The year-long Orange County Regional History Center exhibit called “A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort” has been updated for the summer season with new props, costumes, and interactive features along with a schedule of unique demonstrations.
Replacing the Mardi Gras area now that Universal’s celebration of that festive holiday is over is an area devoted to Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular lagoon show and Superstar Parade. Included are a screen that mimics the water screen at the lagoon show with movie clips projected onto it, a “fireworks” panel allowing visitors to press buttons to set off a light show projected on the ceiling, a chance to do the “Hop” dance from the parade Dance Dance Revolution-style and more.
A bit of theme park magic is also shared at the History Center as classic classic Universal movie posters come to life via Universal’s free augmented reality app called Universal ScreenPlay.
Video: Universal Orlando exhibit tour – A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage
Coming up throughout June and July is a series of special programs put on by Universal, included with admission to the History Center:
Saturday, June 8 – Universal Orlando Drumming Demonstration with Show Directors Richard Cravens and Lora Wallace
Saturday, June 22 – Universal Orlando Pyrotechnics and Special Effects Q&A with Pyrotechnics and Special Effects Manager Brad Ritti
Saturday July 13 – Universal Orlando Lighting and Water Technology Q&A with Lighting Manager Tony Humphry
Saturday, July 27 – Universal Orlando Stunt Demonstration with Manager of Entertainment, Environmental Health, and Safety Mike Mergenthaler and Creative Manager Rick Spencer
Each of these sessions will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The “Backstage to Onstage” exhibit will be updated two more times before it ends its run on January 26, 2014, once for Halloween Horror Nights in the fall and again for Christmas time in winter.