Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

This article is your guide to the best Universal Orlando shows! In our opinion, the best show at Universal Orlando Resort is the Bourne Stuntacular, which offers an amazing mix of live entertainment and video screens. However, as you will see, fans of Halloween Horror Nights might also enjoy Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, while families would enjoy Oh, The Stories You’ll Hear!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What are the Best Live Shows at Universal Orlando?

From our experience, we believe the best shows at Universal Orlando resort are mostly found in Universal Studios Florida. These shows include The Bourne Stuntacular, Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, and the brand-new nighttime show CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular. And although Islands of Adventure does have some amazing pop up shows as well the most popular ones are Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear and Hogwarts Always which are both great options for families visiting Universal Orlando with kids! 

Best Universal Studios Florida live shows 

1. The Bourne Stuntacular
2. Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
3. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
4. DreamWorks Imagination Celebration
5. Animal Actors on Location
6. Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
7. The Tales of Beedle the Bard
8. The Blues Brother Show
9. Universal’s Musical Street Shows

Best Islands of Adventure live shows 

• Hogwarts Always 
• Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear
• Triwizard Spirit Rally
• The Frog Choir

Related post: The Nighttime Light Shows at Hogwarts

Live Shows at Universal Studios Florida

The Bourne Stuntacular

Location: Hollywood area

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can try seeing the Bourne Stuntacular which combines live actors, special effects, and props. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the Jason Bourne series, this show is one not to miss for action and thrills.  For all the screens we dislike in Universal, this show is actually very impressive with its 130-foot wide screen to make movable sets for action scenes. This show has gotten great reviews as it showcases incredible stunt coordination, technology advances, and Universal’s witty, engaging writing.

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show

Location: Hollywood area

As big horror fans, we’re delighted to share that Universal offers some spooky entertainment throughout the year. The Horror Make-Up Show is a live-action show which includes comedy, facts, and insider facts on how the special effects industry works in horror films and also throughout Halloween Horror Nights. This show is located inside of a theater with an engaging lobby area with displays from various iconic horror films.

We love this show not only for the demonstrations but also that it is inside and one of the longer shows. That means on those hot Florida days, you can hop inside and watch the Horror Make-Up Show while cooling down.

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular

This nighttime show features choreographed drones in sync with iconic music from our favorite movies, including Back to the Future, Harry Potter, Fast and the Furious, Jurassic Park, and E.T., just to name a few. It’s also only scheduled to run through the end of the summer; however, we will just have to wait and see if Universal plans to extend that once Halloween Horror Nights is finished.

DreamWorks Imagination Celebration

Location: Dreamworks Land

Spark your imagination with an incredible new live show, featuring characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. This spectacle combines live actors, animated characters, and dancers.

Animal Actors on Location

Location: Next to Dreamworks Land

Animal Actors on Location is the perfect show at Universal Studios for kids and families looking to have an incredible time. During this show at Universal Studios, guests have the chance to see a number of animals perform various scenes and demonstrate their abilities. These animals include dogs, cats, birds and more who perform abilities like jumps, courses, commands and even some acting!

The reason why this Universal show is one of the best things to do at Universal Orlando is that there is interaction between the animals, trainers and even guests! Guests are occasionally invited to assist the trainers in their routine, which adds another layer of fun. It’s important to note that seating for the show is limited, so arriving early or checking showtimes in advance is recommended to secure a good viewing spot. Additionally, photography and filming are allowed during the show, so guests have the opportunity to capture memorable moments with the talented animal performers.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Location: Diagon Alley

Truly bringing the pages to life, Celestina Warbeck is a famous witch and singing sensation from the Wizarding World. You can find this show on the steps of Diagon Alley in the Carkitt Market, where Celestina puts on a live performance with her backing vocals called the Banshees. This live show at Universal Studios Orlando includes a setlist of original songs that have an essence of jazz, swing, and big band music.

It’s worth noting that showtimes for Celestina are typically scheduled throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to check the showtimes in advance or consult the park’s daily schedule to plan your visit accordingly. Whether or not you’re a Potter fan, we’re sure that you’ll love the enchanting voice of Celestina and the Banshees and recommend you stop by.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Location: Diagon Alley

As one of the best shows at Universal Orlando, and my personal favorite, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a live performance is Diagon Alley that will truly impress. Guests can watch a performance of either “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” or “The Tale of the Three Brothers” which use a stunning mix of live acting and puppetry. Just like the images from the Deathly Hallows films, these shows capture a true sense of wonder as you feel like you’re on the pages with them.

