“CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” is the newest show lighting up the night sky over Universal Orlando this summer.
The production, which is scheduled for select nights at the lagoon at Universal Studios Florida, is a love letter to the musical scores found in blockbuster movies like “Jaws,” “Ghostbusters” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
The music, from sweeping orchestral sounds to catchy pop fare, is accompanied by a collection of high-tech tools like projection mapping, fountains, lasers, fireworks and—a first for a Universal lagoon show—drones.
Each one is used, sometimes simultaneously, to move through dozens of movie moments. In a scene showcasing “Back to the Future,” projections create the clocktower on the buildings in the background as digital lightning strikes, colorful fountains reach high into the sky and pyrotechnics fire.
“CineSational” uses more than 600 drones. For the “Ghostbusters” sequence, drones create a large Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in the sky. In another scene, drones create an image of King Kong on the Empire State Building.
Other featured movies include “The Mummy,” “E.T.,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Trolls,” and “Harry Potter.” Universal’s classic monsters also make an appearance.
Projections of musical notes are also used throughout the show.
“CineSational” runs select nights through Aug. 25.
