Universal pulls the plug on ‘Cinematic Celebration’ show
Universal Studios has ended its end-of-night show “Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration.” The production will no longer be seen above the theme park’s lagoon, Universal confirmed Thursday.
The show, set to music, used projections upon water screens, dancing fountains, projection mapping and pyrotechnics to showcase about two dozen films. Parkgoers would stand along the shore to spy images from “Jurassic World,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Transformers,” “Despicable Me,” the “Harry Potter” series and others.
“Cinematic Celebration” debuted in the summer of 2018, although there had been similar productions in that location, including “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories,” narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. Before that was “Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular,” which also used four large inflated domes resting on the lagoon. All three shows had runs of about five years apiece.
Universal said “Cinematic Celebration” was ended to make room for another, unidentified nighttime experience. It did not share details, including a time frame for its replacement.
Earlier this year, Universal Studios shut down five attractions within its KidZone area, where demolition has begun. Universal Orlando has said that its replacement will be family-oriented and “will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.”
Elsewhere in the park, work continues on Villain-Con Minion Blast, a “motion-based pathway” attraction tied to “Despicable Me” franchise. It’s scheduled to open this summer. It will operate in the former location of Shrek 4-D, which closed last year. Together with a new Minion Cafe, the park is planning a Minion Land.
At Walt Disney World, changes also are coming to the nighttime spectacular lineup next month. Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Enchantment” will be replaced by the return of “Happily Ever After,” and at Epcot “Harmonious” will be upended by the return of “Epcot Forever,” while yet another show is created for that theme park.