Summer is shaping up to be an exciting time at Universal Orlando, with a slew of new experiences and attractions set to debut. From a brand new themed land to retro parades and lagoon shows, there’s something for every theme park fan. Let’s take a closer look at what Universal has in store for guests this summer.
DreamWorks Land Grand Opening
One of the most highly anticipated additions to Universal Studios Florida is DreamWorks Land, which will finally make its grand debut on June 14th. This new land will replace KidZone and promises to transport guests into the worlds of some of their favorite DreamWorks characters.
Guests can expect to encounter popular characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and the gang from How to Train Your Dragon. There will also be a multi-sensory live show called “DreamWorks Imagination Celebration” that will bring beloved DreamWorks stories to life in a whole new way. Annual passholder previews will be available before the official opening, so make sure to keep an eye out for those details.
New Parade Celebrating Iconic Movies
In conjunction with the opening of DreamWorks Land, Universal Orlando will also debut their biggest daytime parade yet. The “Universal Mega Movie Parade” will showcase iconic movie franchises such as ET, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, and more. With 13 brand new floats and nearly 100 performers, this parade is sure to be a showstopper. It will also feature special effects like a 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and a live marching drum line performing the iconic Jaws theme.
Lagoon Show Featuring Over 600 Drones
Another exciting addition coming this summer is the lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida. Named “CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular,” this show will celebrate scores from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal’s past, present, and future attractions. With 228 fountains that can reach heights of up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, and an original composition featuring newly arranged scores, this show is sure to be a next-level experience. Plus, the show will feature more than 600 drones, making it one of the largest drone performances in the world.
New Hogwarts Castle Show
Harry Potter fans will be thrilled to know that a new projection show is coming to Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Named “Hogwarts Always,” this show will take place on the iconic Hogwarts Castle and will showcase some of the most iconic moments from a school year at Hogwarts. Guests can look forward to seeing scenes like supply shopping in Diagon Alley, riding aboard the Hogwarts Express, and participating in the sorting ceremony. The show will also feature four different endings, each celebrating a different Hogwarts house.
Tribute Store and Epic Universe Preview Center
For those looking for even more immersive experiences at Universal Orlando this summer, the Tribute Store and Preview Center are not to be missed. The Tribute Store will be themed to some of the films featured in the Universal Mega Movie Parade, with themed rooms, merchandise, and photo ops. The Preview Center will offer a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in the near future. While official details for both of these experiences have not yet been announced, rumors suggest that they may also open sometime this summer.
Possible Ride Rumors for 2025
While this summer’s lineup is certainly exciting, there are already rumors swirling about what may be coming to Universal Orlando in the future. One of those rumors is that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit may be closing permanently at Universal Studios Florida in 2025. It is speculated that a new roller coaster may take its place, possibly similar to the drifting coaster based on Fast and Furious currently under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Summer is shaping up to be an exciting time at Universal Orlando! From DreamWorks Land to new parades and lagoon shows, there’s plenty to look forward to. And with rumors already swirling about possible new rides and attractions in the works, it’s clear that Universal is committed to providing guests with unforgettable experiences. So buckle up and get ready for an epic summer at Universal Orlando!
What iconic movie franchise featured in the Universal Mega Movie Parade are you most eager to see represented in the parade? How do you think the use of drones in the lagoon show will enhance the overall entertainment experience at Universal Studios Florida?
