Review of the Cinematic Spectacular

[Keyser]

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it for our family to go to the Cinematic Spectacular. We would normally prefer a slightly earlier bedtime, but if it was really "spectacular", we could make time for it, maybe even doing the dining deal.

The biggest drawback (besides the time) for us is probably that our kids have little connection to most movies. This even applies to most of the rides - my kids have not seen Terminator, Mummy, Simpsons, ET, Men in Black, Transformers, Blues Brothers, Lucille Ball, Beteljuice, etc.... In fact, I think the only movies/shows related to Universal/IOA rides/shows that they have seen are: Harry Potter, Despicable Me, Dr. Seuss, and Curious George (plus Barney, but they've "outgrown" that...), plus one has seen Jurassic Park. It's tough for me to believe that they'll enjoy the "movies" references in the show, but if there's a particularly cool display, or impressive fireworks, or a good story that doesn't require knowing anything about the movies themselves, maybe this would be worth it? I expect my wife and I would enjoy the show enough, but I'm looking for some feedback on whether this would be worth the time and effort to see.

 

[damo]

I'd skip it and do rides instead.

 

[macraven]

The cinema event will have clips of Universal movies from
Different eras, not just current clips

If you are a fan of way back then movies, you would enjoy it

 

[angierae]

It was fun once, but it definitely not a "don't miss" thing. My 21 year old was bored, and she'd seen a lot of the movies, but not all. The fireworks are not impressive.

 

[kip0992]

It isn't really anything to write home about. Movie clips show on water screens sort of like they use in Fantasmic, a few laser and fog effects over the water and some fireworks. Better than nothing, but certainly not up to par with the nighttime shows at Disney.

If you watch it, position yourself on the Transformers or Harry Potter sides of the lagoon - if you are on the Simpsons side the fireworks will be behind you and difficult to see.

 

[PantherPete]

We saw it (and did the dining package) on our last trip. While it isn't Magic Kingdom fireworks good, we enjoyed it a lot and my kids didn't see 75% of the movies featured. I would consider it a must see, but only once. And the dining plan is worth it if you already planned on doing a sit down dinner. The deal doesn't include dessert with your meal. A dessert buffet is put out before the show along with coffee and hot cocoa. We were there in March and the temps dipped into the low 60's, so my kids loved the hot cocoa. Sleeping is overrated - stay up and go see the show.

 

[squirrel]

Question about age for child. Am I correct that child is 3-9 year olds for the child pricing? Makes a difference to me as my niece will be 10 when we go.

 

[Nobody352]

Question about age for child. Am I correct that child is 3-9 year olds for the child pricing? Makes a difference to me as my niece will be 10 when we go.

lol they dont check birth certificates... have her say she is 9.

 

[macraven]

Yes a ten year old no longer eligible for a child ticket

Teach a child to lie when they are young is not the answer to saving money

 

[squirrel]

Wish US and Disney would have a junior rate since most 10 yr olds can't eat like an adult nor would she like the adult menu. They would probably make more money too. I won't do this as I won't pay the adult price for food she won't like.

 

[macraven]

Wish US and Disney would have a junior rate since most 10 yr olds can't eat like an adult nor would she like the adult menu. They would probably make more money too. I won't do this as I won't pay the adult price for food she won't like.

i know the darkside will allow you to order off the childs menu.
i have done it before due to less of an appetite in the heat.

i definetly don't look like i am under 10 and i go solo......

 

[squirrel]

i know the darkside will allow you to order off the childs menu.
i have done it before due to less of an appetite in the heat.

i definetly don't look like i am under 10 and i go solo......

Good to know, but still not willing to spend that kind of money on dinner and the show for the two of us.

 

[macraven]

The cinema show is free for all in the parks!

If someone wants to buy a dining show package, they can

I have watched the show from several places
Those that buy the dining package watch it from Lombards area

I find that there are other better places to see it from
And nothing hides the views of the screens at quite a few other spots around the lake

Skip the dining plan and just see the cinema spectacular show

 

[squirrel]

That's what I am planning.