Universal Orlando unveils an exciting new movie-themed parade, along with dazzling nighttime shows and more for the summer

With a brand-new theme park set to launch in 2025, Universal Orlando is gearing up for a thrilling summer packed with entertainment.

Last Friday, Universal introduced a nighttime lagoon show and a projection spectacle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while also unveiling the brand-new DreamWorks Land. Plus, a new parade will kick off in July, offering a summer filled with "mega" movie fun.

‘Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular’

Universal Studios Florida premiered a stunning new nighttime show on Friday that animates the park's lagoon with music, fountains, projection mapping, and drones, celebrating Universal's rich history of blockbuster films that inspire current and upcoming theme park attractions.

Prepare for a musical journey featuring beloved themes from classics like "Jurassic World," "Jaws," "Ghostbusters," "Back to the Future," "Harry Potter," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Minions," and more. Iconic scenes and characters will be beautifully projected onto fountains across the lagoon, while over 600 drones will soar above, adding to the spectacle. If you have a favorite scene from these films, you're likely to see it brought to life in this show.

"Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular" is set to run until August 25, with hopes for its return following Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal Mega Movie Parade

Continuing its tradition of bringing cinematic gems to life, the Universal Mega Movie Parade will make its debut on July 3 at Universal Studios Florida. This vibrant parade will honor timeless classics such as "E.T.," "Back to the Future," "Jaws," and "Ghostbusters," alongside contemporary hits like "Jurassic World," "Minions," "Sing," "Trolls," and "Kung Fu Panda."

The Universal Mega Movie Parade will showcase 13 brand-new floats, stunning special effects, and nearly 100 performers including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, and more. You must witness it firsthand to grasp the true scale of this "mega" celebration. Notably, a towering 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will grace the "Ghostbusters" float, along with a Caterbus and colorful rainbows on the "Trolls" float, plus multiple massive dinosaurs on the "Jurassic World" float.

In celebration of the new parade, the park has launched a limited-time Summer Tribute Store featuring themed rooms, exclusive merchandise, and photo opportunities inspired by the films showcased in the parade.

The Universal Mega Movie Parade is set to continue until November 14, likely paving the way for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's.

‘Hogwarts Always’

‘Hogwarts Always’ premiered on Friday at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure. On select evenings, visitors can enjoy scenes depicting a school year at Hogwarts, with clips of characters shopping in Diagon Alley, riding the Hogwarts Express, and taking part in the sorting ceremony projected onto the majestic facade of Hogwarts Castle.

As an added surprise, the show features four distinct endings, each celebrating a different Hogwarts house, leaving you in suspense about which house will claim victory. The show runs intermittently throughout the evening, so you can linger until your favorite house wins the House Cup.

‘Hogwarts Always’ is set to continue until August 25.

DreamWorks Land grand opening

Universal Orlando's latest land opened on Friday. DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida includes attractions, play zones, character meet-and-greets, snack kiosks, and shops inspired by beloved DreamWorks films like "Shrek," "Trolls," and "Kung Fu Panda."

Alongside exciting attractions—such as a ride on the Trollercoaster and fun in Shrek's Swamp—visitors can enjoy a multisensory live experience called "DreamWorks Imagination Celebration," which brings these cherished films to life in innovative new ways.

Bottom line

If you haven't yet planned your summer visit, now is the perfect moment to select your favorite Universal hotel, explore our top restaurant picks, and check out the best rides. Make your reservations now, as this summer promises to be an unforgettable experience at Universal Orlando.