The Best Shows at Universal Orlando

Visiting a theme park can be a great way to spend your vacation, especially if you’re interested in rides. This is certainly the case at the Universal Orlando Resort, where three theme parks feature a plethora of roller coasters and other thrilling attractions.

However, there’s more to Universal than just rides. The resort is also home to a variety of shows, including Harry Potter-themed storytelling, a Hawaiian Luau and animal actors. Here's a look at the best shows at Universal Studios Orlando.

Does Universal Orlando do shows?

The Universal Orlando Resort is a large complex of hotels, theme parks, shopping and entertainment.

Among its many activities, you’ll find a number of shows and a 3,000-person auditorium where popular bands and comedians perform.

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Best shows at the Universal Orlando Resort

There are four locations to catch Universal shows. This includes two of its three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

You’ll also find shows at select hotels as well as at Universal CityWalk, the resort’s main shopping and entertainment hub.

» Learn more: How to get discounted Universal Studios tickets

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is where you’ll find the majority of the action, since this theme park focuses on films and live entertainment.

So what shows are at Universal Studios Florida?

Animal Actors on Location!

One of the best shows for families, Animal Actors on Location! features animal actors performing skits, interacting with the audience and video segments. It’s 20 minutes and runs throughout the day, which means it’s easy to catch. You’ll see many animals during this show, including birds, dogs, cats, pigs and more.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll want to catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, you can catch this open-air show multiple times per day.

It features songs from the Harry Potter books — including "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love" over which Fleur Delacour and Molly Weasley argued in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

The Bourne Stuntacular

If you’re a fan of action, you'll want to visit The Bourne Stuntacular. It uses a mixture of physical props (including fire) and digital technology to create an immersive thrill experience for guests. Along with stunt doubles, you’ll see free-falls, moving vehicles and a 3,640 square-foot LED screen during the show.

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show

Few can make magic happen like Hollywood makeup artists, and this is especially true for those working on horror movies. In this show, you’ll learn how fake blood is made, check out how the process works and even participate, if you’re lucky.

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Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure doesn’t have many shows, mostly because it tends to rely on larger rides and intensive theming to create excitement. The park lists three shows, two of which are located at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

One of the best shows in Universal Orlando for fans of the Wizarding World, the Triwizard Spirit Rally is a live demonstration put on by the students from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Representatives from international wizarding schools Beauxbatons and Durmstrang appear onstage next to Hogwarts students to perform a morale-boosting rally.

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Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

The Universal Orlando Resort has eight hotels on the property ranging from budget options to high-end resorts. Of these, two Premier Hotels also offer shows.

Wantilan Luau

Located at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, the Wantilan Luau takes place once per week. Shows are on Saturday evenings and tickets are required; registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and seating starts at 6 p.m. Along with live music, you’ll see hula dancers and fire dancers, all while enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Musica della Notte

If you enjoy live music, you’ll want to catch this free show at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Taking place each evening, those in the Harbor Piazza will be treated to classic opera, festive melodies and "popera" by a chorus of singers.

Universal CityWalk

The Universal CityWalk includes many restaurants, shops, bars and entertainment venues, but Hard Rock Live Orlando dominates.

Hard Rock Live Orlando

You’ll need tickets to see an event at Hard Rock Live Orlando, which hosts acts such as George Lopez, Billy Joel and Kesha.

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The best shows at Universal Orlando recapped

The Universal Orlando Resort features a lot to see and do, from high-speed roller coasters to traditional opera singers, a wide variety of shows and more.

In multiple locations — at two of the theme parks and CityWalk and in select hotels — visitors can find a luau, themed dancers, animal actors, special movie effects and more.

(Top photo courtesy of Universal Parks & Resorts)