‘CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular’ drone now open at Universal Studios Florida

Update, June 18, 2024: New information about the “CineSational” performance calendar added.

Classic Movie Summer at Universal

This summer, Universal Studios Florida is embracing its heritage by celebrating classic movies from its parent company’s portfolio. In addition to the new “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” nighttime lagoon show, the park opened its Summer Tribute Store — themed to an old-school video shop — earlier this month and will debut “Universal Mega Movie Parade” later.

“CineSational” marks the first use of drones in a Universal Orlando Resort nighttime show.

The official log line for “CineSational” reads:

Be swept away on a cinematic journey for your senses with stirring film scores and dancing fountains. Relive your favorite movie moments through powerful soundtracks that evoke the mystery and magic of “Harry Potter,” the pulse-pounding excitement of “Jurassic World,” and the gripping suspense of “Jaws.”

Universal Orlando

The three film series cited above are just the tip of the iceberg. “CineSational” includes tributes to other Universal movies (or otherwise movies with a connection to Universal Orlando), from classics like “Back to the Future” to modern franchises like “Trolls,” among many others.

How to Watch “CineSational”

The viewing area for “CineSational” is in the Central Park area of Universal Studios Florida, in between the Hollywood and Springfield areas.

“CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” will perform nightly (weather permitting) now through Aug. 25, 2024. The Universal app and website will tell you the show is only presented on “select nights,” but Universal has confirmed to us that the show is slated for nightly performances. Additionally, the Universal app and website do not display showtimes other than for the current day.

Universal also told us, “‘CineSational’ will be on hiatus during Halloween Horror Nights, which is why the end date is Aug. 25. Dates, times, entertainment, and/or experience details are subject to changes, so there is no schedule to share at this time.”

The phrasing of “on hiatus” implies that “CineSational” may return after Halloween. Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights season runs Aug. 30 – Nov. 3, 2024.

Just last month, Walt Disney World debuted a limited-time summer drone show of its own — “Disney Dreams That Soar,” performed at Disney Springs — albeit, sans fireworks, lagoon fountains, or projection mapping.

The same day as the official debut of “CineSational,” Universal Studios Florida also formally opened DreamWorks Land after several weeks of previews. Next door at Universal Island of Adventure, the new “Hogwarts Always” projection show premiered the same evening.

Full Video of “CineSational”

Watch a full performance of “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” below!

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