Back to the Future The Ride - HOW IT WORKED

Back to the Future is probably one of the most iconic Universal movies and in 1986 it only made sense to start developing one of the largest motion simulator rides ever. But how did they pull it off and how did it work?
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[@jeffreyelya9996]

Switching Back To The Future out with The Simpsons is still the worst idea Universal has made, to date. Time has proven, (with the pun intended) that Back To The Future is even more popular today than it was when the ride first went in at both parks. Creating a whole new ride for the BTTF franchise would greatly benefit the studio.

[@pullthereins]

I agree 1,000% The Simpsons don’t deserve a ride, because aside from the shows intro, there were little to no car / ride scenes. But of course as we know, the Delorean was the star of the show in Back To The Future.

[@zandelscomicsandcards7543]

@@pullthereins the simpsons deserves a ride. Just not THAT ride. They deserve something similar to the Men and Black ride.

[@zandelscomicsandcards7543]

Rides are Universal were aging TERRIBLY at that period of time. They closed Terminator 2 also which was another great attraction. But was also aging horribly. The problem is instead of updating those rides they just replaced them. Big mistake imho.

[@pullthereins]

@@zandelscomicsandcards7543 I’m not familiar with the MIB ride. But I’d imagine a sort of Springfield walk through “ride” would be cool. With screens in place of windows, that you can watch in as the characters converse etc.

[@tcrpgfan]

@@zandelscomicsandcards7543 In the case of BTTF, though. Giving an update wouldn't be feasible since, well, when it closed in 2007, that year was a lot closer to 2015 than 1991/3 was. And if it got to 2015, that would be a case of 'That's not how things went.'

[@andrewheld2475]

My brother worked as a Ride Op at Universal Hollywood. He treated me to a viewing of the film while sitting on an unrestricted ledge on the top level. Fully immersed, legs hanging over the edge, doing my best to keep from falling forward, it was quite an experience. I was also a fan of the often overlooked detail in the movie, not the misplaced coffee cup visible to the right when first entering 2015, but the fact we always 'landed' at Universal Florida despite beginning our adventure in California.

[@rebeljasper_rblx770]

like as in the ride movie or one of the bttf films using the omnidome?

[@theworstisover1323]

Whaaaat?!?! This is crazy I can't believe it. I took my family on vacation to Universal Studios a week ago and while we were waiting in line to ride The Simpsons I was trying to explain to my son, who is 10 and loves learning all about amusement park attractions and how they work, how it used to be a Back to the Future ride but I couldn't find a way to explain it and make it make sense. He's going to lose his mind when he sees this. Thank you!!

[@AmusementLabs]

The world needs more curious minds and engineers. 🙂 Happy to help.

[@TechandDoc]

FYI the 25th anniversary bluray has the entire ride on it in the special features.

[@AmusementLabs]

@@TechandDoc It does, but it's heavily cropped.

[@TechandDoc]

@@AmusementLabs True. But still the highest quality version and likely last official release of what's left of BTTF the ride

[@TechandDoc]

There is also a special edition DVD out there with just the ride portion in 4:3 format. So its lower res but barely cropped at all.

[@SwissTanuki]

Did this ride back in 95 in Florida. Loved it so much. Well 95 was a great year in general.

[@debbieflaherty1975]

I would’ve loved this! Maybe it will make a comeback. ‘Back To the Future’ is timeless!!

[@johnmick9457]

I think this was one of the best theme park rides I've ever been on. I remember taking my Mom who had her eyes closed almost the entire time. My 7 year old son who always loved the movie couldn't get enough of it and we went back two more times to ride it without my Mom lol

[@allenmovies]

God I miss this ride. I was one of the last riders in Hollywood on its final day after the park already closed. One of the only rides to have ever made me feel like I was truly flying.

[@Speedstreak]

I miss this ride as well. It was one of my absolute favorite ride in Universal.

[@wc8289]

I was there on the last day too!! I remember my dad and I made sure to get on the last ride of the night. I remember coming out of the ride. And the DeLorean show car was parked outside. I looked back at the ticker that shows the wait time and it said “goodbye!” I’ll never forget that night!

