Universal Orlando's 2012 preview

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Jan 25, 2012 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

In a webcast today, Universal Orlando announced their plans for what the resort has in store for their guests in 2012. A lot of the announcement wasn't new information, but there were a few highlights that hadn't been released until now.

"Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories" is an all-new nighttime show coming to Universal Orlando this spring. This water and light show will be held on the Universal Studios lagoon and narrated by film star Morgan Freeman. Waterfall screens will feature some of the most iconic moments from the company's top films, all playing to a backdrop of colored fountains and fireworks.

A new Blue Man Group show will open at Universal's CityWalk in February, where the group will "discover, engage and explore the world's obsession with cutting-edge technology." Brand new music has been written for the show that will get the audience up on their feet.

This spring, a new daily parade will join the lineup at Universal Studios - the Universal Superstar Parade. Theme park-goers will enjoy new floats, street performers and the latest technology. The interactive parade will feature some of Universal's most popular characters, such as the "Despicable Me" minions, Dora, Diego, SpongeBob and E.B. from the film "Hop." Meet and greets will take place with the characters during the day.

Also discussed were the upcoming Despicable Me attraction and the enhancements to the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a 3D adventure coming to Universal Studios this summer. The original cast from the film will voice the characters in the ride. The attraction brings guests into the film, where they become "minions in training" and set off on an adventure with Gru and his three daughters.

In March, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will reopen with all-new enhancements, such as 4K digital animation, new 3D glasses and set upgrades. Guests will experience new details in the re-animation and even enjoy a cameo by Stan Lee, Spider-Man co-creator.