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, you may also wonder: What else is there to do besides ride the world-famous Studio Tour? Well, here’s the quick answer: Plenty.
- There are several entertainment options throughout Universal Studios Hollywood. The best way to stay up-to-date with upcoming showtimes is to download the Universal Studios Hollywood app. Showtimes are also displayed on the Studio Directory boards throughout the theme park.
- WaterWorld is Universal Studios Hollywood’s longest-running live show. This live stunt show includes fire effects, water stunts, and loud noises.
- Certain experiences, like Ollivanders in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The DreamWorks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda Adventures, take place on a rolling schedule, while shows like WaterWorld and performances at 5 Towers Stage on CityWalk occur at scheduled times.
With a wide array of show types, there’s something for everyone entertainment-wise at Universal. I love knowing that I can encounter both 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. Here’s what to know about shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.
WaterWorld
We’re starting off with the longest running show in the theme park: WaterWorld.
This live-action show is 20(-ish) minutes of water, jet-skis, and explosions. Be prepared to get drenched (that is, if you sit on the green benches in 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! If you make time to see anything during your Universal visit, make it WaterWorld!
Looking for more insight about this live stunt show? Read our guide to WaterWorld at Universal Studios Hollywood.
DreamWorks Theatre
DreamWorks Theatre puts all the beloved films that the DreamWorks studio has produced on display. The walls of the lobby and queue are decorated with beloved DreamWorks flicks, including “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Trolls.” Look for Easter eggs from your favorite animated movies, including Pinocchio from “Shrek” sleeping on the job at the box office, DreamWorks movie posters along the hallways, and some of the many awards the studio has won, proudly displayed along shelves. Keep an eye out for your favorite characters making guest appearances during the pre-show, too.
The DreamWorks Theatre currently features an original show, ”Kung Fu Panda Adventures” 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.
Street Sweep
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. These dancers’ showtimes vary and if you do get a chance to see them, please be advised, those dance moves are contagious!
Take a peek backstage and learn about what goes on behind the scenes with Street Sweep at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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.
Make the most of your visit and use our guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood to plan your day.
Ollivanders
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, finding the perfect wand is more than simply walking into a store. It’s an experience all on its own.
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 the moment when a wand chooses its wizard. The audience gets to be a part of the experience, as one special witch or wizard is chosen to be paired up with their very own wand.
Just like no two wands are ever the same, no two experiences at Ollivanders are ever quite the same either. After all, there’s no knowing when the wand might choose you!
Looking for a more in-depth overview of Ollivanders in Hogsmeade? Don’t miss our guide to Ollivanders in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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 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 Castle during the holiday season. But please be advised, these shows are seasonal, available only on select nights, and subject to change so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Want to know more about these incredible shows? Check out our behind-the-scenes article about the creation of these light shows.
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!
Wondering what other characters you can meet at Universal Studios Hollywood? Here’s our breakdown of character meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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.
Don’t miss a moment of fun or a delicious bite, make sure you check out our article,Things To Do at Universal CityWalk Hollywood: A Complete Guide.
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 and dinosaurs here really do know how to put on a show.
Which show are you most looking forward to experiencing at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk? Let us know in the comments below!