OK, let’s be real: Universal Studios Hollywood has some delicious food and thrilling attractions. But if this is your first time at the theme park or you haven’t been here in a while, I bet you’ve probably wondered: What else is there to do besides ride the world-famous Studio Tour and indulge in a Butterbeer?
Well, this is the Entertainment Capital of L.A. for a reason.
Besides all the shopping, dining, and attractions available here, there are also so many shows and live entertainment. I love to walk around and encounter a kung-fu fighting panda and a post-apocalyptic world entirely submerged in water all on the same day — and so can you.
Here, I’ve compiled a guide to all the shows and live entertainment currently available for you to enjoy at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk. And be sure to check out the Universal Studios Hollywood app for show times and details on the day of your visit.
WaterWorld
We’re starting off with the longest running show in the theme park: WaterWorld.
This live-action show is twenty(-ish) minutes of water, jet-skis, and explosions. Be prepared to get drenched (that is, if you sit in the green benches, as that’s the splash zone) and be amazed, as a cast of professional stunt performers take you on their quest for Dryland. Here you’ll see actors plunge into the water from 20 feet in the air and watch as an actual plane comes crashing onto the set. Once the show is over, stick around for a chance to meet the cast!
WaterWorld is the one show you really won’t want to miss. Check out Discover Universal’s complete guide to the attraction here.
DreamWorks Theater
DreamWorks Theater celebrates all the beloved films that the DreamWorks studio has produced including “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Trolls.” Look for some cool stuff as you enter the queue such as Pinocchio from “Shrek” sleeping on the job at the box office, movie posters along the hallways, and some of the many awards the studio has won, proudly displayed along shelves. Watch as some of your favorite characters make guest appearances during the pre-show too.
Once you’re in the theater, get ready for some pure awesomeness! The DreamWorks Theater currently features an original show based on the “Kung Fu Panda” films. Join Po on his mystical quest as he delivers the Liquid of Ultimate Power to the Emperor in an immersive experience. We’re talking moving seats, slight water effects, and a screen that wraps around the entire room.
StreetSweep
As the name may suggest, this group of fun-loving custodians are here to sweep you off your feet.
You’ll get a chance to run into them over at Production Plaza, just adjacent from the Universal tower. They may look like your average park service workers just here to sweep some floors at first. But what you don’t realize is that there’s a boombox in that trash bin and some fancy footwork in those shoes. As opposed to the other shows on this list, these dancers’ showtimes vary. But if you do get a chance to see them, please be advised, those dance moves are contagious!
TriWizard Spirit Rally
No one shows school spirit quite like the witches and wizards in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
On the stage across from Hogwarts castle, you’ll be able to watch as students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang rally up in preparation for the Triwizard Tournament. In a flurry of ribbons and acrobatics, it’s hard not to get carried away with excitement as you watch this show. And if you stick around after their performance, you get the opportunity to chat and take a picture with our magical guests.
For more on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out Discover Universal’s deep dive here.
Ollivanders
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, shopping for a wand is more than simply walking into a store — it’s a whole experience unto itself.
If you’re a big fan of “Harry Potter”, you’ll definitely want to stop by Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 BC. At this shop, you’ll get the chance to witness a wand pairing: that magical moment when a wand chooses its wizard. Step into the wandkeeper’s room and learn about different kinds of wand cores, like dragon heartstrings, phoenix tail feathers and unicorn hairs. Then witness as a special witch or wizard from the audience is paired up with their wand in a moment straight out of the “Harry Potter” films.
Just like no two wands are ever the same, no two shows are ever quite the same either. After all, there’s no knowing when the wand might choose you!
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Who doesn’t love a spectacular finale to the end of a fantastic day at the theme park?
This one is easily the most magical show on this list (in my opinion). Watch as Hogwarts castle lights up in a dazzling light projection show. There are different versions of this show depending on the time of year, including Dark Arts at Hogwarts castle during select nights, and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts during the holiday season. Each of these feature original music, projections, and story lines. But please be advised, these light shows are seasonal, available only on select nights, and subject to change so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Raptor Encounter
Although we will never know what it was like to live back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, visiting Isla Nublar down in the Lower Lot is as close as we’ll probably get. And at the Raptor Encounter, you’ll have the chance to come face-to-face with a real-life Velociraptor!
Straight out of the “Jurassic World” movies comes our clever girl Blue. Standing at 5.5 feet tall, she’s here to astound you with her big claws, giant teeth, and that snappy personality. But don’t fret — she’s always accompanied by a trained handler who will tell you all you need to know about Velociraptors. They’ll calm her down just long enough for you to snap a photo with her. If you’ve got little ones, perhaps meeting a real-life Raptor is a little too intimidating. Luckily, they’ll also get the chance to meet a baby dino. You know, one that doesn’t tower over them too much. Baby Tango makes appearances from time to time, nestled in the arms of her handler. She’s so cute!
5 Towers Stage
The live entertainment doesn’t end when you exit the theme park. Over at Universal CityWalk Hollywood is our 5 Tower Stage, a venue that has seen it all. I’ve witnessed performances by famous pop groups and solo artists, national dance competition winners, and live DJs — you really never know what you’ll get to see at CityWalk. With an amazing sound system and over 5,000 LED lights, I’d say this little stage is a pretty big deal.
Universal Cinema
If you’ve come to Universal Studios Hollywood, chances are you like movies. Catch a screening of all the latest ones at the Universal Cinema. Packed with cutting-edge technology, comfy recliner seats, and a bar that offers drinks inspired by Universal classics, this movie theater elevates your movie-watching experience. Oh, and it’s located several feet from a working movie studio, where movies are made. That’s a pretty big deal.
When you find yourself planning your next trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, make sure to add a few of these experiences to your itinerary for the day. No trip to Hollywood is complete without live entertainment, and I promise you that the stunt performers, dancers, witches, wizards, and dinosaurs here really do know how to put on a show.
Which show are you most looking forward to experiencing? Let us know in the comments below!
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