Universal Updates for 2012: Spidey, Despicable Me and a 100th Anniversary

By Amy Wimmer Schwarb
Published January 25, 2012

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New and improved attractions will be rolled out from February to summer.

Orlando – Spider-Man so close you can count the stitches on his glove. Dora and Diego so lively you can dance with them. And an updated, revved-up Blue Man Group show.

Universal Orlando Resort announced Jan. 25 the main attractions expected to be made available to visitors in 2012.

Just two years after opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal has unveiled a fresh series of new and revisited attractions at its two theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, the Wet ‘n Wild water park, and nighttime entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk.

The new Cinematic Spectacular, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, will feature moments in movie history from the Universal Pictures archive. Film clips will be depicted on waterfall screens.

Among the highlights: A revamped Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction, a new parade featuring costumed meet-and-greet characters from Dora and Diego to SpongeBob Square Pants, and a new nighttime show that celebrates memorable movie moments from Universal Pictures’ first 100 years.

“We’re always looking to stay ahead of the curve and put out the next generation of entertainment,” Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative within Universal Parks & Resorts, said in the announcement.

Here’s a closer look at the new (or improved) attractions coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2012:

• A new Blue Man Group show will combine more technology and interactive audience participation. Woodbury said the “collective exhilaration” of Blue Man Group shows will still be part of the experience. Opens in February.
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride is nearly 10 years old, and this year, Universal Orlando has retooled the experience that is based on the comic-book hero. Upgrades include use of digital high-definition animation and 3-D film. But the attraction also gives a nod to the old school, featuring a cameo appearance by Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee. Opens in March.
• Universal will also unveil a once-a-day Superstar parade, allowing guests to see parading performances from such favorite characters as the minions from Descpicable Me; E.B. from Hop; and Dora and Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants from the Nickelodeon network. Additionally, those characters will also appear around the park at other times during the day.
• The new Cinematic Spectacular, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, will feature moments in movie history from the Universal Pictures archive. Film clips will be depicted on waterfall screens at the Universal Studios lagoon and accompanied by a pyrotechnic show. The experience celebrates the 100th anniversary of Universal Pictures. Opens this spring.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal Orlando’s newest ride, which features 3-D animation with the characters from the film of Despicable Me, will open this summer.
• Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a 36-hole miniature golf course at Universal CityWalk, will feature one science fiction-themed golf course and one themed from the horror genre. Opens in February.
• A new interactive family water play area at the Wet ‘n Wild water park. The new area features 15 water slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons, and Universal pledges to make it the largest water play facility in Florida. Opens in the summer.