Backdraft (attraction)

Backdraft
The ride's entrance at Universal Studios Japan (above) and interior at Universal Studios Hollywood (below)
Universal Studios Hollywood
AreaLower Lot
StatusRemoved
Opening dateJuly 1, 1992 (1992-07-01)
Closing dateApril 11, 2010 (2010-04-11)
Replaced byTransformers: The Ride – 3D
Universal Studios Japan
AreaSan Francisco
StatusRemoved
Opening dateMarch 31, 2001 (2001-03-31)
Closing dateSeptember 14, 2020 (2020-09-14)
Replaced byIllumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast
(Minion Park)
Ride statistics
Attraction typeFire Effects Show
ManufacturerUniversal Creative
ThemeBackdraft
Duration8:00

Backdraft was a fire special effects show at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan, based on the 1991 film of the same name. Visitors could learn how the pyrotechnic effects were created and experience some of them first hand. It was the first theme park attraction based on an R-rated film, and the first one to be at the Universal theme park as well.

The Hollywood attraction was supposed to officially close after Labor Day 2009 to be replaced by Transformers: The Ride – 3D in 2011, but remained open to appease visitors due to temporary closures of other attractions for annual refurbishment. The Hollywood attraction officially closed on April 11, 2010.

The Osaka version of the attraction was temporarily closed on September 14, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However on May 16, 2023, Universal Studios Japan announced the park had no intentions to reopen the attraction.The Japan attraction was replaced by Illumination’s Villain Con Minion Blast which became part of Minion Park which open in Summer 2025.