Last Updated: Friday, April 11, 2026
Universal Studios Hollywood has quietly opened a new experience on the Lower Lot called “Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras,” and there was no announcement.
The experience is located to the left of the Raptor Encounter and is open to all guests with park admission. Signage at the entrance describes it as a “special event.”
Face Characters
The experience features actors portraying iconic characters from across the Jurassic franchise:
- Dr. John Hammond, the park creator from the original Jurassic Park (1993)
- Dr. Ian Malcolm, the chaos theory mathematician from Jurassic Park (1993)
- Dennis Nedry, the programmer who sabotaged the park’s security systems in Jurassic Park (1993)
- Dr. Henry Wu, the geneticist who appears across both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World eras
The performers are fully in character with mannerisms and interactions that bring the film versions to life. Guests can walk up and talk to them.
Props and Displays
The experience showcases life-size props and set pieces from across the franchise, including:
- The Gyrosphere from Jurassic World (2015), on display up close with full detail visible
- The iconic Jurassic Park archway marking the entrance
- Life-size dinosaur figures and vehicles
- Props and set pieces that were previously part of the Studio Tour’s Greens Street Jurassic Park experience, which ran from 1996 to 2024
Live Velociraptor Show
The experience includes a live Velociraptor show in the Containment Division area, featuring two Velociraptors and handlers in tactical gear. This is separate from the park’s regular Raptor Encounter and plays more like a stunt show, closer to the energy of WaterWorld than a standard meet-and-greet. It marks the first time guests can see two Velociraptors performing side by side.
Live Music
Live music accompanies the experience on the Lower Lot, adding to the atmosphere as guests explore the area.
What’s Still Unknown
Universal has not announced this experience through any official channels. There has been no press release, no social media post, and no indication of how long it will be available. There are reports that today may be a soft opening or limited run. It’s unclear whether this is tied to the upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights (April 23 through May 16) or a promotion for the Jurassic World: Rebirth film releasing on July 2.
Shark Take
The face characters are the standout. The actors playing Ian Malcolm, Dr. Wu, John Hammond, and Dennis Nedry have the mannerisms down and it’s genuinely cool to interact with them in person for the first time. The Gyrosphere is something you’ve seen in the movies, but being this close to it and seeing every detail is a different experience entirely.
The Velociraptor show is a step up from the typical Raptor Encounter. Two raptors, tactical handlers, and a stunt show format that brings real intensity. It felt like a preview of what a more ambitious raptor experience could look like.
The biggest question is what this actually is. Universal didn’t tell anyone it was happening. There’s a rumor today might be the only day it operates during this soft opening window. There’s no word on when it’s coming back, but it’s a lot of fun, and Jurassic Park fans are going to eat it up.
Visiting Universal Orlando? Check out the guide on whether Epic Universe Express Pass is worth it in 2026.
Source: Theme Park Shark, on location at Universal Studios HollywoodApril 2026 Update: Fan Fest Nights Schedule Confirmed
Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras is now confirmed as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026, running from Wednesday, April 23 through Monday, May 19, 2026. The experience, which soft-opened in March, is located behind Revenge of the Mummy on the Lower Lot’s newly expanded roadway.
Universal has added two live shows to the experience since its initial opening. The Raptor Escape show features Blue and another raptor breaking free from their paddock, with trainers and guards enlisting the audience to help corral them. The experience also includes additional character interactions beyond the original four, with performers staying fully in character throughout.
The experience is included with park admission during regular hours and as part of the separate Fan Fest Nights ticket during event dates.
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