Universal Studios | Islands of Adventure

Attractions :: Dining

Earthquake - The Big One

This attraction is a multi-part tour that takes guests behind-the-scenes of Hollywood special effects. The tour begins with a look at weather effects such as snow and rain. The next room looks at model building and how they are used to create massive destruction on film. The final room shows audiences how blue screen technology is used to place actors in a different location. After the tour is completed, guests board a San Franciscan underground rail train. At the first stop, guest experience a simulated 8.3 earthquake and witness the massive destruction to the rail station.

minimum height requirement	none
ages 2-4	Young kids may be frightened by the intense movie clips as well as the end earthquake scene, which involves violent movements and special effects.
ages 5-10	Kids may be frightened by the intense movie clips as well as the end earthquake scene, which involves violent movements and special effects.
ages 11-15	Most pre-teens and teens enjoy the end earthquake sequence, but may be bored by the lengthy introduction.
ages 16-adult	This attraction is great for adults who would like a peek behind-the-scenes of moviemaking.
senior citizens	Many seniors find the movement of the earthquake scene to be a little too violent. Otherwise, this attraction is great for adults who would like a peek behind-the-scenes of moviemaking.

When to Go

Visit Earthquake anytime throughout the day.

Trivia

• Currently models on display inside the attraction include E.T's mother ship from E.T the Extra Terrestial, and the Grinch's sled from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
• Historians might find the pictures in the first room of the devastation after the 1901 earthquake fascinating, as photos are often hard to find from that period.