ET Adventure is Universal Orlando's longest-running opening-day attraction. Could this beloved classic finally come to the UK at Universal Studios Bedford?
ET Adventure holds a unique place in Universal theme park history. It is the last remaining opening-day attraction at Universal Studios Florida, having operated continuously since 1990 — a remarkable 35-year run that speaks to its timeless appeal. The gentle bicycle ride through Elliott's neighbourhood, past the police blockade, across the moon, and onto ET's home planet of the Green Planet is a masterpiece of classic dark ride design. With Universal Studios Bedford being built from the ground up, fans are wondering whether ET could finally make the journey across the Atlantic.
ET Adventure was designed under the direct supervision of Steven Spielberg, who insisted on a ride that captured the emotional heart of his 1982 film rather than its action sequences. The result is a dark ride of remarkable warmth — guests board flying bicycles that soar over a moonlit cityscape before journeying to ET's home planet, where bizarre alien creatures celebrate the player's arrival. The ride's finale, where ET personally thanks each guest by name (using data collected at the ride entrance), was revolutionary in 1990 and remains charming today.
The ride previously operated at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan, though both versions have since been replaced. This makes Universal Studios Florida's version the sole survivor — a fact that increases its cult status but also raises questions about Universal's commitment to the IP. Some fans fear ET Adventure's days in Orlando may be numbered as the park undergoes periodic refreshes. Bedford could serve as both a new home for the concept and a guarantee of its survival.
A Bedford ET Adventure could be a loving recreation of the original ride with modern enhancements. The flying bicycle ride system is iconic and should be preserved, but the animatronics, lighting, and projection effects could be dramatically upgraded. Imagine the moon fly-by sequence with a real sense of altitude and wind effects, or the Green Planet scenes featuring animatronics that move with fluid, lifelike precision rather than the somewhat mechanical movements of the current figures.
The personalised goodbye from ET — arguably the ride's most beloved feature — could be enhanced with advanced audio technology that makes ET's farewell feel more natural and intimate. Modern audio systems could deliver the message through directional speakers built into the ride vehicle, creating the illusion that ET is speaking directly to each guest rather than from a distant animatronic.
An alternative approach would be a completely reimagined ET experience that tells a new story set in the film's universe. Perhaps guests help ET navigate a new adventure — escaping from a modern-day threat, discovering a new alien species, or returning to visit Elliott's family decades later. This approach would honour the original whilst offering something genuinely new that justifies the Bedford version's existence alongside the Orlando classic.
ET is one of the most beloved films in British cinema history, consistently appearing in lists of the nation's favourite movies. The film's themes of childhood wonder, friendship, and the magic of believing in something extraordinary resonate deeply with British sensibilities. There is also a delicious irony in the idea of an alien 'phoning home' from Bedfordshire — the quintessentially English countryside providing the backdrop for an extra-terrestrial adventure.
From a park design perspective, ET Adventure fills a vital niche — it is a gentle, emotionally rich experience that provides contrast against the park's thrill rides and high-energy attractions. Every great theme park needs moments of quiet beauty, and ET delivers exactly that. Its presence would demonstrate that Universal Bedford values craft and emotion, not just adrenaline.
ET Adventure at Bedford is considered a genuine possibility, though its inclusion likely depends on broader decisions about how Universal balances classic IPs against newer franchises. Steven Spielberg's ongoing relationship with Universal and his personal attachment to the ride could be a deciding factor. If Bedford does include ET, expect it to be positioned as a heritage attraction — a celebration of Universal's history and a reminder that the best theme park experiences touch the heart as well as the senses.
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