Edinburgh light show marks Universal's Orlando park launch
Organised by Universal Orlando Resort, revelers were greeted at 9pm with a series of illuminated scenes promoting the American film studio's latest attraction — Universal Epic Universe.
The massive advert was also projected onto London's Battersea Power Station on Thursday night.
Guests had the opportunity to tour the park using virtual reality. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco)
The VIP event prior to the show hosted a range of Scottish influencers; including Glasgow-based drag queen Lawrence Chaney, MAFS star Erica Roberts, and comedian Kim Blythe.
Guests sipped champagne and nibbled on canapes while waiting to experience the theme park in virtual reality or sit for a caricature sketch.
Chaney, who was the first Scot to win RuPaul's Drag Race, told The Herald: 'I'm absolutely loving this immersive experience. I'm having a lot of fun at the photo opps. The food is great.
'It's nice to see Edinburgh Castle used in a different way.'
An attendee named Michelle added: 'We are massive Universal fans. As a family, we love Universal Studios. When we found out they were building Epic, we were so excited.
'I'm looking forward to the Star Racers roller coaster', her son James said.
'I'm looking forward to the Dark Universe section. It's such an exciting opportunity for a brand-new park', Michelle said.
Lawrence Chaney was one of the guests. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The guests' excitement was matched by that of Alison Montague, Vice President International Sales & Marketing (EMEA) at Universal Destinations and Experiences.
Montague said: 'We're really excited. The park opens in just twenty days.
'It's the first theme park to be built in North America this century. Our parks are hugely popular among the British, we have lots of guests who flock over.
The executive added: 'We wanted to mark the occasion by doing something really noteworthy, and bring something forward-thinking to somewhere iconic, and try to merge the two worlds together.
'It is a delight for us not only to partner with Edinburgh Castle, but also British Airways Holidays, which makes it possible for people from all of the UK to get to Orlando easily.'
Alison Montague works for Universal. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Due to open in Florida on May 22nd, the new theme park will feature five distinct worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
Attendees at the Edinburgh event were able to scan a special QR code projected on the wall of the castle— with the grand prize — an all expenses paid holiday to Florida for four — to be announced soon.
The winner will receive tickets to the four Universal Parks in Orlando — Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal Epic Universe, as well as a week-long stay at the Universal Terra Luna Resort.
Free British Airways Club World Cabin plane tickets will also be included.
Universal is planning to expand into the UK within the decade, with a Bedfordshire theme park earmarked for 2031.
Until then, film buffs can grab a flight to Orlando and enjoy the studio's four parks in the hot Florida sun.
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