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Inside the Magic brings you the latest top stories, announcements, special events in the words of Disney and theme parks. Read through our featured and most recent articles, reviews, and news items below.

A colorful look at Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular lagoon show through long exposure photography

A colorful look at Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular lagoon show through long exposure photography

Tomorrow night marks the official debut of Universal Orlando’s new lagoon show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. Throughout its sneak previews shown over the last couple weeks, theme park guests at Universal Studios Florida have relived classic cinematic scenes from throughout 100 years of Universal Pictures filmmaking. But while these memorable movie moments form the centerpiece of the new show, projected onto high-tech water screens, the supporting roles played by fireworks, colorful dancing fountains, and special lighting complete the experience.

It is these “extras” that I aimed to capture with a series of long exposure photographs during Saturday night’s preview showing of Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. The vibrant images below depict highlights throughout the entire show chronologically, from the pre-show water curtain effects, through the various “100 years of…” montages, through the fireworks-filled finale, perfect for those who want to see what this show is all about but don’t want to spoil the whole experience by watching a full video online.

Just imagine Morgan Freeman narrating it in your head while browsing these pictures. And be sure to click to enlarge the photos on our Flickr account, up to 1500 pixels wide.

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular

Universal's Cinematic Spectacular

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Full Preview: Universal’s Superstar Parade rolls out popular kids’ characters in a stop-and-go show at Universal Orlando

Full Preview: Universal’s Superstar Parade rolls out popular kids’ characters in a stop-and-go show at Universal Orlando

Popular kids’ characters made their street entertainment debut in a sneak preview performance of Universal’s Superstar Parade. Featuring familiar faces from “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Despicable Me,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Go, Diego, Go!” and “Hop,” the new parade doesn’t officially debut until Tuesday, May 8, 2012, but today’s preview gave Universal Studios Florida guests a first look at the new entertainment offering.

Universal's Superstar Parade

As Universal’s Superstar Parade winds its way through theme park streets, it makes two stops, giving its many characters a chance to come down off their floats, dance in the street, and interact with guests. Set to music from each of the represented TV shows and movies, the parade features characters such as SpongeBob, Squidward, Patrick, and Gary the snail, Gru and his Minions, Dora the Explorer and Diego, and E.B. along with plenty of other bunnies from “Hop.”

Watch as they groove through the park in the full parade video below.


Video: Universal’s Superstar Parade sneak preview at Universal Orlando


As a whole, Universal’s Superstar Parade will thoroughly entertain fans of the characters it features, with kids getting the most enjoyment out of it. It’s a great way to see popular characters that span age ranges, with Dora and Diego a focal point for younger generations, Gru and his Minions appealing to a wider audience, and SpongeBob appealing to anyone who enjoys his wacky antics.

SpongeBob’s pineapple under the sea is instantly recognizable, as are all his Bikini Bottom pals.

Spongebob SquarePants - Universal's Superstar Parade

Spongebob SquarePants - Universal's Superstar Parade

SpongeBob SquarePants - Universal's Superstar Parade

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Disneyland reopens exclusive Club 33 membership and offers first look at 1901 in the Carthay Circle Theatre

Disneyland reopens exclusive Club 33 membership and offers first look at 1901 in the Carthay Circle Theatre

The Carthay Circle Theatre will act as a prominent focal point when Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure on June 15, 2012. In addition to a public restaurant, hidden within the Carthay Circle Theatre will be an exclusive club called 1901, named for the year in which Walt Disney was born.

And along with a first peek inside this swanky 1930s-style new club, Disneyland has announced for the first time in several years they have reopened the seemingly never-ending wait list for membership at the resort’s other exclusive eatery, Club 33 in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, which also will include access to 1901 when it opens this summer.

ABC news has also shared video inside both Club 33 and 1901.

Exclusivity is the key word when it comes to these lavishly decorated areas with a hefty price tag of a $25,000 initiation fee and $10,000 dues per year. These high prices also come with a number of theme park passes, both to give out to friends and family as well as several annual passes to enjoy personally. Combined with a wait list that’s literally years long, the high cost ensures both Club 33 and 1901 will remain as elite experiences for those who can afford them – and those who have friends who can afford them.

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Preview: Splitsville to entertain all ages with lax dress code and late night bowling fun at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney

Preview: Splitsville to entertain all ages with lax dress code and late night bowling fun at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney

Beginning fall 2012, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World will open a new entertainment concept called Splitsville featuring bowling, billiards, and a restaurant. Located in the former home of Virgin Megastore and Ridemakerz, it will be the fifth Splitsville location, the first having opened in Tampa in 2003.

To learn more about what Walt Disney World guests can expect when Splitsville opens later this year, I recently chatted with co-founder Mark Gibson, who discussed details of the upcoming location’s hours, audience, and dress code.


Video: Interview with Splitsville co-founder


Late night hours at other Splitsville locations have age restrictions and require evening attire with the goal of allowing adults to socialize in an upscale, kid-free environment. But Gibson acknowledges that this will have to change for the new location, both due to the large number of families that travel to Walt Disney World and the fact that tourists wandering Downtown Disney aren’t likely to dress up just to go bowling. He said it’s likely the upstairs portion of Splitsville will, at times, turn into an adults-only area, still allowing that escape for those ages 21 and up, but leaving first floor open to all ages.

Splitsville will feature 20 lanes of bowling on the second floor and 10 lanes on the first, but they’re not set up in long rows like an ordinary bowling alley, instead “split” up throughout each floor.

Between bowling, room to hang out and play games, and a wide variety of food available, Gibson anticipates Splitsville at Downtown Disney to be open to at least midnight each night and likely 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. In addition to Orlando visitors, he expects the location will attract regulars including off-duty Walt Disney World cast members and locals.

”Splitsville is clearly going to be a great place to bowl,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “But I think our guests are going to be surprised that they can also go there for great food and to watch sports. That’s what makes Splitsville a perfect fit and such a great addition for Downtown Disney.”

Splitsville is scheduled to open at Walt Disney World by the end of 2012.

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Interview: Imagineers spill super spy secrets of Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure coming to Walt Disney World

Interview: Imagineers spill super spy secrets of Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure coming to Walt Disney World

While Kim Possible and her crew have guarded Epcot from evil doers for several years, that honor is being passed on this summer as Walt Disney World reinvents an interactive adventure as Agent P’s World Showcase Experience.

Agent P is, of course, the alter-ego of Perry the Platypus from Disney Channel’s hit TV show “Phineas and Ferb.” And though he was standing watch close by, I recently convinced Walt Disney Imagineers Jonathan Ackley and Matt Beiler to reveal some of the secret agent’s tactics that will be soon be employed in battles against the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.


Video: Imagineers explain Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure


The Imagineers also showed off a few sketches of the experience, which will closely mirror the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, utilizing many of the same sight gags and interactive elements but also adding new ones that fit the “Phineas and Ferb” theme.


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