4/26 Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular at Universal Studios, Orlando – Preview Photos and Video

Hi everyone!

Universal Studios has been offering previews of it’s new show, Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories show this week. We had already scheduled a visit for yesterday, and were lucky enough to be among the first to see it!

We have full video of the show here (Jeff did a great job, as always!)

Universal Studios is touting this year as the “Year To Be Here”, with the re-opening of The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, an all-new parade in Universal’s Superstar Parade, and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular (the Grand Opening for the latter two is May 8th). We are also looking forward to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, set to open this summer.

Nearly 200 films are represented in Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, grouped together in a variety of genres – such as “100 Years of Heroes” and “100 Years of Laughter”. The horror segment featured films such as Psycho and Silence of the Lambs, and the laughter category included the popular Despicable Me.

Nothing marks the passage of time as movies do. I remember where I was when seeing many of the films – Apollo 13, Back to the Future, Home Alone…it’s hard to believe that so many years have passed since those films debuted. And I was delighted to see so many newer films included, such as Bridesmaids, The Lorax and Despicable Me.

I recommend securing a spot at least a half hour early (and as guests learn about it, even earlier). There was a pre-show of designs on the water screens about 15 minutes prior to the show, which we found entertaining – some of the designs included movie scenes and characters, including Frankenstein and E.T. 

The imcomparable Morgan Freeman narrates Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. The question I’ve been asked most is how this new show compares with Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. To be fair, Illuminations is my favorite show, ever (at Walt Disney World or anywhere else). Both have fountains and fireworks along with powerful music, but they aren’t the same. Quite simply, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular is a great ending to a Universal Studios day.

Here are some photos of the show, along with a few photos of Despicable Me construction and merchandise!

 

Jeff waits to record the show:

 

The sunset makes it harder to see, but this is the iconic scene from E.T. in the water screen:

 

And here are photos I took of Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular:

There are Splash Zones where guests can get wet:

100 Years:

Remember to watch the video – but you’ll want to see it in person as well!

Click to the next page for Despicable Me construction and merchandise photos photos.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is an attraction being added for the summer. Here are a few photos from the construction area:

 

There is a ton of Despicable Me merchandise! I even went home with a minion:

 

There is a lot to enjoy at Universal Studios Orlando this summer, the updated Spiderman and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular are just part of the fun!