[@tomcigarsmoker8958]

I was working at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida in around 97, 98, so I was able to ride the Back To The Future Ride, on my day off for free.

[@only257]

😎 coolest

[@janecannes1488]

I remember going to Universal as a kid and seeing the sign "Back to the Future Ride Coming Soon!" I always thought I would be back to ride it. It never happened.

[@Shockzone1495]

That sucks.

[@janecannes1488]

@@Shockzone1495 I know.

[@Shockzone1495]

@@janecannes1488 Same happened to me.

[@janecannes1488]

@@Shockzone1495 I am sorry to hear that

[@masterimbecile]

Ah I really missed the old BTTF ride. It was such a blast! That, and the mummy ride, the studio tour,, and the Waterworld show, were absolute cant-miss.

[@AmusementLabs]

Definitely. At USF we had some extra time so I went back around twice on Mummy cause of the single rider line. 😃

[@masterimbecile]

@@AmusementLabs Ok keep rubbing it in 😆

[@AmusementLabs]

@@masterimbecile oh this was 2016. BTTF was looong gone. Never got to ride.

[@jeffmonin6920]

My wife and I went to the US in 1996 for a holiday from Australia and the one thing that stood out for me was going on the Back To The Future ride, we both heard alot about the ride before went to the US and it was even better than what we had heard about the ride, it was a fantastic memory, it is the one thing we told our friends if you ever go to the US for a holiday make sure you go on the BTTF ride

[@mundanestuff]

Rode this in 1997 on our honeymoon. Bashed my head against the side of the car and lost about 30 seconds of time. Got out and nearly threw up on the exit ramp. Had a splitting headache the rest of the day. Was 25, so really no issues after the headache but man did that screw up the one day in the park.

[@AmusementLabs]

Oh damn, that suuucks. I wonder if they would have given you a refund or replacement ticket to come back another day.

[@mundanestuff]

@@AmusementLabs I got a hearty pat on the back from the first-aid crew and a "thanks for coming". It certainly left an impression, lol, even watching the ride video brought back the memories of how rough the ride was. I'm not a complainer, would rather bleed out than cause someone else annoyance, so I just shook it off and pretended like I was fine. Can't blame them for buying the act. Tough guy mode, activate. I'm sure I'm not the only dummy to shirk aid during an injury and won't be the last. Thankfully the next rides were Jaws and back lot tour type of stuff, it might even have been Earthquake, lol, so not really any shaking. I do remember the cong ride being fun, something about banana smell being pumped into the ride, but that could have been the power of suggestion.

[@Mike__B]

Had a similar instance in my late 30s when the wife and I decided to do a "Theme park excursion" to Southern California, we were going to do Magic Mountain, Disney, Knotts and Universal (this was before Harry Potter though when the park was so-so... but much more affordable!). First place was Magic Mountain and I can't place which ride, or maybe if it was more than one, but my head getting rattled back and forth and whacking the shoulder restraints which didn't have much cushion, but was pretty sure a hard turn cause my head to hit the side fairly hard (the fact that I don't remember was a bit worrisome) and was done for the rest of the day, even had to leave Disney after an hour when I felt sick on the ferris wheel as I couldn't ride anything, luckily Disney was kind enough to issue new tickets to us whenever we wanted to come back, but the trip really ended there. While I didn't throw up, I felt quite woozy just walking around.

[@edwardpollard6928]

Hey that pic of the rollercoaster is from my team :) I also have the original drawings of the ride sent to me from Edward Eyth which includes alternative storylines that they explored. Great video!

[@wamplertube]

I remember riding it as a kid, I will never ever forget it was an amazing ride!

[@Maniac536]

This was my favorite ride at Universal Florida. I was a huge BTTF fan when I went in 94. It was great to see the car and the train, and the props they had on display. My folks even let me sit in the front of the Delorian since they knew how much I liked the movies

[@bretthibbs6083]

I was there in either sept or october of 94 and the ride wasn't open yet but I was still able to see the displays and props and train there I think the car was there too but I can't remember I'm also a huge BTTF fan myself

[@johnprudent3216]

I got to go to Universal Studios Florida back 2010. I had heard prior to going that some changes were happening around the park. It wasn't until I got on The Simpsons ride that I realized "Wait a minute! This is the Back to Future ride!" As much as I like the Simpsons ride, I was disappointed knowing that one of dream rides from when I was a kid in the early 90's was now gone and that I would never get to experience what it would be like to be in one of my all-time favorite movies. Thanks for the video... and helping me re-live an unrealized childhood dream (lololol kidding of course).

