Today is the last chance for guests to experience A Day in the Park with Barney, as the show is closing temporarily. Here is a tribute to the Dino-star who for 25 years has brought much joy to the youngest of Universal Studios visitors.
When I think of A Day in the Park with Barney, the last thing that comes to mind is The Bates Motel set, but believe it or not the two attractions are intertwined. Back in 1995 A Day in the Park with Barney was built on the site of The Bates Motel set used in Psycho IV: The Beginning. For years The Bates Motel was used as The Psycho Path Maze during Halloween Horror Nights—until the set surrendered itself to the lovable dinosaur show in what is now part of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.
Based on the children’s television series Barney & Friends, the attraction opened on July 11, 1995. I have fond memories of both the children’s show and the show at Universal Studios Orlando. My son, now all grown and married, grew up with Barney & Friends. Watching the show while holding a pink ballon was a ritual, complete with the obligatory singalong to “I Love You,” “Down on Grandpa’s Farm,” and “If All the Raindrops.”
Years later, discovering A Day in the Park with Barney at Universal Orlando made everything even better. There was even a special Yuletide version of the show! Meeting the purple dinosaur, Baby Bop, and BJ after the the show in Barney’s Backyard just topped the entire experience.
Barney & Friends continues to hold a special place in both my son’s and my heart. We’re best friends like friends should be and hope that the temporary closing will not be a farewell, but an au revoir. For now, enjoy the full performance of A Day in the Park with Barney recorded by Unofficial Guides coauthor Seth Kubersky prior to its temporary closing.
Universal Orlando announced that A Day in the Park with Barney will close temporarily beginning August 9th. It is not the only attraction that is going dark for now. Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, Poseidon’s Fury, Fast & Furious—Supercharged, Storm Force Accelatron, and Fear Factor Live are also shutting down.
Time will tell which attractions will have a comeback. I personally can do without Fast & Furious—Supercharged and Fear Factor Live.
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
