The Best Shows at Universal Studios Orlando: My Top 5 Picks

I have to admit that I focused almost entirely on rides my first few visits to Universal. The parks are so amazing that it is easy to skip over all the extras you just don’t have for on a first visit. Many of the best rides like the Harry Potter coasters and simulators, Men in Black, and The Hulk I have to go on at least twice, so there is little time for anything else. I now know to book a few extra days so I can enjoy all my favorite rides twice and still have time for all the great shows, gift shops, and themed dining.

After more than 10 visits over more than a decade, I have begun to appreciate the incredible shows more and more. I now always purposely schedule in a few of my favorites on each vacation. After you have been on all the fabulous movie themed rides more than a time or 2, I recommend planning a little bit of time to enjoy all the extras. All of these shows are included with your ticket, so really there is no reason not to enjoy all the perks of your admission.

Both Universal and Islands offer an incredible lineup of shows, many which run multiple times daily so you can easily incorporate them into your schedule. Take a look at a few of my favorites which are worth sacrificing some ride time for. If anything, seeing a show will give you a little mini break from standing in lines and give you some time to recover from those often headache, nausea inducing motion simulator rides.

Hollywood Horror Makeup

Location: Universal

As a big fan of horror movies, this is probably my favorite show. I can’t believe it took me so many visits to finally check it out! The rides are just so fabulous that I skipped right over the shows on my first few vacations. I finally decided to check out the Horror Makeup Show on a slower day; it’s great fun for anyone who is a fan of old monster movies.

You will basically get to sit in the AC while you learn and see how special effects are done for your favorite monsters in horror films. You’ll learn how makeup is done and see demos for various special effects like blood spurting. It’s both educational and funny, and they usually pick a volunteer from the audience which keeps things interesting.

There are cool props to look at as well as a horror themed gift shop. I had a fun time looking through all the classic monster merchandise after the show.

As a side note, this show is usually geared more towards adults, so you may want to leave the kids out.

The Blues Brothers

Location: Universal

This is a really fun show located in the NY section of the park. It’s upbeat with a lot of fun music and dancing. Even the crowd really gets really into it and lets loose – really you can’t help joining in on the fun and “shaking your tailfeather.” The tribute to Jake and and Elwood is top notch and the cast truly is talented – I love their energy. The songs vary, and depending on your visit, you may hear favorites like Respect, Sweet Home Chicago, or Jailhouse Rock.

The show is just 15 min so it won’t take up much of your day, but it is such a fun mini break. So shake your tailfeather for a bit before getting back to all the great rides. While you are in this section of the park, I recommend checking out The Mummy coaster ride and the Fast and the Furious (I really love this cool queue!).

Hogwart Always castle show

Where: Islands

This is one show I should have blocked some time out for much earlier. The name has changed over the years, but it is still spectacular. I have been a big fan of the Harry Potter books and movies for so long; I was so impressed the first time I visited The Wizarding World (check out my guide for full details). I explored Hogsmeade when it opened at Islands back in 2010 and Diagon Alley at Universal right after it opened in 2014. It’s crazy to see how far both parks have come over the decades. I can’t believe we used to have to walk between both parks but now get to enjoy convenient train transportation via the Hogwarts Express.

Each night, the Castle comes alive with projections of all 4 Hogwarts houses, along with special fireworks. It’s an upbeat and spectacular show. I loved watching the quidditch match (my team – Gryffindor won so that was a nice bonus!). It’s just spectacular especially with the beautiful castle as the grand backdrop. This is honestly one of the best shows in Orlando, right up there with the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular.

Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally

Where: Islands

The Frog Choir show features students from each house performing wizarding songs. In the Tri Wizarding Tournament, you can watch the 3 wizarding schools (Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang) put on a lively procession. I usually catch these shows after enjoying The Forbidden Journey ride inside the stunning castle.

Both shows take place on the same stage which is located in between the castle and Hogsmeade Village. The show lasts about 10 minutes, so it’s a nice quick stop in between attractions. I would say it is definitely worth a stop if you are a big Harry Potter fan. I still have the catchy lyrics to “double, double, toil, and trouble” in my head anytime I think of this show.

Fire breathing dragon at Gringotts

Where: Diagon Alley at Universal

There are so many fun and interactive experiences to enjoy at Diagon Alley. it really is sensory overload for fans of the Harry Potter series. Everytime I visit, I find something new that I did not notice the first time around. One of the standout features which is hard to miss is the gigantic fire breathing dragon atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

It breathes out dazzling fire about every 10-15 minutes so should be easy to see while you are strolling around taking in all the shops. The fire is real and you can definitely feel the heat in the air if you are anywhere near it. This is a great photo opp and I would recommend getting a pic before all the afternoon crowds hit. This entire area is just such a marvelous recreation from the movies. They couldn’t have done any better in my opinion.

On a side note, definitely check out the Escape to Gringotts ride: it’s one of the park’s best rides and the queue featuring realistic bank goblins is amazing.

Tips

• Download the Universal theme park app to see show times and schedule your day accordingly.
• Get to the Hogwarts Castle show early if you want a prime view. It gets really crowded!
• Grab a giant slice of NY pizza and some garlic knots at Louie’s after The Blues Brothers show. Their pizza is so delicious!
• Check out my first timer guide if you are a newbie. I offer some great tips I have learned over the years following multiple visit to both parks.
• Treat yourself to a frozen butterbeer while exploring Diagon. It took many many visits; I finally caved in and ordered one and now I am hooked!