UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S 2012 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES KICKS OFF WITH A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY THE SENSATIONAL CAST OF NICKELODEON’S HIT SHOW “VICTORIOUS”

Summer Concert Series to Feature Six Nights of Electrifying Live Performances, Including Legendary Classic Rock Band ZZ Top and Multi-Platinum Rockers 3 Doors Down

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 10, 2012) – This June, Universal Orlando Resort’s 2012 Summer Concert Series will feature a diverse lineup of powerhouse performers, beginning with some of the biggest names in the music business. Orlando’s hottest summer event will kick off with live concerts by the talented cast of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series, “Victorious,” on Sat., June 9, and rock bands ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down on Sat., June 16.  Additional performing acts will be announced at a later date.

Cast of “Victorious” To Perform June 9

The cast of Nickelodeon’s smash hit TV series, “Victorious,” will get the party started at Universal Studios Florida on June 9. Theme park guests will also have the opportunity to preview upcoming episodes and participate in live Q&A sessions with members of the cast.  The event will culminate with an incredible music performance by the entire cast – including Victoria Justice, who plays the show’s main character, Tori Vega.

Currently in its third season, “Victorious” follows teenager Tori Vega as she navigates life at Hollywood Arts, a prestigious performing arts high school.  The show, a co-production with Sony Music, features original songs performed by Victoria Justice and the show’s ensemble cast.  The show’s first soundtrack, “Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show,” debuted at the no. 5 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and features the show’s theme song “Make It Shine,” as well as the hit singles "Beggin' On Your Knees," "Freak the Freak Out" and "Best Friend's Brother."  For the month of March 2012, “Victorious” ranked as the #1 show across all TV with kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14.  Most recently, the series won the Favorite TV Show award at “Nickelodeon’s 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards.”

ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down to Perform June 16

On June 16, Universal Studios will be rocked by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top. With more than 25 million albums sold, the multiplatinum Southern rock legends have released classic rock staples such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Cheap Sunglasses” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.”  Their album, “Eliminator” achieved diamond status, and ZZ Top’s worldwide success even earned a declaration of “ZZ Top Day” in Texas , the band’s home state. Named by VH1 as one of the “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock,” the band is currently working on their next album.

Also performing on June 16, alternative rock band 3 Doors Down will take the stage at Universal Studios. Originally from Mississippi, 3 Doors Down has scored 12 Top Ten singles, including “Kryptonite,” “Be Like That” and “Away from the Sun.” Their most recent album, “Time of My Life,” debuted in the top three on the Billboard 200.

Access to all Summer Concert Series performances is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. On Saturday nights from June 9 to July 14, guests can top off their day of theme park thrills with a live performance by a top-name musical artist, such as the cast of “Victorious,” 3 Doors Down or ZZ Top.

For more information on this year’s event, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Summer-Concert-Series.aspx.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES JOINT GRAND OPENING FOR NEW SUPERSTAR PARADE AND CINEMATIC SPECTACULAR…REVEALING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN UNIVERSAL’S “YEAR TO BE HERE”

Universal’s Superstar Parade Will Be A First-Ever Interactive Entertainment Experience;

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular Dramatically Showcases Powerful, Emotional Moments from Modern Film

Orlando, Fla. (April 3, 2012) – Universal Orlando has set a joint grand opening date for two new spectacularly entertaining guest experiences.  The new Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will have their grand opening on May 8.

Both experiences follow this year’s re-opening of The Blue Man Group Show, the re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and the opening of the new Hollywood Drive-In Miniature Golf experience at Universal Citywalk.  They will be followed by this summer’s launch of Universal Orlando’s newest blockbuster ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will present some of the world’s best and most popular films in an innovative, high-tech symphony of imagery, light, sound and special effects.  The show highlights some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from nearly 200 films – representing approximately 300 Academy Award nominations and 100 Academy Award winners.

Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille honoree Morgan Freeman, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular celebrates Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Their most powerful moments will be shown in crystal-clear clarity on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon -- surrounded by colorful, dramatically synchronized fountains and pyrotechnics and all against a powerful musical score.  The experience will take guests on an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show will run year-round except during annual and special events.

Universal’s Superstar Parade will offer an entirely new form of interactive entertainment that will give guests and entire families the opportunity to join in the fun.  Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during the parade, an all-new show experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will get to sing and dance along with their favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet-and-greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

Actor Richard Gere and Wife Carey Lowell Visit Universal Orlando Resort

On March 29, 2012, Golden Globe award-winning actor Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell, vacationed at Universal Orlando Resort. During their hosted visit, the couple experienced iconic theme park attractions, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy, and explored The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Gere is best known for iconic films such as “Pretty Woman,” “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Chicago” and stars opposite Susan Sarandon in the upcoming film, “Arbitrage.”

NIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES STELLAR 2012 ROCK THE UNIVERSE MUSIC LINE-UP

Florida’s Biggest Christian Music Festival Returns With Some of Christian Rock’s Hottest Bands, Featuring Performances
by Skillet, Newsboys, Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp and More

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 26, 2012) – On September 7 and 8, some of the most exciting bands in Christian rock will come together for Rock the Universe 2012 at Universal Orlando Resort – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival.

\This year’s line-up features some of the most popular names in Christian rock.  More than a dozen hit bands will take the stage, including Skillet – which was awarded a Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Album” in 2011; four-time Grammy-nominated band Newsboys; rock group Switchfoot, which has sold millions of albums worldwide; and three-time Dove award winner Jeremy Camp. The full line-up is below.

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2012 LINE-UP
Friday, September 7	Saturday, September 8
Skillet	tobyMac
Newsboys	Switchfoot
Jeremy Camp	Relient K
for KING & COUNTRY	Britt Nicole
Family Force 5	tenth avenue north
Robert Pierre	Rhett Walker Band
Group 1 Crew	Group 1 Crew
We As Human	We As Human
Everfound	Everfound

**Names in bold indicate headlining acts.

Guests will also enjoy an exciting FanZone presented by Coca-Cola including live music by up-and-coming acts Everfound and We As Human, autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise.  Guests will also experience a Saturday night candle lighting service featuring Tenth Avenue North , guest speakers and more. 

Plus, guests will enjoy the thrilling attractions only found at Universal Studios Florida.  They can rock out to hit songs at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, laugh along with America ’s favorite animated family on The Simpsons Ride and speed through the darkness on the world’s first psychological thrill ride – Revenge of the Mummy.  

For more details about Rock the Universe 2012, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

Kathy Ireland Takes a Spin at Universal Orlando Resort

Supermodel Kathy Ireland visited Universal Orlando Resort, and we snapped a photo as she experienced a highly-visual attraction in Seuss Landing.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN GOLF IS NOW OPEN

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened central Florida ’s newest and most outrageously-themed miniature golf experience– Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk. Featuring two 18-hole courses based on classic drive-in era horror and sci-fi movies, this all-new venue is the only place where the entire family can enjoy teeing off through the open mouth of a giant space worm or the basement laboratory of a towering haunted house.

To celebrate the grand opening, some of Universal Orlando’s iconic characters “hit the links.” Universal’s classic monsters – including Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein – putted their way through a creepy cemetery on “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” course. On the opposite side, Men In Black agents and Frank the Pug played “Invaders from Planet Putt” – a course themed after the “little green men” science fiction films of the 1950s.

Spider-Man Co-Creator Stan Lee Talks about The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Orlando Resort

PARTY “BIG TIME” THIS SATURDAY WITH TEEN SENSATION BIG TIME RUSH PERFORMING LIVE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ’S MARDI GRAS

The Biggest Mardi Gras Party Outside of the Big Easy Continues Saturday, March 10

WHAT: This Saturday night, guests are in for a big-time treat as Nickelodeon’s hottest music group Big Time Rush takes the stage at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration.

