Universal Orlando has announced a brand new lineup of summer events including the opening date for DreamWorks Land, a NEW Harry Potter show, and a nighttime spectacular utilizing the increasingly popular drone technology.
One of the most impressive things about Universal Orlando is how quickly they move to open new projects in their theme parks and a consistent rotation of new entertainment. While many folks are looking ahead to the opening of Epic Universe next year, there is plenty to take advantage of this summer at Universal Orlando with these new events.
One of the most exciting things about these additions is the increase in activities for younger demographics at Universal Orlando. The new DreamWorks Land includes an area focused on Shrek, Trolls, and Kung-Fu Panda which are all popular franchises for kids to enjoy. And of course, a larger than life show using drone technology! Keep scrolling for all the news about these new events and opening dates!
New Universal Orlando Drone Show Announced
Let's start with the most exciting, brand new entertainment coming to Universal Orlando this summer!
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is the new nighttime spectacular coming to Universal Studios Florida and focuses on the emotional power of music by incorporating popular scores from films like Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.
This new show features impressive technologies and special effects like 228 fountains that reach heights of up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, and more than 600 drones that will create a display featuring cinematic moments. All of this is accompanied by the original composition featuring all of the arranged scores from these blockbuster films.
Drones are becoming increasingly popular in theme park shows and we've already seen this drone technology debut at Disneyland Paris which featured 500 synchronized drones. Walt Disney World has also announced their own drone show debuting at Disney Springs this summer although this show is on a far smaller scale.
🎆Read all about the new drone show taking place now at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World.
Hogwarts Nighttime Show Focusing on Classic Harry Potter Moments
Hogsmeade in Universal Island's of Adventure will also feature a brand new projection show on Hogwarts Castle called Hogwarts Always. This new projection show will take guests through the iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts from supply shopping in Diagon Alley, riding the Hogwarts Express, the Sorting Ceremony, and celebrating the House Cup winner.
The show also adds a fun twist with four different endings that each celebrate the individual Hogwarts houses and a pyrotechnic display. There will also be dialogue from fan favorite characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more during the show.
This is exciting news as we haven't seen a new Hogwarts castle projection show in awhile and these shows add so much to the atmosphere in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
DreamWorks Land Opening Date Announced
Both of these new nighttime spectaculars will coordinate with the opening date of the new DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida.
DreamWorks Land replaced the old KidZone in Universal Studios Florida and will be a great place for young children and adults to enjoy. This new land features some of the most popular characters in the DreamWork's Animation films like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. DreamWorks Land is directly adjacent to the famous E.T. Adventure attraction. The new land will feature a family-friendly roller coaster, interactive play areas, live entertainment, and character meet and greets.
Universal Mega Movie Parade Debuts This Summer
There is also a summer parade making its debut at Universal Orlando. Universal Mega Movie Parade is a celebration of iconic films like E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.
This will be Universal Orlando's biggest daytime parade to date! This parade combines 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers, and special effects.
Some stand outs from this parade include a massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man on the Ghostbusters float, Caterbus and giant rainbows on the vibrant Trolls float, and a live marching drum line performing the Jaws movie score alongside its float. And of course, the big finale which features a Gyrosphere, Raptors and a Tyrannosaurus rex on the Jurassic World float. The parade will be full of hidden Easter eggs and details for fans to celebrate all of these iconic films.
Universal Mega Movie Parade debuts at Universal Studios Florida on July 3rd.
If there's anything I've learned about Universal parades from my recent visit to enjoy Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando this year is they go ALL OUT for their parades. This sounds like a fantastic experience.
The tribute store this summer will be focused on the new parade experience with themed rooms, merchandise, and photo ops from the films.
Guests can already start preparing for all the summer fun at Universal Orlando with new interactive bubble wands inspired by Trolls and Jurassic World that will interact with select Universal Mega Movie Parade floats.
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