year, a major fire broke out on November 6, destroying several backlot sets, including the iconic Courthouse Square, marking one of the most significant incidents in the studio’s history.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1991

In 1991, Universal Studios Hollywood expanded with several major additions and updates. On June 12, the E.T. Adventure dark ride opened on the Lower Lot as a new headline attraction. Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue also debuted in the Castle Theatre, replacing the Animal Actors show with a live musical production. The Battle of Galactica was updated and retitled The Cylon Attack, while the Fire Station pre-show exhibit opened as the first phase of the upcoming Backdraft attraction.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1992

In 1992, Universal Studios Hollywood added multiple new attractions. The Backdraft experience opened on the Lower Lot in May, featuring large-scale fire effects. On the Upper Lot, Lucy: A Tribute debuted as a walk-through museum honoring Lucille Ball. The Universal Amphitheatre introduced The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show as a live stage performance. That same year, the Studio Tour permanently closed The Cylon Attack (formerly Battle of Galactica), ending its run as a special effects sequence.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1993

In 1993, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced Back to the Future: The Ride, a motion simulator attraction that opened on the Upper Lot on June 4. That year also marked the debut of the first phase of Universal CityWalk, a shopping and dining district adjacent to the park. Meanwhile, two shows closed: The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular ended its run after nearly a decade, and The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show closed after a brief engagement.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1994

In 1994, Universal Studios Hollywood closed two long-running shows and introduced a new one. The Flintstones Show ended its 14-year run at the Universal Amphitheatre and was replaced by Cinemamania, which opened in the Panasonic Theater within the same complex. Additionally, the Star Trek Adventure, an audience participation attraction on the Upper Lot, was permanently closed, marking the end of its six-year engagement at the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1995

In 1995, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, a large-scale stunt show that opened in October in a custom-built arena. To make way for the new production, the Miami Vice Action Spectacular was permanently closed. Additionally, Cinemamania, a short-lived show hosted in the Panasonic Theater at the Universal Amphitheatre complex, ended its run, further reshaping the park’s live entertainment lineup during the year.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1996

In 1996, Universal Studios Hollywood opened Jurassic Park: The Ride on June 21 after years of development and a $110 million investment. Located on the Lower Lot, the large-scale water attraction brought the popular film franchise to life with animatronic dinosaurs, themed environments, and a dramatic final drop, making it one of the park’s most ambitious and significant additions of the decade.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1997

In 1997, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced Totally Nickelodeon, a live game show-style attraction in the Panasonic Theater, and revived The Flintstones Show as The Flintstones Rockin’ Rock Vaudeville Show. However, the year was also marked by a major setback when a second arson fire struck the studio backlot on September 6, destroying much of Courthouse Square once again, though the courthouse façade itself survived. These events significantly reshaped both the entertainment lineup and studio sets.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1998

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 1999

In 1999, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced two new attractions on the Upper Lot. On May 6, the park opened T2-3D: Battle Across Time, a technologically advanced 3D show combining live action with film effects. That same year, The Chicken Run Experience, a walk-through attraction promoting the upcoming Aardman film, debuted in the former Star Trek Adventure building. Meanwhile, Beetlejuice’s Rockin’ Graveyard Revue closed after an eight-year run, marking a shift in the live entertainment lineup.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2000

In 2000, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom, a seasonal walk-through maze that opened for the summer in the former Star Trek building. This addition replaced The Chicken Run Experience, which was permanently closed earlier in the year. Additionally, the park ended Totally Nickelodeon, the messy game show-style attraction that had operated in the Panasonic Theater since 1997, further reshaping the entertainment offerings available to guests.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2002

In 2002, Universal Studios Hollywood opened the Special Effects Stages, a live show that demonstrated modern movie-making techniques and special effects. This new attraction replaced The World of Cinemagic, which had previously occupied the venue, updating the park’s behind-the-scenes offerings with a refreshed presentation of film production magic for guests.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2003