[@zeroblade9800]

I remember riding this once. It was seriously something else. Even if it was just a moving platform synced to a screen it felt extremely realistic. Years later I saw another story about this ride, a retired fighter pilot confirmed the feeling you get was accurate to what one might feel in a jet minus the part were you go in reverse. I had no idea there was other cars in sync with ours nor did it seemed like the back half of the ride didn't move.

[@Jedimichael]

Miss this ride and wish it could have been updated instead of closed. Still got my tall blue BTTF glass cup from the gift shop.

[@xXMyDogisEmoXx]

This was my absolute favorite ride, and my heart broke when it had to be closed

[@supergeek79]

I'm so glad I was able to ride BTTF the ride many many times when I was a kid, as I wouldn't be able to ride it now anyway due to old man back problems lol. You just couldn't beat Universal Studios Florida in 1993. I've been to both the Florida and Hollywood locations a handful of times each and Florida was just superior. My favorite attractions in Florida were BTTF, E.T., King Kong and Earthquake. Those are some of my best memories.

[@CheapCheerful]

One of my best memories from being in Florida USA during 1994. I did'nt know about the ride, just saw it when I walked up and was like WOW!!! Really felt like we were flying high in the air (because we were, by the sounds of it!) I also have a photo of me alongside the original BTTF Steam Train that was there, and I remember out front they had a replica delorean, with the MR Fusion being loosly riveted on from so many people opening and closing it.

[@TerminallyNerdy]

My first job as a kid was working at Universal during the summer and as a Back to the Future Ride Attendant. I used to sit in the bottom of one of the theater areas and just watch the entire ride from below. Also liked to pretend my shirt got stuck in the car door and panic briefly before running away lol

[@zandelscomicsandcards7543]

I’ll always be greatful I had a chance to ride this more than once.

[@MegaSoulHero]

I like the Simpsons Ride, but I wish I could’ve gotten to experience BTTF.

[@SeanOzz]

it was better.

[@alanaa2399]

Right

[@noeliazaballa]

I rode both, back to the future and the simpsons and all I can say is that Universal and Disney are making a mess every time they change/update their attractions. These are expensive parks that are getting full of stupid attractions.

[@DTM1337]

Great video, I was lucky enough to enjoy this ride many times in the early 90s as a kid

[@mikesilva3868]

Huge back to the future fan seen all the movies,cartoon series and when I was 9 in 1993 I rode this ride at universal studios Florida at the time fun ride I miss it now😥

[@TacoTuesday555]

I remember loving this as a kid when I first visited the park. I remember making my mom ride this with me multiple times and when we left I would ask to get right back in line. I was so sad when I heard it got replaced with Simpson.

[@AmusementLabs]

Thanks for watching, stay tuned for our upcoming Halloween special. In the meantime you can support more videos at: www.patreon.com/amusementlabs

[@joeg.1119]

You supposed to say flux capacitor fluxing...

[@sgtpepper1138]

Love seeing the clips from the show "Next Step" a great tech show on Discovery back in the 90s.

[@AmusementLabs]

Yeah, it was a fantastic find with all the stuff I wanted to show.

[@-C.S.R]

I went when I was a kid and it was so realistic! With the technology they have now and with the rides they're doing like avatar, I'm sure it's It's even crazier on a level I can't even imagine🤯

[@gabrieldally6044]

I would love to see one on the new Jurassic World Adventure in Beijing!

[@TheSamwelb12Experience]

Very cool - I loved this ride back in the day. Its interesting to learn how it worked. Thanks so much for these videos.

[@darransykes3406]

In 2005, I was at Universal on a VIP pass (Is till have the pass and lanyard) and went to this ride. It was an awesome experiance and enjoyed it a lot. I then went to the Star Tours ride and hated that, BTTF The Ride was far better.... Glad that I took pics of the ride while I was there as the ride now no longer exists.

