Shows at Universal Orlando You Don’t Want to Miss

If you are visiting Universal Orlando you want to include some of their incredible shows to your itinerary. Today I am sharing the best shows at Universal Orlando that you don’t want to miss.

The shows 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 and Islands of Adventure, as well as soon to open 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.

Top Shows at Universal Orlando Resort

Below I will list all the show options for you to go through but I wanted to first share my tops Universal Orlando shows that I recommend my 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.

Currently the last day of the parade is November 14, 2024. This is when Holidays at Universal starts and will be replaced with the Universal Macy Holiday Parade. Due to the popularity of the Mega Movie Parade I anticipate it will return in 2025.

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.

Currently CineSational has been put on pause for Halloween Horror Nights. It will resume in November 2024.

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 shoes as you can.

Universal Studios Florida Shows

• DreamWorks Imagination Celebration
• 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 honorable mentions that we enjoy when visiting 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.

Islands of Adventure Shows

• 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.

Epic Universe Shows (Opening 2025)

Epic Universe is set to open in 2025 but there have been announcements on what to expect and a few shows sound really amazing.

• Le Cirque Arcanus (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic)
• The Untrainable Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk)

Both will be indoor shows that feature the latest technology, puppetry, and special effects to entertain guests of all ages.

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.

• CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular (November 2024)
• Hogwarts Always (2025)
• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts (November-January)

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.

Are you planning a Universal Orlando Vacation? Check out these helpful posts:
–14 Helpful Tips for Universal Orlando First Time Visit
–Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure (Best Universal Park)
–Best Universal Hotels for Families for 2024

Thank you for reading my post! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Although we try to provide the most up-to-date prices, we do not guarantee prices listed on our site. At times we are compensated or hosted by destination and brands. All opinions are honest and my own. If you would like to learn about how I work with affiliate partners you can read more here.

Sharing is caring!