In 2003, Universal Studios Hollywood opened Shrek 4-D on May 23 in the former Rugrats Magic Adventure Theater, introducing a motion simulator attraction on the Upper Lot. Earlier that year, on March 14, the park permanently closed the E.T. Adventure dark ride on the Lower Lot to make way for the upcoming Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, marking a significant transition in the park’s lineup of family and thrill attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Brochure 2004

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2005

In 2005, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced two major additions. On June 15, the park opened Fear Factor Live, a stunt show featuring audience participation based on the popular television series. That same year, the Studio Tour expanded with the inclusion of the large-scale crashed 747 airliner set from Steven Spielberg’s film War of the Worlds, offering guests a new behind-the-scenes look at one of Hollywood’s most elaborate movie sets.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2006

In 2006, Universal Studios Hollywood added The Fast and the Furious: Extreme Close-Up to the Studio Tour. This special effects demonstration showcased techniques used in the popular film franchise, giving guests an up-close look at practical stunts and effects from the movies. The new addition expanded the tour’s lineup of behind-the-scenes experiences, connecting audiences with Universal’s modern action film properties.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2007

In 2007, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced Universal’s House of Horrors, a year-round walk-through haunted maze on the Upper Lot, replacing The Marvel Super-Hero Showdown. That year also saw the closure of two long-running attractions: Back to the Future: The Ride, which ended operations on September 3, and Lucy: A Tribute, a walk-through museum honoring Lucille Ball that closed after 15 years. These changes marked a significant refresh of both themed entertainment and classic exhibits.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2008

In 2008, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights expanded with several new haunted mazes. These included A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Walkers in the Jurassic Park extended queue, Friday the 13th: Camp Blood on the Backlot, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Back in Business in the Mummy extended queue. Additionally, the Terror Tram returned with a fresh overlay titled The Director’s Cut, adding a new storyline to the recurring attraction.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2009

In 2009, Universal Studios Hollywood debuted Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical on July 1. This live stage show, based on the classic Universal monster film, opened on the Upper Lot as a new entertainment offering. It replaced Fear Factor Live, which had previously occupied the venue, marking a transition in the park’s lineup of theatrical productions and expanding its use of Universal’s iconic monster properties in live performance form.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2009

In 2009, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights introduced several new haunted attractions. These included Halloween: The Life and Crimes of Michael Myers, the event’s first maze based on the Halloween films, Saw: Game Over inspired by the Saw franchise, and My Bloody Valentine: Be Mine 4 Ever. Additional offerings featured Chucky’s Fun House, centered on the killer doll, while the Terror Tram returned with a new theme titled Terror Tram: Live or Die, enhancing the seasonal lineup.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2010

In 2010, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced King Kong: 360 3-D on July 1, replacing the former King Kong Encounter as a new highlight of the Studio Tour. That year also saw closures, including Backdraft on April 11 to make way for Transformers: The Ride, and Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical, which ended its brief run on March 9. Additionally, the Special Effects Stages attraction was retooled and renamed The Special Effects Show.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2011

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2012

In 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood opened Transformers: The Ride 3D on May 24, a major new addition located on the Lower Lot that combined motion simulation with 3D effects. Later that year, on December 31, the long-running T2-3D: Battle Across Time attraction was permanently closed to make way for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, marking a significant shift in the park’s lineup from action-based experiences to family-oriented attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2013

In 2013, Universal Studios Hollywood permanently closed The Fast and the Furious: Extreme Close-Up attraction on the Studio Tour. Its removal cleared the way for development of the new grand finale, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which would debut in 2015 as a major addition to the tour’s lineup of large-scale special effects and film-based experiences.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2014

In 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood expanded its family offerings with the opening of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem on April 12, along with the adjacent Super Silly Fun Land outdoor play area. Later in the year, the park retired Universal’s House of Horrors, the year-round walk-through haunted maze, which officially closed on September 1. These changes marked a shift in the park’s lineup, balancing new family-oriented attractions with the closure of long-running horror-themed entertainment.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2015