With millions of fans worldwide, Big Time Rush is one of today’s biggest names in music and entertainment. Their debut album “BTR” sold more than 500,000 copies and debuted at No.3 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. The group has sold more than 1.7 million digital tracks of their hit singles which include “Boyfriend,” “Big Night” and “Worldwide.” Their current album, “Elevate,” debuted in November 2011 and features the hit single “Music Sounds Better With U.”

Universal Orlando ’s Mardi Gras combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. This ultimate street party runs every Saturday and select nights through April 14.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration features one of Universal Orlando’s most powerful and diverse musical line-ups ever. With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests are rocking out this spring to some of the biggest names in music during an authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party. For full headliner line-up, see below.

MARDI GRAS 2012 TALENT LINE-UP

Mardi Gras Event Dates
   
Headliners (Performing in the Music Plaza )

Saturday, March 10
Big Time Rush

Friday, March 16
J. Cole

Saturday, March 17
Sugar Ray

Friday, March 23
Hot Chelle Rae

Saturday, March 24
 B.o.B

Friday, March 30
Plain White T’s

Saturday, March 31
Prince Royce

Saturday, April 7
Cyndi Lauper

Saturday, April 14
KC & The Sunshine Band

Universal Orlando ’s Mardi Gras celebration is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Charles "Bo" Outlaw Reads to Local School Children at Universal Orlando Resort to Celebrate National Read Across America Day

Orlando Magic’s community ambassador Charles “Bo” Outlaw was swept away into a whimsical world Friday at Universal Orlando Resort as he read Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” to local schoolchildren in celebration of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. Universal Orlando hosted four classes from local elementary schools at Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure for a day of storytelling and celebration in true Seussian style to mark NEA’s 17th annual reading party and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The students each took home their very own book from the Dr. Seuss collection to promote reading inside and outside of the classroom.   The day also marked the release of the highly-anticipated movie “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” in theaters Friday.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces the Reopening Date for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

WHAT: Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed what people around the world have been waiting to learn: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will reopen on Thursday, March 8 – featuring all-new stunning 4K digital high-definition animation, a rockin’ new musical score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses.

The enhancements will transform what is already one of the most popular theme park attractions ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure.  The newly reanimated, high-definition experience will unfold within the attraction’s towering visual spaces. The enhancements will allow guests to experience details they’ve never been able to before – from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.

Here are highlights from the must-see 3-D experience:

1.      Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.

2.      The action is more life-like than ever.  Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions. 

3.      The enhanced attraction features a new original music score.  It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist. 

4.      The ride vehicle audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.

5.      There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction.  Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.

And, for the first time ever, Universal Orlando is giving fans the opportunity to unlock sneak peeks of the new hi-def ride animation before the attraction reopens next week.  Click HERE to see a new piece of the reanimation and to learn how you and your readers can unlock even more.

WHEN: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man reopens on Thursday, March 8, 2012

WHERE: Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando's Creative Team Previews Stunning Enhancements to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Members of the Universal Creative team at Universal Orlando Resort preview some of the new enhancements being made to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man including all-new 4K digital high definition animation, sophisticated 3-D projection systems, a new music score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses. The glasses, seen here, feature new lenses made of dichroic filters for amazing color and clarity, and allow guests to experience hundreds of new details within the towering visual spaces. The award winning attraction’s official reopening date will be announced soon.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ’S NEWLY-ENHANCED BLUE MAN GROUP SHOW OPENS ON FEBRUARY 24

Enhanced Show Features New Stage, New Technology, New Music and New Experiences

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2012) – Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level – complete with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences. 

Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they’ll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.  New sections include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads” (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.

“The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world,” said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. “Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort “

“This show will take one of Universal Orlando’s most popular experiences to a whole new level,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination.”

Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated.  And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.

“Many of our audience’s favorite pieces, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’ will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos,” added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. “But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again.”

For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman. 

