35th Anniversary Of E.T Adventure!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Happy Saturday! Today we are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Universal Studios Florida’s oldest and most beloved ride, “E.T Adventure”! I was able to track down someone who had a huge hand in it’s creation, Peter Alexander!

Today, Universal Studios Florida is celebrating a major milestone: the 35th anniversary of the “E.T. Adventure” ride! Since opening with the park on June 7, 1990, this fan-favorite attraction has taken guests on a heartwarming journey through the world of the classic 1982 film. Created in partnership with Steven Spielberg himself, the ride lets you hop on a flying bicycle and help E.T. save his home planet, all while surrounded by lush sets, dazzling effects, and over 300 animatronic characters. With its memorable score by John Williams and charming story, it’s no wonder “E.T. Adventure” remains a standout experience.

Even as theme parks roll out bigger and flashier rides, “E.T. Adventure” continues to win hearts with its old-school charm and emotional storytelling. Universal has kept it in top shape, updating the animatronics and lighting to keep the experience fresh for new fans while staying true to the original magic. It’s the last opening-day ride still running at Universal Orlando, and it’s still just as fun and touching as ever. Here’s to 35 years of E.T., glowing hearts, and unforgettable bike rides across the stars!

Peter Alexander:

Peter Alexander was a key creative force behind Universal Orlando’s “E.T. Adventure” ride. As Executive Producer and Vice President of Universal Creative, he worked closely with Steven Spielberg to turn the beloved 1982 film into a one-of-a-kind theme park experience. One of his most memorable contributions was the idea to have E.T. say each rider’s name at the end of the journey; something that made the ride feel extra special and personal. Inspired by the book “E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet” and his own childhood love of exploring coral reefs, Alexander helped design E.T.’s home planet as a colorful, alien world full of life. Thanks to his creativity and leadership, the “E.T. Adventure” became a timeless attraction that still captures hearts today.

Giancarlo: How does it feel to know this is the ride’s 35th anniversary?

Peter Alexander: I did not know it was the 35th anniversary, but I am glad the ride is still there. My college friend Steven Spielberg who made the movie said, “E.T’s world is warm and friendly; make the ride like that.” So that is what we did. I guess that is why it is still there. People love it!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Peter Alexander: The best advice I ever got was from my Aunt Rums. I was small when she said, “You will be on your own for most of your life with no one to protect you but yourself. But just don’t look out for yourself, find someone you like and help them, then the rest of life will look after itself. You may end up rich, or not, but you will always know you did the best with the world as you found it, and the best anyone can expect.”

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing weekend and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo