Inside the Dome theatre at Back to the Future: The Ride.

Each attraction featured a pair of domes or theaters housing the ride vehicles. Within each dome, twelve vehicles were distributed across three levels (Level 1: 3, Level 2: 5, Level 3: 4), each capable of accommodating eight passengers. Visitors boarded on the ground level, and as the ride commenced, each vehicle extended 15 inches to clear the rear shell before elevating 8 to 10 feet in the air, securely locking into the structure. Meanwhile, the ride vehicles executed their programmed sequences, each positioned at various angles within the dome, ensuring a unique experience for passengers.

The genesis of a Back to the Future-themed attraction began in 1986 during a meeting between Steven Spielberg and MCA Planning and Development's Peter N. Alexander at Universal Studios Hollywood. This discussion occurred just before the debut of the King Kong Encounter scene for the park's Studio Tour. Inspired by George Lucas' Star Tours ride at Disneyland, Spielberg challenged Alexander to explore the possibilities of creating a similar experience based on Back to the Future.

This suggestion revitalized the project, which had been previously stalled, breathing new life into the proposed concept for Universal Studios Florida. Initial planning commenced in 1988, initially considering a roller coaster format. However, recognizing the challenges of storytelling within the fast-paced coaster experience, designers pivoted towards a simulator ride concept. This vision materialized with motion-based vehicles resembling the iconic DeLorean from the films, transporting riders through a thrilling adventure projected onto a large, dome-shaped IMAX screen. Development involved meticulous testing, including trials at the Expo Centre in Vancouver, Canada, utilizing foam models of the DeLorean in an OMNIMAX theatre. Eventually, Intamin was contracted to develop the ride system.

Publicly announced in February 1989, the ride was slated to be a centerpiece attraction at Universal Studios Florida and later confirmed for Universal Studios Hollywood, both facing delays due to construction issues. The Florida installment opened on May 2, 1991, while the Hollywood attraction debuted on June 12, 1993, with total costs of $40 million and $60 million, respectively. The ride's success led to its expansion to Universal Studios Japan, opening on March 31, 2001.

Ride Film Directed by: Douglas Trumbull
Pre-Show Directed by: Les Mayfield and David deVos
Written by: Peyton Reed
Music Composed by: Alan Silvestri
Executive Produced, Created, and Written by: Peter Alexander
Produced by: Sherry McKenna, Craig Barr, Philip Hettema and Terry Winnick
Production Executives: Jay Stein and Barry Upson
Based on characters created by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale
Creative Consultant: Steven Spielberg
Designed by Universal Creative and Berkshire Ridefilm
Distributed by: Universal Studios

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