[@TehDarkOn3]

I was lucky enough to go to universal orlando in the winter of 1995 with my dad for three days. We must have rode this ride at least a dozen times before we left. It was such an amazing experience. Even the queue had props from the movie including the rising sun hoverboard on display. This was also back when you got to sit inside of the actual delorean time machine that they had on display in the lot outside of the ride. By the time i made it back to universal some 20 years later, it had already been replaced with the simpsons ride. I died a little bit inside that day.

[@jj-if6it]

I love BTTF, wish I could have ridden this! I think it would be just as popular today

[@SeanOzz]

this was so much better than the simpsons.

[@onair6652]

As usual, great entertaining video, thanks for sharing

[@MrLuckyAndrew]

6:45 great Scott what a beautiful machine!

[@aschmidt4429]

Great Video, thank you 🤩 love the ride... Never forget the First visit in 91🤩😎👍🏻🤩 great times

[@andreapatane4204]

This attraction USED to be located at Universal Studios Hollywood until it got renamed as The Simpsons Ride 15 years ago.

[@G-ish-two]

Love these vids :)

[@mikeyfrederick1232]

Super great breakdown sir

[@jakewimzy1988]

Although they claimed that you couldn't see the other DeLorean vehicles, depending on how tall you were and where you were positioned in the vehicle, you were able to turn your head and catch a glimpse of some of the other ride vehicles. Also, I really do wonder now how Back to The Future the ride would be if it was able to implement the new Star Tours randomness destination feature? Possibly outta this world.

[@nathanielcardona283]

I would like to see a “stitches great escape” breakdown

[@AmusementLabs]

It might be closer than you think.... 😉

[@AmusementLabs]

Check the pinned comment, it might illude to something. 🤔😉

[@nathanielcardona283]

@@AmusementLabs ayyyy well if you need pictures of how it looks after the closure let me know, I have a few 😉😉

[@AmusementLabs]

@@nathanielcardona283 I'll leave that up to you if you'd like to get in contact.

[@nathanielcardona283]

@@AmusementLabs whats your insta, we can share a little info

[@JaapGinder]

Me and my family did the BTF ride in 2006 and I'm glad we could. It was really an expierience. But also a bit outdated, that's true. On the other hand, happy the ride still excists as the Simpson ride.

[@only257]

My family and me rode the Back to the future the ride in 1993 i was 9 at the time it was fun huge back to the future fan seen all the movies and i remember seeing the cartoon series i was 7 in 1991 until i was 8 in 1992 when it aired on nbc 🙃

[@CJT3X]

Definitely remember going on this in the naughties

[@CoRnJuLiOx]

I'm sad to hear it closed in '07, I went to Universal Studios in CA twice when I was younger and this was my favorite ride!

[@stephenkostiak3929]

Rest in peace to our fallen friend, Back to the Future: The Ride. 1993-2007.

[@honeycombc]

As much as it’s a shame that they got rid of it, knowing that Simpson’s took its place is actually really cool and comforting considering that ride is amazing!

[@MAGman159]

Uh. The ride sucks.

[@colbya2015]

Agreed with Walter

[@honeycombc]

@@colbya2015 to be fair... the last time I went on it I was like 12...

[@colbya2015]

@@honeycombc You're right that is fair, but the story and actual ride film quality differing between BTTF and Simpsons is without a doubt in favor of BTTF, Simpsons is alright, believe me I work the ride, but BTTF just meant more to people and was done a lot better. If BTTF didn't exist before Simpsons, Simpsons would be a great ride.

[@omegafire6253]

Funny how you describe more dark scenes to compensate the screen edges, where yet with Simpson more colorful design makes that illusion fall short.

[@what_up777]

First time on it was 1993 in Florida. Was an epic ride. Loved it

[@bosborn1]

Universal Florida made a big mistake by removing the original legacy rides. All of those legacy ride systems were very unique and ground breaking for the time. They all could have been updated and would still look great to this day. What USF did was tantamount to MK removing space mountain, pirates of the caribbean, and the haunted mansion. We will look back at the 2000’s as some of the worst years for ride construction. While technology has made amazing things possible it seems the the big players have forgone creativity in the name of tripping over themselves to jam “relative” IP into every aspect of the parks. While I do understand that the legacy attractions at USF were all IP based they opened with the park and therefore gained legacy status. They used innovative methods to convey IP while today we use projection mapping to cram as much IP in as we can.

