The Universal Orlando Resort is well known in the theme park world for their upcoming 2025 park debut, Universal Epic Universe. But, that hasn’t stopped the team from debuting world class new offerings in the meantime. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is a drone, lagoon fountain, laser light, projection mapping and firework spectacular. A full-scale finale to say the least.
This shows lasts a long time, over 20 minutes in total. For a nighttime spectacular, this is one of the longest theme park shows in all of Florida. Warning, you may get wet! Those in the very front row do risk getting wet by the powerful jets, especially on windy days. Due to the nature of drones, weather can affect this show, causing delays or even cancellations.
Movies and characters in Universal Orlando lagoon show
Universal states that, “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.'”
A promise of this show is that it proves how recognizable old and new Universal, DreamWorks and Illumination properties are. Simple musical notes or a character’s silhouette had kids and parents saying, “Oh, I know this one!” CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular features villains, heroes, love stories, triumph and celebration, using iconic films and story moments to evoke strong emotions.
Show Spoilers
All of the above listed films have a moment to shine during this show, but some sections truly stood out. A massive Jaws figure “jumpscares” viewers as drones bring this fearsome predator to life. Elliot and E.T. ride their bike into the sky, an iconic moment from the film. Drone “lightning” strikes buildings as the “Back To The Future” DeLorean zooms back in time. King Kong unleashes his fury on the lagoon, as water explodes into the air. Heartfelt moments from “Shrek” and “How To Train Your Dragon” are seen on water projection screens as drones re-create moving movie moments. Wondering who you are gonna call? Don’t worry, the “Ghostbusters” film also has a massive moment as the recognizable logo fills the air above the lagoon.
Where is the best spot to watch Universal CineSational drone and lagoon show?
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida is primarily a lagoon show. It does have fireworks, projection mapping and drones, but seeing the main park lagoon is a big part of the show. Shown above is our recommended spots to watch this nighttime spectacular.
Green: Central Park is the prime area to watch this new show. Elevated areas allow even those farther back the opportunity to get against a fence for a view. At the top, a grass covered area is nice to allow younger kids to run around beforehand or to park strollers. Due note, the very top of this area is sometimes reserved for Passholder viewing or VIP access.
Yellow: These areas will have partial views of the show, but may miss being able to see some of the water protection screens. These areas are nicer to avoid crowds, or if you just want to show up later and still see some drones and fireworks.
Red: Guests will be blocked off from this area, as it is too close to the fireworks and special effects. Standing near this area will result in poor or fully blocked viewing of the show.
Personal review and the future of Universal Orlando Resort entertainment
It is easy to say, this is a massive show. Between technicality and artistic expression, it is world class. This show comes at a time when Universal is already primed to shake the themed entertainment world with Universal Epic Universe. This show solidifies Universal’s present and past, adding a hit of nostalgia that makes me believe this is a major first step in changing the public’s eye.
The Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World are known as the big three of Orlando. Each destination is known for a unique identity. As the Universal Orlando Resort expands, shows such as this begin to lay the groundwork for a new identity pillar, long-standing park nostalgia.
Building nostalgia, one decade at a time
Universal has some of the oldest and most recognized films on Earth. But their parks usually update or fully remove older rides. This has led Disney to keep a firm grasp on the “classic attractions” category, alongside longtime smaller and family run parks. Universal has made many world-class attractions, such as Jaws, Twister… Ride It Out, anything Harry Potter related, their Tram Tour in Hollywood and more. Some of these rides are newer, and some of them no longer exist.
As the Universal Orlando Resort continues to grow, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular may be the perfect “looking back point” in changing of the park’s identity. A decade or two from now, we may look back at this show as the prime pairing of old properties and new. A symphonic celebration of Universal’s past and future. Maybe the rides don’t need to survive, because the films do. Instead of a nostalgia reliance on ride classics like “it’s a small world,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” or “Haunted Mansion,” guests can step into each film’s ride as it updates through the years. The rides change, but the memories of these classic films evoked and emotions don’t.
This isn’t a knock at Disney and their method, as they too sometimes update rides and combine memorable attractions and movies into one universe. But, this could be a modified method. Universal’s vision of a theme park offering that never stays the same, but also is rooted in heroes, villains, love stories, triumph, heartbreak, bravery and celebration. A ride can be decades old or brand new, and both ages can evoke strong emotion.
Tearing down a classic to create memories
Take for example Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Both Florida rides caused the destruction of fan favorite areas and brought new stories to the forefront. Both rides cause strong emotional response and are touted as world class. Both are very new. Yet, these rides will be remembered for years and years to come.
This is where CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular takes the forefront. This show, and versions of it going forward, can be the glue to tie in memories with future experiences. The Minions haven’t been in the world of cinema for as long as Universal’s Classic Monsters. But you can’t say the Minions haven’t majorly changed pop culture and animation. 50 years from now, will the Minions still be going strong, or will they be on the classics channel?
There may one day be a two hour long YouTube video on the history of Minions Land and Villain-Con: Minion Blast. Fans in the comments will fight about how it shook the world or took away their favorite Shrek 3-D show. And by then we may have a Minions theme park show, a new ride, a land or just a distant memory. In 2054 we may get a live action Gru, and the Minions fandom re-explodes with excitement.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is for everyone
For the young, the old, the Universal die-hard fan or the passive theme park goer, I think CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is for everyone (excluding those who hate fireworks or staying up past sunset). During my viewing, I looked around and saw young kids grab onto parents and point at “flying dragons.” I saw older fans cheer for Marty McFly. I saw families dance along with the “Trolls” soundtrack.
I think this show is multi-generational. It doesn’t require a height requirement. It doesn’t need you to book a reservation. It just exists to be seen, enjoyed and remembered. And that is why I think it will be a major win for the Universal Orlando Resort – now and into the future.
I didn’t record the entire show, as I wanted to live in the moment (minus a few quick clips). But our good friends at ThrillGeek did, if you want to see it online. I highly recommend an in-person visit to truly experience it though.
Speaking of new and old at Universal, a classic set of Nintendo character are on the way to the Universal Orlando Resort. Super Nintendo World opens in 2025 at Universal Epic Universe, a gamified land experience with truly advanced new offerings.
