Universal’s Famous Globe Icon Actually Moved Locations

in Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Globe

Credit: Jim Shull @JimShull on Twitter

Did you know that the original Universal globe from Universal Studios Florida is now sitting in front of Universal Studios Hollywood? Here is everything you need to know!

Related: What’s New At Universal Hollywood!

universal globe
Credit: Bailee A. Inside the Magic

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida opened on June 7, 1990. Originally there was no existence of CityWalk or Island’s of Adventure — Just a parking lot and the iconic Universal Studios archway. Universal Studios Florida was just a theme park when it originally opened, and it took a few more years before additions were made and the name was changed to Universal Orlando Resort — but that is a story for another day.

If you were there for the original Universal Studios Florida days, you may remember some of the sights that are captured in these photos by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull.

Shull shared these photos of Universal Studios Florida to his Twitter page, with the caption:

Opening year images of Universal Studios Orlando. Arrows on the studio arch and the huge parking lot. Arrow on the original globe which later moved to Universal Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood

So when did the Universal Studios globe move from Universal Studios Florida to Universal Studios Hollywood where it sits today?

Related: Universal’s New CityWalk Store Will Be Massive

In 1998, Universal Studios Florida began expanding the theme park and turning it into the Resort we know today. The parking lot outside of Universal Studios Florida was removed, and CityWalk and the parking garages were added. Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.

As the construction was taking place on the vast expansion of Universal Studios Florida the globe was removed and replaced by the blue Universal Studios globe fans can take photos with today.

universal
Credit: Universal

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So next time you visit Universal Studios Hollywood and take a photo with the Universal Studios globe, you are actually taking a photo with a little piece of Universal Orlando history!

Many hard-core Universal fans may have already known this little tidbit of Universal trivia, but it is still a fun story to explore, especially for those who may not have known.

Universal Globe
Credit: Bailee A. Inside the Magic

Universal Orlando Resort is currently open with limited capacity at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

Universal Studios Hollywood is currently running a special limited-time event called Taste of Universal. The theme park is gearing up for a reopening after a year-long closure.

Which Universal Studios globe is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

We can help you plan the perfect Universal vacation to Orlando or Hollywood, click here to find out more information. 

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