So what does this mean for E.T. Adventure’s future? 

E.T. Adventure’s future is certainly a mystery at this point in time. While signs point to it likely being the next Universal Studios attraction on the chopping block, Universal’s recent push of the property with their summer tribute store certainly casts some doubt on any sort of imminent (or at least near future) closure. Paired with the fact that the film celebrates its 40th anniversary this year which recently saw a theatrical re-release in IMAX, one could assume that while E.T. Adventure is certainly likely to have been eyed up for a potential replacement by Universal’s creative heads, there may be some time to go until it finally closes its doors to guests. 

An entire retheming of the KidZone area, where E.T Adventure currently sits, has been heavily speculated for years now, with rumors previously swirling that Universal were planning to flatten the area (including E.T.) to make way for the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World expansion. However, this area is now confirmed to be headed to Epic Universe and with Universal set to bring a host of other new properties into this exciting fourth park, it remains to be seen what property Creative will see as the best fit for the KidZone area. 

One thing is for certain though, there will sadly come a time in the future when E.T. will no longer offer guests a croaky goodbye, and will join Universal’s ‘retired classics’ lineup. With Universal consistently pushing for innovation in their park, and with the focus having been on Islands of Adventure in recent years with the openings of Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster, it won’t be long before all eyes are on Universal Studios whereby E.T. stands, much to the dismay of many, as the park’s weakest link.

Final thoughts...

When looking at the facts, we as mere park-guests know very little about what goes on behind-the-scenes, not only between Spielberg and Universal but also in the wider scheme of its everyday operations. Therefore, it's unsurprising that rumors surrounding these more secretive discussions breed so much speculation. While there are likely to be any multitude of reasons behind E.T’s ongoing reign as a remaining opening day attraction, the presence of an ever-binding contract clause that states that E.T. Adventure must outlive its director is certainly not one of them.

From a speculation stand-point, the most likely explanation for E.T’s immortality could simply be that Universal have yet to establish a long-term plan for KidZone, and therefore tearing down an attraction with no viable future in sight is, of course, pointless. Its location certainly bodes well for its survival, as the entire KidZone area has remained largely the same over the years, making it even more likely that a huge refresh could be on the horizon as Universal continues to innovate and amaze. 

With E.T. Adventure having long-since established its icon status in Universal Studios Florida, it’s no surprise that Spielberg shares the same heartfelt affection for the ride as many guests do. That being said, while Spielberg’s love of E.T. Adventure was never in dispute, it’s highly unlikely that the director is in the business of throwing his toys out of the pram to keep its legacy intact.