[@mitchzurbrigg2403]

I was there in 2007 I believe and I got to experience jaws and BTTF, great rides. Terminator ET and men in black were also rides there(dunno if still are) and we got onto Twister as well. I think some of those are gone now

[@Fry_tag]

My one and only visit to Orlando was in December/January 2000/2001. I remember this ride specifically because me and my sister rode it several times. I also remember seeing all the other DeLorean emerge out of their garages at the beginning of the ride.

[@dmac80]

Unfortunately I somehow missed this ride (went to US Orlando around 1990 or 1991) ...don't know if it was there or not but didn't ride. This video explains it well. Looks awesome. Thanks! Going back for first time since then, this Nov. IOA this time. Can't wait.

[@TrainerCTZ]

I love back to the future. I remember being underwhelmed by this ride as a kid.

[@Chrispyy__]

YOOOO I remember riding this!!! SO fun when i was little lol

[@danielbspinola]

"Connected using Universal joints". Nice!

[@AmusementLabs]

Bah dum tss.

[@maryyjanee247]

I remember being a kid and riding this ride with my dad and being scared to fall out and stay in the future mainly the part where you go back to the Jurrasic time

[@mo4er915]

The Back to the Future franchise hasn’t lost popularity. If anything it’s gotten to be more popular with time. I think the rides descent was that technology caught up with it and just started to feel out dated. I really feel Universal has plans to create another Back to the Future ride once Epic Universe is complete. One thing the that could also be holding them back is Robert Zemeckis’ hold on the franchise. He might not want anything else done with it while he’s alive. I know he’s been verbal about that when it comes to the films. Not sure how he feels about a new theme park attraction though.

[@frankguzmanjr.6566]

Great Scott Marty

[@joevictor53]

I'm still bummed that I never went there when it was Back to the Future. First time I went to a Universal park was in 2016. Long after they'd switched. I'd heard about it and luckily I got to see the video on the DVD but still would've been nice to experience it. At least I got to see the Delorean and the train in person

[@emodate]

I was lucky enough to get to get the chance to ride this attraction before it closed down. As a huge fan of the trilogy I'm glad I was able to ride it!

[@coasterimagineer5717]

I think a video on how Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure works would be good. This was a very good video keep up the good work!

[@bobmorgan1762]

Glad I got to do this ride in LA.

[@kingarthur5110]

I know movies have moved on, but I really wish universal kept some of their classic rides.

[@lazerkeyboard]

Oh my.... I remember a few years ago I got into a silly argument with a friend over how the ride worked... we both thought that the garage in front of us was the screen but he was correct on how they were able to get more riders on. I figured that it was side by side theaters, he told me that one time he managed to see another delorean while riding the ride.. I of course thought he meant Biff's ride in the show but he was like 'no ! there's more than one car in there with you' and I argued and argued and argued lmfao

[@dsscam]

Best ride of all time!!

[@michaeld954]

I remember riding this i miss it was awesome

[@alyawaits]

Come On Universal Studios Bring Back this ride please

[@SeanCwilich]

My family & I went on the BTTF ride a long time ago & it was fun. Too bad it only lasted 14 years.

[@cowmissing]

Nice video, here’s to help clarify things: @ 2:35 The original placement (which you do not mention) of USH’s version was supposed to be located where the current Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride is at. But due to seismic issues, it was built at its current location. @ 4:38 Your statement is only correct for level 3, which has 4 vehicles per Dome. But you correct yourself at 6:09. @ 5:00 the “smaller rooms” are called Holding Rooms. @ 5:21 the “neighboring room” is called the garage. @ 7:19 the car slides 15” forward to clear the back shell.

[@AmusementLabs]

Yeah, the part about the cars per level was hard to track down. Then in editing a bunch of stuff got scrambled (some editor bug) and things got lost.

[@stephenkostiak3929]

Show us how Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure works in a future episode.

[@pvtred]

Wow, the head of the riders in the Star Tours commercial really whipped back.

