Universal Orlando Announces New Parade, Nighttime Shows, and DreamWorks Land Opening Date for Summer (2024)

Universal Orlando has officially announced many of the new experiences debuting this summer, including the grand opening date for DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida.

A new parade featuring retro Universal properties, a lagoon show featuring over 600 drones, and more will also debut at Universal Studios Florida this summer, as well a new Hogwarts Castle projection show at Islands of Adventure.

Let’s explore all of the official details, as well as what may be rumored next, in today’s news update. See the video version of this story below for additional visuals.

DreamWorks Land

Debuting June 14, 2024 at Universal Studios Florida

“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.”

Universal says that annual passholder previews will be available ahead of DreamWorks Land’s official opening, but that details will be revealed at a later date.

Universal Mega Movie Parade

Debuting July 3, 2024 at Universal Studios Florida

“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.”

“Guests will watch in awe as they see the massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the Ghostbusters float, the colorful Caterbus and giant rainbows on the vibrant Trolls float, a live marching drum line perform the iconic movie score of Jaws alongside a float themed to the film, and – for the epic finale – a Gyrosphere, Raptors and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex aboard the Jurassic World float – and so much more. Fans should also pay close attention to the parade to see if they can spot additional details that nod to iconic elements from the films.”

There will be a passholder preview for the parade, which will be revealed later.

Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular

Debuting June 14, 2024 at Universal Studios Florida

“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.”

“Just as awe-inspiring as the moments featured during CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular are the impressive collection of technologies and special effects that bring the show to life. The next-level lagoon show will feature 228 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones – all coming together to envelop guests in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.”

Universal says that passholders will be able to attend an exclusive preview before the grand opening, with details to be revealed later.

Hogwarts Always

Debuting June 14, 2024 at Universal Islands of Adventure

“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.”

Additional Summer Experiences

“Universal Orlando’s Summer Tribute Store will 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. More details about the Summer Tribute Store will be revealed soon.”

The parks have debuted new merchandise celebrating these new experiences, including clothing, DreamWorks headbands, and new interactive bubble wands inspired by Trolls and Jurassic World. The bubble wands will interact with select Universal Mega Movie Parade floats when the parade debuts.

Many of today’s announcements were rumors or details we discussed in our previous story all about the possibility of Ghostbusters returning to Universal Studios Florida, which is now confirmed, at least when it comes to the parade and lagoon show.

We’ve also discussed trademark applications from Universal for both “Universal Mega Movie Parade” and “Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular.”

Details for the Epic Universe preview center were not revealed along with today’s announcement. It is rumored that the preview center may also debut this summer, with rumored dates ranging from some time in June or July.

While this summer will focus on DreamWorks Land and these new entertainment offerings, most attention is still being paid to next year’s debut of Epic Universe, which does not yet have an official opening date.

Other rumors for 2025 have Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closing permanently. Rumors suggest this attraction could be replaced with a new Intamin-manufactured coaster, possibly similar to the drifting coaster based on Fast & Furious being built now at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Stay tuned for more news and rumors for that possible project, as well as additional Epic Universe official announcements and construction updates coming soon!

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Author: Alicia Stella