Credit: Universal PicturesThe Jurassic franchise has spent more than three decades bringing prehistoric spectacle to modern audiences, starting with Jurassic Park (1993), followed by The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and Jurassic Park III (2001).
The series was later relaunched and rebranded with Jurassic World (2015), continuing through Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Jurassic World Dominion (2022), and most recently with Jurassic World Rebirth (2025).
Steven Spielberg’s original 1993 film introduced audiences to iconic characters such as Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight).
Their legacies have become as enduring as the dinosaurs themselves, while the actors are synonymous with their respective characters.
Jurassic Park has long since extended beyond cinema. Frontier Developments’ Jurassic World Evolution video game series has allowed players to build and manage their own dinosaur parks.
On the small screen, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020–2022) introduced a younger audience to Isla Nublar, while its follow-up, Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024–2025), continued expanding the animated side of the franchise.
Immersive experiences have also played a key role in keeping the brand alive.
Touring attractions like Jurassic World: The Experience have transported fans into the world of Isla Nublar with animatronic dinosaurs, detailed set re-creations, and interactive storytelling.
Universal Studios’ Jurassic Park and World Experiences
Universal continues to lean into the interactive corner of the franchise, and nowhere is that more evident than at Universal Studios, where the brand remains a cornerstone experience.
Across the globe, Universal Studios destinations feature Jurassic-themed areas, from Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando Resort to Jurassic World Isla Nublar at Universal Beijing Resort, alongside attractions ranging from Jurassic World – The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood to Jurassic Park – The Ride at Universal Studios Japan.
The portfolio also includes high-thrill coasters such as VelociCoaster in Orlando and The Flying Dinosaur in Japan, underscoring how the franchise continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the company’s global parks business.
Related: This Jurassic Park Experience Is Closed Longer Than Expected
Universal Studios Reinstates Jurassic Park Banner
While Universal Studios Hollywood’s Jurassic Park ride was rebuilt into a Jurassic World experience following the global box-office success of the 2015 film of the same name, now the original banner has returned to the resort with the soft opening of “Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras” at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Despite falling under the World name, the experience is directly linked to the Park era, beginning with the iconic gates from the 1993 film.
According to Laughing Place, “Universal Studios Hollywood has soft opened their new Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras exhibit, inviting fans into over 30 years of dinosaur adventures.” Located behind Revenge of the Mummy in a newly expanded walkway, the exhibit blends props, live entertainment, and interactive encounters.
Several Jurassic Park Characters Have Been Recast
In a notable twist, the experience introduces new performers portraying legacy characters. Guests are greeted by John Hammond at the iconic gates, a role originated by Richard Attenborough in Jurassic Park (1993). Watch the TikTok clips from Laughing Place below:
@laughing_place JurassicWorld: A Journey Through the Eras has soft opened at UniversalStudiosHollywood! Explore moments, meet and greets, and perfromances inspired by #JurassicPark and beyond! #ThemeParks
Dennis Nedry, first played by Wayne Knight, roams the area “complaining about Hammond and how he doesn’t get enough recognition” as the outlet writes, while Ian Malcolm—immortalized by Jeff Goldblum in film—also appears in live form.
@laughing_place Dennis Nedry fighting with guests at UniversalStudiosHollywood’s JurassicWorld: A Journey Through the Eras! #ThemeParks #JurassicPark
If you want to check out Ian Malcolm, watch the below walkthrough from Five Fires:
What Else Does the New Jurassic Exhibit Feature?
The exhibit also includes familiar encounters, such as a Triceratops meet-and-greet and a baby raptor experience, alongside a staged “Raptor Escape” show featuring Blue and another raptor breaking containment.
Guests can also explore screen-used vehicles and view dinosaur statues throughout the space, and will notice that the exhibit isn’t exclusively inspired by the original 1993 film — it celebrates all three films in the Park trilogy, with several vehicles from The Lost World also present, as well as the Spinosaurus from Jurassic Park III.
While not currently listed on the official Universal Fan Fest Nights page, signage for the event—running select nights from April 23 through May 16—was visible during the preview, signaling the park’s broader push to integrate its franchises into seasonal offerings.
What do you think of Universal leaning back into Jurassic Park (1993) over the Jurassic World era? Let us know in the comments!