In 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced two major additions. On May 28, the park opened Springfield, a themed land surrounding The Simpsons Ride, featuring restaurants and shops inspired by the television series. Then, on June 25, Fast & Furious: Supercharged debuted as the new Studio Tour finale, replacing the retired Extreme Close-Up segment. That same year, the long-running Special Effects Show permanently closed after the summer season, marking a shift in the park’s live demonstrations.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2016

In 2016, Universal Studios Hollywood debuted The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on April 7 as a major new immersive land. The area featured multiple attractions, including the headline motion-based dark ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, housed inside a replica of Hogwarts castle, and the family-friendly outdoor coaster Flight of the Hippogriff. This expansion significantly broadened the park’s themed offerings and anchored one of its most ambitious projects to date.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2017

In 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood permanently closed Shrek 4-D on the Upper Lot. The attraction ended its run on August 13 to make way for the upcoming DreamWorks Theatre, which would later bring new animated film-based experiences to the park. This closure marked a transition in the park’s lineup, retiring the long-running motion simulator to prepare for its replacement.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2018

In 2018, Universal Studios Hollywood opened the DreamWorks Theatre on June 15, debuting with the motion-seated show Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest. Later in the year, on September 3, the park permanently closed Jurassic Park: The Ride to prepare for its re-theming into Jurassic World: The Ride. These changes marked both the addition of a new attraction and the transition of a long-standing favorite into an updated franchise experience.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2019

In 2019, Universal Studios Hollywood reopened its reimagined dinosaur attraction as Jurassic World: The Ride on July 12, replacing the original Jurassic Park experience with updated scenes and effects. That same year, the Globe Theatre, previously used for shows and events, was demolished to clear space for a new attraction themed to The Secret Life of Pets, marking both a major refresh of a signature ride and preparation for future park expansion.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2020

In 2020, Universal Studios Hollywood saw two major closures. On March 4, the park permanently ended The Walking Dead Attraction, its walk-through horror experience. Shortly after, on March 14, the entire park temporarily closed to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, following state health guidance. These closures defined the year’s most significant changes for the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2021

In 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood officially reopened on April 16 after a year-long pandemic closure. Alongside the reopening, the park debuted The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, a new family-friendly dark ride. Additionally, Jurassic World—The Ride was enhanced with a new finale featuring a large Indominus rex animatronic battling as part of the attraction’s climax. These changes marked the park’s return with significant new experiences for visitors.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2022

In 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood prepared for the upcoming debut of Super Nintendo World by converting the Feature Presentation store into a dedicated retail location for exclusive Super Nintendo World merchandise. This allowed fans to access themed items months in advance of the land’s official opening in early 2023, marking the park’s most notable development of the year.

Universal Studios Hollywood Map PDF 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood Brochure 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2023

In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights added several new haunted houses, including The Last of Us, Stranger Things (season four), Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count, and The Exorcist: Believer. The event also introduced a major update to the Studio Tour with Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz, replacing its previous overlay. These additions highlighted the year’s defining changes to the lineup of horror attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map PDF 2023

Universal Studios Hollywood Brochure 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood Map 2024

In 2024, Universal Studios Hollywood permanently closed several long-running attractions and facilities. The Universal Animal Actors and Special Effects Show both ended operations on January 8, 2024, to clear space for a future Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster. Additionally, the Production Central store, a major retail location near the park’s exit, was closed permanently. These closures marked significant changes to the park’s lineup and infrastructure.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map 2024

In 2024, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights introduced eight all-new haunted houses, including A Quiet Place and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The Terror Tram received a new theme, Enter the Blumhouse, showcasing films like M3GAN and The Purge. New entertainment offerings included Late Night with Chucky, an interactive live talk show at the DreamWorks Theatre, and The Purge: Dangerous Waters, a nighttime stunt show staged in the Waterworld venue.

Printable Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Map PDF 2024

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