[@sinner13halloweenfiend76]

This Ryde was dope back in the days lol

[@AroundIndiana]

These were the best years of Universal Studios.

[@JennNofficial]

I miss this ride

[@Ronaldl2350]

That was my favorite at Universal Orlando. I was sad when i heard it was going away.

[@purpleman8783]

i wondered if the back to the future ride actually split off the heavier part of the cart since the simpsons does that. you (unlike other channels) actually give CORRECT information and explain clearly.

[@realquadmoo]

I’d like to see a breakdown of Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai and coming to Disney World

[@dkwak101]

I loved this ride. If you sat in front of the DeLorean, there was video from Doc Brown and Biff, and of course, the Flux Capacitor and date generator! However, I sat in the last row and the panel and it rocked so hard I smashed my head into the door wing at full force and had a slight concussion. Had to leave the park.

[@AmusementLabs]

Oh damn, that seems to be a common trend in this comments section.

[@PeterSmulovics]

When I rode this *amazing* ride, the actor managing the loading looked at me and told to sit in the front row to avoid hitting my head (I'm 6''1)

[@freddiereadie30]

I'm lucky i was able to experience riding this back in 1998 when i went to Hollywood as a tourist. Unfortunately i was able to ride it only once, because my friends preferred the plunging waterfall ride of Jurassic Park and we lined up there 3 times instead.

[@TheTacticalTuna]

i was born the year it closed, i live 30 minutes from universal so when i go i always look at the simpsons ride knowing it use to be an amazing ride!

[@MJC-yo5kj]

Word to the wise on this ride’s successor, don’t wave your hands around. A sensor will trip and your car will stop moving and you will stay completely still until the ride ends and will have to be escorted off the ride by staff members

[@JohnTC9]

Love & miss this ride. I would love if they would bring the ride back in a smaller form with 3 or 4 cars & in a pay to ride at either somewhere in Universal Orlando CityWalk or in Epic Universe if it has it's own CityWalk.

[@GoetiaTV]

Wish I had a chance to ride this and The Great Movie Ride.

[@mayganphynix8267]

ugh. this looks so much better then that Simpsons ride. I wish this was still here. 😑

[@SeanOzz]

it was much better.

[@Trakker1985]

now that Disney owns the Simpsons rather than paying any licencing costs, would be cool if they just changed it back lol

[@sonnenklang6925]

I was there :)

[@j.j.q1379]

LOL acutally you do see the other cars, if you look at a certain time and spot when this ride was around you saw them moving at the same time as you are.

[@melmac8496]

If your like myself -6-3 feet or taller you could see over the door and to other vehicles around you (at least in the Hollywood version). It really ruined the whole experience and that really stinks cause Back to the Future still is my favorite movies. I’ve ridden the Simpsons version and same problem

[@MegaRayland]

Then why do you keep looking to the side?

[@melmac8496]

@@MegaRayland unless I can go blind out the side of my eyes I can’t really unsee it. I feel like Dino sticking his head out of the car from the Flinstones :)

[@airgunningyup]

i wish they still had the ride.

[@J1995M]

Idk if there's a 'golden age of amusement parks' but based on my childhood alone Id have to say is was about 20 years ago with rides like this, Jaws, Twister, The Mummy, MIB, etc. (I know theyre all from the same park, I didnt choose where my family vacationed lol)

[@maux7767]

My senior year of high school our Band class was taken to Universal to do a concert, a mere month before the ride closed. So my graduating class were some of the last people that got to ride it, ^__^

[@AmusementLabs]

;-; 😔

[@maux7767]

@@AmusementLabs oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like, in a bragging way, 😅

[@AmusementLabs]

Oh it's okay lol, I just meant "sad times" being some of the last. I never got to ride it cause I didn't go to Universal until 2015 I think it was.

[@kommandantgalileo]

they should bring back the coaster idea

[@only257]

Sad this ride isn’t around anymore 😭

[@scottcornelius7441]

I always wondered why the car moved forward before the ride started.

[@supermarioworld04]

BTTF the ride lives on in VRChat

[@845835]

The thing I remember most about this ride was how jerky it was. It's movement was a bit rough.