There’s so much to experience at Universal Epic Universe. Immersive worlds, thrilling attractions, delicious food, Captain Cacao… What am I missing? Oh, yeah: the incredible, jaw-dropping, will-make-you-believe-you-can-train-a-dragon live entertainment! Trust me when I say the shows of Epic Universe should be on your must-do list right alongside the roller coasters and Mac & Cheese Cones. (I did high school improv, so I’m sort of an expert on this.)
Read on for a complete guide to the shows and entertainment at Epic Universe, from a circus of fantastic beasts to a (seemingly) untrainable dragon and everything in between.
PRO TIP: Download the Universal Orlando Resort App to view show times, get the details, and add your must-see shows to your Favorites!
Stage Shows
Epic Universe is home to two indoor, sit-down stage shows. They both feature puppetry, special effects, music, and moving storytelling that will have you standing on your feet and cheering. You may even find yourself letting loose a tasteful “Bravo!” by the end!
Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
As you pass under the Phoenix Arch and enter Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, one of the first things you’ll spot is a circus tent, beckoning you to step inside and experience something truly dazzling. This is Le Cirque Arcanus, a musée des curiosités vivantes: museum of living curiosities.
As you enter the tent and stroll toward the main stage, you’ll pass sideshow booths showcasing the magical and mysterious. (My personal favorite? The floating barbe à papa: cotton candy!) While waiting backstage, you’ll get some backstory on the show from the house-elves. You’ll also meet ringmaster Skender and learn that he’s stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase, home to fantastic beasts from around the globe. Skender hopes to use the creatures in the suitcase to revive his struggling circus.
Luckily, this is where kind circus employee Gwenlyn enters the picture. She’s determined to rescue the fantastic beasts — starting with one you’ll meet right there backstage.
The mind-blowing displays of magic only ramp up from there. Proceed into the theater, take a seat, and take in a breathtaking spectacle. After you’re blown away by the acrobatics, aerialists, and bubble artist (!), you’ll join Gwenlyn as she enters Newt’s suitcase and work to free the fantastic beasts from Skender’s nefarious plans, culminating in a dazzling combination of live actors, puppetry, and special effects.
The Untrainable Dragon in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
From the moment you enter How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, you’ll have one question on your mind: How the heck did they train all of these dragons? Well, I have good news: You can see for yourself in The Untrainable Dragon, a live musical stage show that will warm your heart and blow your mind.
To any “How to Train Your Dragon” fan, it’s no secret that Hiccup is pretty much the master of bonding with dragons. But in this show, the Vikings of Berk are faced with their greatest challenge yet: a new dragon who seems downright untrainable, despite Hiccup’s best efforts. Luckily, he has Toothless, Astrid, Gobber, and more friends to help him solve the mystery and forge a bond with even the grumpiest of dragons.
When Hiccup starts to doubt his ability to connect with this feisty dragon, Astrid is there to remind him of his past success stories. You’ll flash back with them as they remember how Hiccup tamed an undersea Scauldron and a wild Bewilderbeast, the latter of which involves an awesome stunt performance. And without spoiling anything, the part of the show where you learn just why this dragon seems to be untrainable is truly beautiful.
From songs that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head — “Together!” — to the touching story, there’s so much to love about The Untrainable Dragon. But perhaps the number-one reason you can’t miss this show is the gasp-worthy moment when Hiccup and Toothless soar over the audience, music swelling and fog rolling across the stage. Pictures don’t do it justice, but don’t worry! With a wingspan of nearly 27 feet, Toothless is pretty hard to miss.
More Entertainment
The entertainment at Epic Universe isn’t limited to its two incredible stage shows. As you stroll amidst the portals, you’ll find other opportunities to take in live music — and maybe even learn some lore.
Roaming Violinist in Dark Universe
Dark Universe is a world of legendary monsters and mysteries shrouded in shadow. As it so happens, you may be able to unravel some of those mysteries if you happen to come across one of Darkmoor Village’s roaming violinists. In between haunting melodies, the violinists will share the legends of the monsters that inhabit the world. Just be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings while you watch the show; you never know when The Invisible Man might be creeping up to deliver a snide comment.
Place Cachée Jazz Band
Keeping with the theme of “musical performances you’ll be delighted to stumble upon,” the Place Cachée Jazz Band is pure joy – combining the lively sounds of multiple instruments with some good old-fashioned audience participation. As you tap your feet in time to the tunes, keep an eye out for magical elements that take this performance to the next level!
The Celestial Trio in Celestial Park
At the Hemisphere Stage located in Celestial Park, you may be serenaded by the Celestial Trio: a singer, a drummer, and a saxophonist. Grab a cone from Frosty Moon, find a cozy spot to sit, and enjoy the fun, upbeat tunes as you soak in the vibes of this world between worlds.
PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for roaming violinists near the Cosmos Fountain in the heart of Celestial Park for even more sonic delight!
Live Music in The Plastered Owl
The only thing better than Mango Bread? Mango Bread accompanied by dueling guitarists, of course! In The Plastered Owl, the bar located within The Oak & Star Tavern, you can enjoy live music beginning at 10:45 a.m.
PRO TIP: The perfect accompaniment to some live tunes? The Enchanted Oak Sap mocktail, of course! This combination of ginger puree, lime juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and club soda is perfectly refreshing — and it comes adorned with an orange wheel.
Which show are you going to see first when you visit Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check showtimes via the Universal Orlando Resort App!
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