"Dancing with the Stars" Champion J.R. Martinez Visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Actor and former U.S. army soldier J.R. Martinez was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort today as he vacationed in Orlando . Best known for winning season 13 of ABC’s hit TV series, “Dancing with the Stars,” J.R. enjoyed an exciting performance by students from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic while visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He also visited Ollivanders wand shop and soared above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Universal Orlando Resort Adds Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray To Complete One of the Most Powerful Mardi Gras Concert Line-Ups Ever

The Most Authentic Mardi Gras Celebration Outside of New Orleans Kicks off Feb. 11  at Universal Studios Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 2, 2012) – The Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray will perform at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration, completing one the most powerful musical line-ups of the event’s history. Goo Goo Dolls will rock the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida on March 3 and Sugar Ray will do the same on March 17.

With four Grammy nominations, more than 10 million albums sold and 13 Top Ten hits including “Name,” “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” Goo Goo Dolls has become one of the most globally recognized and influential forces in pop music history. Their hit “Iris,” from the “City Of Angels ” movie soundtrack, spent nearly 12 straight months on the Billboard charts and held the No. 1 position for 17 consecutive weeks.

Sugar Ray first gained fame in the music scene with the hit “Fly.”  Since then, lead singer Mark McGrath and his band mates have taken their combination of sunny pop and lightly funky hip-hop grooves and created several of the most infectious summer singles of the late ‘90s, including “Every Morning,” “Someday” and “When it’s Over.”

With the addition of Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras musical line-up boasts a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold. Headliners include pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, teen sensation Big Time Rush, pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae, Grammy nominee for “Best New Artist” J. Cole and female Rock & Roll legend Cyndi Lauper.  For a complete list of this year’s performers and dates see below.

Universal Orlando ’s Mardi Gras celebration kicks off Feb. 11 and runs every Saturday and select nights through April 14.  The authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. Guests can enjoy the Mardi Gras event and great theme park entertainment for the price of regular admission.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2012 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza )	New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)
Saturday, February 11	The B-52s	The Daddy Mack Blues Band
Saturday, February 18	Kelly Clarkson	Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Sunday, February 19	Boyz II Men	Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Saturday, February 25	Diana Ross	John Lisi & Delta Funk
Saturday, March 3	Goo Goo Dolls	Beth McKee & The Sliders
Saturday, March 10	Big Time Rush	Gravy
Friday, March 16	J. Cole	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 17	Sugar Ray	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 23	Hot Chelle Rae	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 24	B.o.B	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 30	Plain White T’s	Soul Project
Saturday, March 31	Prince Royce	Soul Project
Saturday, April 7	Cyndi Lauper	Rockin’ Jake
Saturday, April 14	KC & The Sunshine Band	Big Al & The Heavyweights

Universal Orlando Resort Hiring Hundreds To Bring To Life New Universal's Superstar Parade

WHAT:  Universal Orlando Resort is now hiring hundreds of new full-time and part-time performers to help bring to life “Universal’s Superstar Parade” – an all-new daily parade featuring larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and high-energy performances – coming to Universal Studios Florida this spring. Opportunities are now available for a multitude of full-time, benefits-eligible roles, including talented performers such as skilled dancers, drummers, stilt walkers and animated character performers of all heights.

For more information about Universal’s Superstar Parade, click here.

Universal Orlando is seeking well-rounded candidates for the following open roles:

·         Dancers – male and female dancers with strong technique in multiple dance styles

·         Animated Character Performers – high-energy dancers of all heights to perform choreographed routines in full character costumes

·         Candidates with a “little character” in them – positions are open for animated character performers with a maximum height of 4’11”

·         Drummers – skilled marching band style drummers

·         Roller Skaters – male and female, skilled roller skaters able to perform choreographed routines

·         Stilt Walkers – experienced male and female stilt walkers with ability to perform choreographed routines

AUDITION INFO:  Interested candidates can learn more about available positions and schedule an audition by visiting www.UniversalAuditions.com/Orlando. All candidates should have full availability, must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of eligibility to work within the United States .