This show is one of the most popular, which means the venue gets crowded and there are spots for guests to sit if they get there early enough. We highly recommend paying attention to the puppets, which feel like the star of the show as they have incredible detail.

The Blues Brother Show

Location: Streets of New York

Join everyone in the streets as Jake and Elwood Blues perform an incredible show that brings rhythm and comedy together for a fun show. These live performers capture the entire essence in their black hats, suits, sunglasses and of course, a lively performance to pay true homage. Throughout the show, the performers engage the audience with dynamic renditions of classic blues and soul songs, including favorites like “Soul Man,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.” The live band, along with the talented singers and dancers, creates an electric atmosphere that gets the crowd clapping, singing, and dancing along.

Just know that it can get very hot on the streets on Universal Orlando Florida, so try and catch the earlier shows before it gets too toasty!

Additional Universal Musical Street Shows

Location: Hollywood area and New York area

• The Beat Builders – Located in the Hollywood area of the park, the Beat Builders are musical construction workers that showcase their talents of urban percussion. What makes this show so special is that the performers use “found objects” of their construction site to make music. They use their tools to bang on buckets, poles, workbenches and more to draw a crowd and then put on an engaging performance.
• Marilyn Monroe & The Diamond Bellas – In New York area near The Revenge of the Mummy and Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon, you can find this brief performance of the Diamond Bellas. This show can be easy to miss, as they only perform a few songs like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” for guests to enjoy. We mostly love that Marilyn arrives in a classic car and you can get great photos of her and with her as they make their way to New York.
• Drive-in and Dance – Get your kicks at Mel’s Drive-In as sock hoppers perform high-energy choreography to tunes inspired by 1950s classics mixed with a modern flair.
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Dance party – Join Gabby from the hit show Gabby’s Dollhouse in a celebration with friends as you dance in the middle of the streets at Universal Orlando! Guests can also meet Gabby after the show!

Related post: Complete Guide to the Universal Studios VIP Experience

Live Shows at Islands of Adventure

Hogwarts Always

Location: Hogsmeade Village

This brand new nighttime show can be found on Hogwarts castle in Hogsmeade village and takes guests through a magical journey of a school year at Hogwarts. Be sure to ask a team member what the schedule will be once you arrive at the parks as this is on of the very few shows that is not found on the Universal Orlando app.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

Location: Hogsmeade, in front of the castle

If you’re a big fan of the Harry Potter film franchise, you will love the Triwizard Spirit Rally show held in Hogsmeade. This show is directly inspired by the Triwizard Cup tournament held in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Witness the talents of the Triwizard champions holding duels, performing stunts, and more.

We love that after the show guests are able to chat with them, take photos or even get a tip or trick from a Triwizard Champion.

The Frog Choir

Location: Hogsmeade, in front of the castle

The Frog Choir brings a more whimsical performance to the stage with a talented group of witches and wizards, accompanied by their frog friends to serenade the crowd. The Frog Choir performance lasts around 10 minutes with various songs inspired by the Wizarding World. Both frog and humans showcase their talents encouraging the crowd to share their enthusiasm with Muggles, witches and wizards of all ages.

Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear

Location: Seuss Landing

The Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear show is the full package, as guests get to not only witness an entertaining musical show, but various characters will also make appearances throughout. These shows give a retelling of either The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, The Grinch or Lorax with song and dance. If you stick around after the performances, you’ll get to meet the characters featured in the story. The following characters have been available to meet:

• The Cat in the Hat
• Thing One and Thing Two
• Sam-I-Am
• The Grinch
• The Lorax

Related post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Shows FAQ

Q: Does Universal Studios Florida have shows?

Yes, Universal Studios Florida does have shows, in fact, there are over 7 different shows to view while visiting the parks. Those Universal Studios Florida shows include a retelling of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” from Harry Potter and live performers that reenact the Blues Brothers! Universal’s shows are fun ways to break up your day at the park if you’re wanting to do more than just rides.

Q: Does Universal Florida have a nighttime show?

At the moment, Universal Studios Florida does have a nighttime show. CineSational is the newest nighttime show and features choreographed drones in sync with iconic music from our favorite movies, including Back to the Future, Harry Potter, Fast and the Furious, Jurassic Park, and E.T., just to name a few. It’s also only scheduled to run through the end of the summer; however, we will just have to wait and see if Universal plans to extend that once Halloween Horror Nights is finished.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!