From the enchanting chimes welcoming us to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the ominous tuba signaling something scary in the water, music has played a major role in bringing our favorite Universal Orlando Resort rides to life. Guests will once again be swept away by these iconic scores during the all-new nighttime lagoon show, "CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular," when it returns in November 2024. This sonic celebration features iconic soundtracks and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired attractions from Universal Orlando's past, present and future.
Overview of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
On select nights beginning again in November 2024, the skies above Universal Studios Florida will illuminate as the music of the movies stimulates your senses. Relive your favorite movie moments through the stirring film scores that have served as the soundtrack for Universal Orlando's iconic attractions during this 22-minute journey into cinematic history.
At park close, the Universal Studios lagoon comes alive with 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet as they dance to an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted for each scene. Ever the perfect backdrop, the buildings of New York and San Francisco are painted with 4K projection-mapped animation that features iconography such as prancing Patronuses, shining Super Stars and lightning-struck Clock Towers. The cherry on top, however, is 600+ drones that beautifully synchronize to create beloved characters such as Hiccup and Toothless, Shrek and Donkey, King Kong and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Get ready to dance, sing and hum along to the stunning sonic landscapes of 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," "Minions," "The Mummy," "King Kong" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." (Yes, a certain viral piano ballad is prominently featured!)
You can find the showtime for any given night on the Universal Orlando app. Showtimes are subject to change and can vary based on weather.
Where to Watch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
As with every lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida, the prime viewing spot is in Central Park (located directly across from Cafe La Bamba). We recommend arriving no less than half an hour before the show starts to secure your spot along one of the railings. Seven different water screens are utilized throughout the show, but the majority of the action is displayed on the screen in the center. Therefore, you'll get the best view if you stand straight across from Starbucks Coffee and Louie's Italian Restaurant (just slightly to the right of the Eagle Warehouse & Storage Co. building across the water). That being said, there's truly not a bad seat in the house. The show can be equally enjoyed from anywhere in Central Park!
Catching Both CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Always
A brand-new projection show also debuted at Universal Islands of Adventure on June 14, 2024! Hogwarts Always took you through a year in the life of a student at the famed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry — from receiving their acceptance letter to finding out the winner of the coveted House Cup.
Most nights throughout the summer, Universal Studios Florida closed at 9 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closed at 10 p.m. (Be sure to check the Universal Orlando app for park hours.) As CineSational normally took place at park close (weather permitting), guests with a park-to-park ticket had just over half an hour to run over to Hogsmeade and catch one of the final showings of Hogwarts Always. The projection show ran continuously from dusk to park close on select nights.
Can't wait to watch Universal Studios' new awe-inspiring nighttime spectacular? Check out the full show in our video below:
What parts of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular are you most excited to experience? Share with us in the comments!
Related: Universal Orlando Resort Announces 2024 Summer Offerings, Including New Land and Shows
Related: Our Toadally Cool Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando in the Summer
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