Universal Orlando Resort has announced their new summer offerings including the opening date for DreamWorks Land, the Universal Mega Movie Parade, a new Hogwarts projection show, and the new lagoon show.
We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night. These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.
Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort
Teasers for the summer offerings began with video store props in the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. Universal later shared a picture of VHS tapes, a video of a retro TV, a cardboard box full of prop hints, and a “Shark Tank” parody featuring the “Jaws” shark.
DreamWorks Land
DreamWorks Land will open on June 14, 2024.
The highly-anticipated new DreamWorks Land will make its official debut on June 14 at Universal Studios Florida – inviting guests to explore the vivid worlds of some of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. The expansive new area will feature interactive play areas, character meet and greets, an all-new indoor live show experience, unique treats and photo-worthy moments that are fun for the whole family. Guests will be able to explore Shrek’s Swamp, enjoy the Trollercoaster, interact with Po in the Panda Village, encounter characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and so much more. Plus, guests will be transported into the worlds of some of their favorite characters in DreamWorks Imagination Celebration – a multisensory live show that will bring beloved DreamWorks stories to life like never before.
DreamWorks Land takes over the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone space.
Universal Mega Movie Parade
The summer movie parade will debut on July 3 and be performed on select days.
Beginning July 3, some of the most beloved stories from Universal’s films will leap off the screen and land on the streets of Universal Studios Florida for Universal Mega Movie Parade – a spectacular celebration of iconic movies E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Universal Mega Movie Parade will be Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date and combine 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers – including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more – and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience where guests can relive classic film moments in a whole new way.
The name Universal Mega Movie Parade was revealed via a trademark filing. New bubble wands will interact with the Universal Mega Movie Parade floats.
Universal did not announce specific details of the summer Tribute Store but said it would “complement the new parade experience and feature themed rooms, merchandise and photo ops inspired by some of the films that will be seen in the Universal Mega Movie Parade.” It’s expected to feature “Ghostbusters.”
Cinesational – A Symphonic Spectacular
This new lagoon and drone show debuts on June 14 and will be performed on select nights.
The waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon will come to life with an all-new nighttime show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular. The exhilarating new show will celebrate the emotional power of music by leveraging the iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions – including Warner Bros. Pictures 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.
Crews recently installed and tested new projectors and fountains around the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. Universal Orlando Resort has not offered a nighttime lagoon show since 2022. That year, the Halloween Horror Nights show Ghoulish: A Halloween Tale was canceled after a hurricane damaged projectors around the lagoon. The next year, Universal announced Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration would not return and a new show would take its place.
Hogwarts Always
The brand new “Hogwarts Always” nighttime spectacular, replacing “Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle,” will debut on June 14.
On select nights, guests visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will delight in the nighttime extravaganza, Hogwarts Always – an incredible new projection show that will take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts – all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. From supply shopping in Diagon Alley, and the exhilarating ride aboard the Hogwarts Express, to participating in the Sorting Ceremony, celebrating the House Cup winner and so much more, this visually stunning experience promises to captivate witches, wizards and Muggles of all ages.
The show will also feature four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and will culminate with a colorful pyrotechnic display. Fans should also listen for dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show.
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