Universal Orlando start date for Mega Movie Parade & everything the theme park added this summer

Do you think you can only witness 16-foot tall Marshmallow men, brightly colorful "Caterbuses" and toothy Tyrannosaurus rexes on the silver screen? Think again.

Universal Orlando has officially announced the start date of its biggest parade yet, sharing that the Universal Mega Movie Parade will start Wednesday, July 17.

The all-new parade highlights iconic movies such as E.T., Back to the Future, JAWS, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. The parade tops off the collection of new experiences that made their debut this summer at Universal Orlando Resort.

“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, said in an April press release. “These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.”

Curious about Universal Orlando's new attractions? Here's what the Florida theme park added to its lineup for summer 2024:

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Universal Mega Movie Parade in Orlando, Florida

Starting Wednesday, July 17, Universal Studios Florida will debut its Universal Mega Movie Parade – a spectacular celebration of iconic movies.

"Universal Mega Movie Parade will be Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date and combine 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers – including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more – and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience where guests can relive classic film moments in a whole new way," Universal officials shared in its press release.

It starts between Cafe La Bamba and the Horror Make-Up Show before turning left and heading through Hollywood to make a loop.

Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land

DreamWorks Land is the new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters. Since June 14, guests have explored the vivid worlds of some of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

The new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters will be located where Woody Woodpecker's KidZone used to be, near E.T. Adventure.

"The expansive new area will feature interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, an all-new indoor live show experience, unique treats and photo-worthy moments that are fun for the whole family," Universal Orlando shared. "Guests will be able to explore Shrek’s Swamp, enjoy the Trollercoaster, interact with Po in the Panda Village, encounter characters like Gabby from 'Gabby’s Dollhouse' and so much more."

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular

Universal Studios Florida lagoon comes to life every night with an all-new show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular.

Officials shared the new show includes iconic scores and scenes from films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions – including Warner Bros. Pictures "Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts" films, "Jurassic World," "Jaws," "Shrek," "Ghostbusters," "Trolls," "Back to the Future," "Universal Monsters," "Transformers," "How to Train Your Dragon," "E.T.," "Fast and Furious," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Minions," "The Mummy" and "King Kong."

The new lagoon show features 228 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones.

Hogwarts Always in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Orlando, Florida

On select nights, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure will delight guests in new nighttime projection show, Hogwarts Always. The show seeks to take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts, all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle.

The show has four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and will culminate with a colorful pyrotechnic display. Fans should also listen for dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show

Need new merchandise to go with these changes? See the tribute store

Starting now, guests visiting the parks can gear up for the new entertainment coming this summer with specialty merchandise celebrating the new experiences, including clothing, drinkware, headbands themed to beloved DreamWorks characters, and more.

Universal Orlando’s summer tribute store will also complement the new parade experience and feature themed rooms, merchandise and photo ops inspired by some of the films that will be seen in the Universal Mega Movie Parade.

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY