Hopping from ride to ride at any theme park can get fairly tiring pretty quickly. That's why we absolutely love the entertainment options available at Universal Orlando Resort. Not only do they allow you a chance to give your froggy feet a break, but each show is brilliantly produced and features the best talent in the biz! From concerts that will have you jamming out and humming along, to extravaganzas that bring you into and celebrate your favorite stories, to fascinating experiences that peel back the curtain and show you how movie magic gets made, there's something for everyone all throughout the resort. Sit back and relax as I share the stellar shows hoppening almost every day at Universal Orlando Resort.
Shows at Universal Studios Florida
The Blues Brothers Show in New York
From their humble beginnings in Rock Island City to the gritty streets of Chicago, Jake and Elwood drive over to New York in their iconic Bluesmobile several times a day to share some signature soulful sounds. The pharaohs of funk are accompanied by the vocal stylings of Mabel the waitress and her sax-playing pal, Jazz, and perform a medley of songs that's sure to have you shaking your tail feather!
Beat Builders in New York
An incredibly inventive show, the Beat Builders are a group of construction workers who just so happen to moonlight as professional percussionists. Using everything from scaffolding to buckets to wrenches to produce sounds, this show is full of rockin' rhythms and toe-tapping tunes. Be sure to catch them at least once during your visit right outside of Louie's Italian Restaurant.
¡Vamos! - Báilalo in New York
Get ready to shake your hips and move to the beat! At select times throughout the day, a troupe of vibrant performers hit the streets of New York and break out into high-energy, choreographed dances full of Latin flavor in a show that's all about passion, community and representation. Don't be shy! Get lost in the rhythm and join in on the fun as the corner of Sting Alley and Fifth Avenue transforms into a dance floor.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley
The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts proudly presents the works of 15th-century author Beedle the Bard. Take a seat near the Carkitt Market stage and get lost in the magical and beautiful puppetry as these student retell the famous wizarding fairytales, "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" or "The Tale of the Three Brothers" — bedtime stories that are just as familiar to wizards and witches as "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Hansel and Gretel" are to muggles.
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley
Groove along to the spellbinding musical stylings of Molly Weasley's favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck, and her bewitching Banshees. This wizarding world sensation will blow you away with never-before-heard songs, such as "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love," "You Stole My Cauldron But You Can't Have My Heart" and "You Charmed The Heart Right Out of Me." This is a great show to watch while enjoying any of the pleasant potions from The Hopping Pot right next door.
Ollivanders Experience in Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley
One lucky witch or wizard will be chosen by the shopkeeper to test out a few different wands with some beginner spells. After a few inevitable mishaps, the destined wand will match with its new wielder. Lily was lucky enough to be chosen and got matched with a reed wand with a phoenix feather core. This show is filled with magical effects and makes for a memorable experience for any sorcerer — both young and young at heart.
Animal Actors On Location! in Hollywood
They say never work with children or animals ... but Animal Actors On Location! debunks at least half of that warning and proves just how much fun working with our furry friends can be. This show stars dogs, cats, birds, monkeys and even pigs as they get ready for their close-up and demonstrate how animals are trained and directed on Hollywood movie sets. This show is as funny as it is adorable and one we love coming back to again and again!
The Bourne Stuntacular in Hollywood
One of Universal Orlando's most recent additions, this state-of-the-art stunt show brings you right into the action as former CIA agent Jason Bourne evades his enemies across three different continents. Watch heart-pounding chase sequences, ferocious fist fights and impressive acrobatics on a stage that features a 3,640 square foot LED screen, eight moving set pieces, a 20-foot-wide lift, practical effects such as fire, smoke and wind and so much more.
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show in Hollywood
From Frankenstein to The Mummy, Universal Studios proudly popularized what we know as the modern movie monster. Find out how horror movie magic is made in this beloved comedy show that features movie clips, props and interactive demonstrations with an (un)lucky audience member. While everything on that stage is 100 percent fake, this show may not be for the squeamish or easily scared, so enter with caution.
Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas in Hollywood
Witness the famous Blonde Bombshell and her dazzling dancers in this fun four-minute show that hoppens several times a day in between Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Revenge of the Mummy. Clap along as they perform the "Moulin Rouge" cover of Norma Jean's anthem, "Diamonds Are a GIrl's Best Friend," and Christina Aguilera's "Candyman." These lovely ladies stick around for photos after every performance.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular in Central Park — premiering June 14, 2024
A brand-new nighttime show is coming to the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. Featuring 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition and more than 600 drones(!!!), this next-level lagoon show will celebrate the emotional power of music by leveraging iconic scores and scenes that have inspired attractions from Universal Orlando's past, present and future.
Universal Mega Movie Parade — premiering July 3, 2024
Get ready to witness the biggest daytime parade at Universal Orlando to date. Featuring 13 brand new floats and nearly 100 performers — including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more — this spectacular celebration will let you relive classic moments from beloved movies, such as "E.T.," "Back to the Future," "Jaws," "Ghostbusters," "Jurassic World," Illumination's "Minions" and "Sing" and DreamWorks' "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda," in a whole new way.
Shows at Universal's Islands of Adventure
Frog Choir in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade
One of our favorite shows in all of Universal Orlando (for obvious reasons), this concert features talented students from each Hogwarts house who perform familiar wizarding songs — accompanied by giant throaty frogs who provide smooth bass rumbles. There's even a festive version filled with carols for the holidays! Now, point me to the audition room. Warming up my vocal chords as we speak!
Triwizard Spirit Rally in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade
The Triwizard Tournament was created to foster camaraderie in the wizarding world and celebrate sportsmanship in the spirit of magical cooperation. In honor of that, select students from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Durmstrang Institute and the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic lead a colorful procession as they drum up excitement for the upcoming competition.
Ollivanders Experience in Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade
See Ollivanders Experience in Diagon Alley.
Oh! The Stories You'll Hear! in Seuss Landing
Tadpoles are sure to love this show starring favorite literary characters The Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Sam-I-Am, The Grinch and the Lorax. Gather around as they as they dance to musical retellings of Dr. Seuss' beloved stories. This show hoppens several times a day in between All The Books You Can Read and Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. Don't froget to stick around afterwards for photos with these mischievous creatures!
Hogwarts Always in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade — premiering June 14, 2024
An all-new nighttime extravaganza will soon apparate into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade. On select nights, wizards, witches and Muggles alike will be able to gather around the famed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a visually stunning experience that will take them on a journey through iconic moments of a Hogwarts school year. This show will have four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and culminate in a colorful pyrotechnic display above the castle.
Shows at Universal CityWalk
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Rock out to the top names in music and laugh out loud at the kings and queens of comedy as they take the stage at this 3,000-seat auditorium, boasting the latest in sound and lighting technology. Universal's very own "Coliseum of Rock" is host to a wide variety of artists and entertainers throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar. Get your tickets before they're gone!
Shows at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Musica della Notte at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Whether you're staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel or just popping by for dinner, don't miss this nightly choral celebration at the Harbor Piazza (weather permitting). The talented singers that perform from the balcony cover a wide range of genres from classic opera to festive melodies to "popera" favorites. Leap and I love ending our nights slow dancing by the water and soaking in la dolce vita.
Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet (complete with a pit-roasted pig) and live music, this traditional Hawaiian luau is a celebration that's not to be missed! We love watching the skillful hula and brave fire dancers while feasting on authentic Polynesian cuisine. Shows are only on Saturday evenings and tickets are required. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and seating starts at 6 p.m. (subject to change).
Which show at Universal Orlando Resort is your favorite? Which one are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments below!
Related: Enchanting Entertainment in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
Hoppy planning!
