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Universal Studios Florida entrance

Universal Studios Florida's attractions aren't exactly known for their subtlety. Universal likes its rides and shows to be exciting, brash, loud and in-your-face. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't pack them with hidden references to movies, past attractions and even rival Disney. There are dozens of little "easter eggs" dotted around the exterior areas of the park, too. In fact, wherever you are in the park, you're probably standing close to one of these - though you may not realize it. The next time you visit Universal Studios Florida, go armed with this list of "hidden secrets" - and let us know of any we've missed!

30. The Big One

Take a look at the crashed plane in the queue line for Disaster!. It has the codename EQ1990 – a homage to the original Earthquake: The Big One attraction. Sections of the miniature set from Earthquake can also been in the glass containers that line the walls of the first pre-show room. Note: This attraction was closed in 2015 to make way for The Fast and the Furious: Supercharged. Maybe this easter egg will make it into the new ride?

29. I ain't scared of no ghost

 A Live-Action Spooktacular

Look for a tribute to opening day attraction Ghostbusters: A Live-Action Spooktacular in the queue line for Twister: Ride It Out. In a firehouse window, you’ll see an ad for a Paranormal Travel Agency. Note: Twister was also closed in 2015 to make way for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. We'll have to wait until 2017 if this reference lives on!

28. The Toy Closet

E.T. Adventure It’s easy to skip E.T.’s Toy Closet, the post-ride shop for E.T. Adventure, but there are several great photo opportunities inside.

27. You're not alone

The Simpsons RideThe Simpsons Ride reuses the Back to the Future: The Ride ride system. Glance to the left or right during the experience, and you might see another car full of guests pitching back and forth. Riders clamber into the vehicles in separate rooms, to give the impression that they are in individual simulators. In reality, 12 cars are arrayed in front of the screen. There are two identical such screens in the show building, accommodating 24 cars in total.

26. An earlier model

 

The T-70 terminators that line the wall of the Terminator 2: 3-D theater are each eight feet tall, and are predecessors of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800.

25. Hollywood arguments

TwisterYou may notice that Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt do not appear on screen together during Twister: Ride It Out’s pre-shows. The two were filmed separately, because – it is rumored – they fell out on the set of the movie.

24. An unfortunate address

The address of a firehouse façade in Twister: Ride It Out's extended queue was altered from “9-1-1” to “2-9-1” following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Note: Twister was closed in 2015 to make way for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

23. A celebrity cameo

Steven Spielberg

Legendary movie director Steven Spielberg makes an appearance in Men in Black: Alien Attack, wearing a Jurassic Park baseball cap and reading a newspaper. When shot, the figure lowers the newspaper to reveal a triple-headed alien.

22. Unusual stores

 Alien AttackIf you can take a break from blasting the aliens on Men in Black: Alien Attack, take a look at the storefronts that you see along the way. These feature a host of in-jokes, such as the “I.M. Hotep Jewelry Store” (named after the undead character from The Mummy) and “Flaming Moe’s Bar” (a tribute to an episode of The Simpsons).

21. Try the doors

 

In the queue line for Men in Black: Alien Attack, try jiggling the handles on doors to the various laboratories.

 
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