Universal Kicks Off 2012 As The "Year To Be Here"

Universal Studios Orlando today announced a number of different updates and new attractions, calling 2012 the "Year To Be Here".

Wet & Wild will be getting a new state-of-the-art waterplay area in time for the summer, but that's not all!

The Despicable Me attraction, now officially named Minion Mayhem, features voice actors from the movie, and allows visitors to train as a minion and go on an adventure with Gru and the gang.

Enhancements are currently being made to the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman (at Islands of Adventure), and will feature the highest definition currently available. Look for these in March.

Blue Man Group, after going dark for a brief period, is soon to be back and better than ever with a show full of new surprises! You'll be able to view this new show beginning February 9.

A new lagoon show is also in the works, to be shown nightly through Spring and Summer, and then on select nights after that. Featuring fire and water, Universal Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will show clips of timeless films in a way you've never seen them before.

Spongebob Squarepants, Hop, Despicable Me, and Dora the Explorer are just a few of the familiar faces you'll see in the new Universal Superstar Parade, beginning this spring on the streets of Universal Studios.

And last, but certainly not least, next month will also see the opening of the new Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf at Universal Citywalk. Featuring two different sections, "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders From Planet Putt", both will have 18 holes and follow the theme of sci-fi movies from the 1950's. Guests will be able to play under a giant spider, through a cemetery and the basement of a haunted house, and even in a UFO! All the excitement starts next month.

For more information, visit Universal Orlando.com.

Photo courtesy of UniversalOrlando.com.