From kid-friendly character entertainment to thrilling action, the Universal Orlando shows need to be part of your theme park day. In this post, I share all the shows at Universal Orlando and what ones you definitely want to include in your visit.
The shows at the Universal Orlando theme parks range from kid-friendly shows featuring family favorite characters, shows that transport you to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and nighttime shows that create the perfect memories to end your day at the parks.
Guests visiting can see shows at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. When we visit the parks our itinerary is typically rides first, lunch, and then afternoon shows.
Be sure to check the times of the shows you want to see (use the Universal Orlando Resort app) and plan your day around those times. Many of the shows have their last show between 3:00pm-5:00pm.
List of Universal Orlando Shows
Shows at Universal Studios Florida
- DreamWorks Imagination Celebration at DreamWorks Land
- Po Live!
- Animal Actors on Location!
- Beat Builders
- The Blues Brothers Show
- Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
- Universal Mega Movie Parade
- CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
- Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
- Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas
- Ollivanders Experience in Diagon Alley
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard
- Vamos!: Bailalo
A few favorite shows at Universal Studios Florida are the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, Ollivanders Experience in Diagon Alley, and The Blues Brothers.
The Make-Up show is so funny and is best for older kids. There is some gore but it isn’t like Halloween Horror Nights scary, it is fun scares and shows you behind-the-scenes of how the movies are made.
Ollivanders Experience is for the Harry Potter fans. One child will be chosen by the wand from the group in this short show like experience. At the end of the show, if you are chosen, you have an option to purchase the wand.
Lastly The Blues Brothers is a fun outdoor show where guests sing and dance along to the Blues Brothers. This show is a great time and we always enjoy the atmosphere and songs.
Be sure to make time for the afternoon parade (Universal Mega Movie Parade) and the night show (CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular). These are seasonal, be sure to check the Universal Orlando app for latest times/dates.
Shows at Islands of Adventure
- Frog Choir
- Hogwarts Always
- Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear
- Ollivanders Experience in Hogsmeade
- Triwizard Spirit Rally
Islands of Adventure is more focused on thrills than the shows. If you have young kids you should do the Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear which is a story time of a Dr. Seuss book with characters.
Hogwarts Always is the projection show on Hogwarts castle and is a very popular show. This runs from dusk until close, so guests have multiple opportunities to see it.
Shows at Epic Universe
- Le Cirque Arcanus (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic)
- The Untrainable Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk)
- Fountains at Celestial Park
Both are indoor shows that feature the latest technology, puppetry, and special effects to entertain guests of all ages. On our recent visit to Epic Universe we watched The Untrainable Dragon. It was during techinicaly rehearsal and was not running properly.
The Fountains run through out the day and are a great place to enjoy a snack and relax.
From what I have heard both shows are worth including in your visit. I can’t wait for our next visit to see them both.
Top Shows at Universal Orlando Resort
These are my tops Universal Orlando shows that I recommend friends check out during their trip.
- The Bourne Stuntacular (Universal Studios Florida)
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Universal Studios Florida)
- Universal Mega Movie Parade (Universal Studios Florida)
- CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular (Universal Studios Florida)
- Hogwarts Always (Islands of Adventure)
The Bourne Stuntacular is an indoor show that uses live-action, screens, and special effects to create an incredible story. This show can be loud and maybe a bit scary for toddlers but overall it is an impressive stage show.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is tucked away in Diagon Alley. It is a puppet-stage show based on the Harry Potter story. If you are a Harry Potter fan you should definitely see it. If not I still think it is worth picking up a snack and sitting for the show. It is outdoors but covered inside the Diagon Alley land.
Universal Mega Movie Parade is all about the nostalgic mixed with the new. Guests of all ages will enjoy watching the floats featuring Trolls, Minions, Back to the Future, and E.T.
Starting in November the Holidays at Universal begins and the Universal Macy Holiday Parade runs. Depending on the time of your visit I suggest viewing either parade.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is a nighttime show on the lagoon in the center of Universal Studios Florida. It features music, water fountains, and drones in a celebration of Cinema through the years.
Hogwarts Always is the latest projection show on Hogwarts Castle. It tells the story of a wizards journey to Hogwarts and all the houses and magic that goes along with it.
Hogwarts Always will return in 2025. During the Holidays at Universal celebration guests can see the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts.
All of Universal Orlando shows are done really well and you can’t go wrong including them in your itinerary. I have my favorites, which I shared above, but if you have time I would make sure to see as many shows as you can.
Nighttime Shows at Universal Orlando
There are nighttime shows at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure although they do change depending on the season. Always check the website for the latest times/dates.
If you are visiting during a time when there are shows be sure to include them. It is totally worth it.
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts (Islands of Adventure)
- CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular (Universal Studios Florida)
- Hogwarts Always (Islands of Adventure)
- Fountains at Celestial Park (Epic Universe)
The fountains at Celestial Park run throughout the day but the last cycle of the night runs through the all of the shows. These are basic fountain shows that you can view at any point during the day.
Tips for Seeing Universal Orlando Shows
For shows that are indoors with seating I suggest lining up 10-20 minutes before posted showtime. On busier days you want to arrive earlier.
For the nighttime shows I suggest finding a spot around 30 minutes before start of show. You will start to see team members and other guests finding spots. If you want to have an unobstructed view it is best to arrive early.
We watched Hogwarts Always from the bridge between Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park and it was an awesome spot. It is standing room only but they allow you to sit by the bridge until around 15 minutes to showtime.
For the CineSational show I suggest finding a spot along a guardrail in the center of Central Park. You can see where the water fountains are in the water and you want to center your spot around them. If you are too far to the right (facing the water) you will not have a full view of the water projections.
Each time we visit the Universal parks I am blown away by their shows. Universal delivers with incredible entertainment for their guests. Adding shows to your Universal itinerary is highly recommended.
Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
