Universal announces opening date for 2 new attractions
Apr 3, 2012

Universal Orlando has announced May 8 as opening date for the debut of two new attractions - "Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories" and "Universal's Superstar Parade." Both of these events will bring all-new technology to the park.

"Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories" is an all-new nighttime water and light show to be held on the Universal Studios lagoon. The show will be narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and will use waterfall screens to feature some of the most iconic moments from the company's top films, all playing to a backdrop of colored fountains, synchronized with music and fireworks. Guests will be able to experience the new show every night, unless there is an annual or special event taking place.

"Universal's Superstar Parade" will be Universal's first daily parade. Like the floats at Walt Disney World, these floats will be self-propelled. Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment, says they "can rotate and spin on their own axis, which gives us an incredible degree of maneuverability." To go along with the park's new sound system, customized soundtracks will play with the floats as they move along the parade route. When not in use in the parade, the floats will be used as backdrops for character meets.

The new parade will include characters from "Despicable Me," "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Hop," and "Dora the Explorer." Many of the costumed characters will be new at the park, such as many of SpongeBob's friends and Gru and his daughters from the film "Despicable Me". There will also be dancers, stilt walkers and street performers in this interactive parade.