Universal Orlando provides a fun work environment and great perks, including competitive pay rates, comprehensive benefits, free admission to the theme parks, discounts on food and merchandise and much more.

WHEN:  Auditions for these positions will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, through Tuesday, Feb.7, 2012

WHERE:  Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Resort Announces Multiple All-New Entertainment Experiences Launching in 2012

Universal Orlando Resort revealed details about a wide range of all-new exciting guest experiences that will open across the destination this year.

We’ve created a web-based video so you can share this exciting news with your audience, as well as provide an inside look at each new experience. Click here to view this video.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February and include:

    A new Blue Man Group show – opening in February
    HD enhancements and more to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – experience in March
    Universal’s Superstar Parade – a new interactive parade experience featuring characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit animated film, “Hop,” Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants that is opening in Spring
    Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a new nighttime show that will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all projected on cutting-edge waterfall screens – and opening this Spring
    The highly-anticipated 3-D attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, which is opening this summer

For more information about these and other new experiences opening at Universal Orlando Resort this year, visit http://media.universalorlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort to Launch More New Entertainment Experiences in 2012 than During Any Other Year in its History

2012 IS THE YEAR TO BE HERE!

Universal Orlando Resort to Offer More New Entertainment Experiences Across its Entire Destination than During Any Other Year in its History

Universal Releases First-Ever Looks at All-New Experiences, Including Upcoming Despicable Me Attraction, New Interactive Parade and Spectacular Nighttime Show

Orlando, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2012) – This year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here. 

There will be something for everyone and every family.  From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February.  Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories.  And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.

Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.

“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”

The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando Resort include:

Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.  Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment.  New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando's most popular attractions.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems.  The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.

Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers.  Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe - Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida 

Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.”  Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters.  Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.

Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible.  In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes).  The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.

Other New Experiences Opening this Year

    Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a unique 36-hole miniature golf experience inspired by the classic drive-in movie era, will open in February at Universal CityWalk.
    A great, new immersive retail entertainment experience that will become home to SpongeBob SquarePants and other characters from the number one kids animated TV series, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.  It will open inside Universal Studios this year.

    Minutes away from Universal Orlando, the popular Wet ‘n Wild water park will open its first interactive family water play area this summer – allowing everyone in the family to splash and swim together.  Amidst lush, tropical landscaping, the new area will feature 15 water slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons - making it the largest interactive water play experience in Florida.

 Universal Orlando 2-night getaway packages are available for Florida residents starting from only $109 per adult, per night, tax inclusive. Upgrade to an on-site hotel and receive complimentary Universal Express access to Skip The Regular Lines for FREE in both theme parks.  For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Actress Uma Thurman Visits Universal Orlando Resort

Award-winning actress Uma Thurman was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort on Sunday, January 15, 2012 while vacationing in Orlando with friends and family. During her visit, she came face-to-face with a mysterious Egyptian guard moments before experiencing the pulse-pounding attraction, Revenge of the Mummy. Thurman is best known for action-packed films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill” and stars in the upcoming historical drama, “Bel Ami,” due out in March.

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin Enjoys The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort hosted television and film actress Ginnifer Goodwin today as she explored The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with friends. During her visit, Ginnifer showed off her affinity for the Harry Potter books and films by dressing up in a Hogwarts school robe and a Gryffindor scarf. Ginnifer has previously appeared in successful films such as “Mona Lisa Smile” and “He’s Just Not That Into You” and currently stars in ABC’s hit TV series, “Once Upon a Time.”

"The Hunger Games" Star Josh Hutcherson Visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort hosted actor Josh Hutcherson today as he visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During his visit, Josh tasted Butterbeer and encountered students from the Durmstrang Institute, one of three schools that compete in the Triwizard Tournament in the Harry Potter books and films. Josh plays Peeta Mellark in the highly anticipated film, “The Hunger Games,” due out in March 2012.