Universal Studios Orlando is best-known for its roller coasters and thrill rides. This grittier alternative to Disney lacks some of the pixie dust and polish, offering highlights that appeal to a slightly older audience. While the high-speed thrills here are superb, you’re missing out if you don’t think to linger in the streets. Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure both have some outstanding shows that you can catch when you know where to be.
Grab a show schedule while you’re visiting, or use the park’s handy app to check when these performances will take place. Though exact show times vary, you can usually catch each of these several times a day.
Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Seuss Landing
Perfect for small children, Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear! Is a character-led show that brings classic Dr. Seuss tales to life. A colorfully-clad storyteller is joined by The Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Sam-I-Am, The Lorax, and The Grinch. They sing, dance, and playact their way through familiar stories, giving them a rich new life that you can experience live and in person.
The show takes place hourly during peak seasons. It typically happens outside in the streets of Seuss Landing, but has been known to happen inside Circus McGurkus as well.
Frog Choir
Image: Walter, Flickr (license)
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Hogsmeade
There’s a permanent stage in Hogsmeade near Hogwarts Castle that hosts the Frog Choir several times throughout the day. This choir of Hogwarts students features both human and slightly inhuman singers, as each person holds a croaking frog to accompany them. You’ll find someone to support in the choir no matter which house you’re from; the choir includes one student from each. You can usually catch the show once an hour.
Triwizard Spirit Rally
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
Where: Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Hogsmeade
The Triwizard Tournament is upon us, and the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are rallying spirits for the coming competition. This stunning show includes ribbon dancing from the delicate girls of the French Beauxbatons Academy followed by a rousing acrobatics performance from the boys of Durmstrang.
The Triwizard Spirit Rally typically takes place hourly, with Frog Choir performances following 30 minutes later. Hang out in the streets of Hogsmeade nursing a butterbeer long enough and you’ll see them both.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Where: Universal Studios Florida: Diagon Alley
Harry Potter fans will be very well-versed in the Tales of the Beedle the Bard. However, even the uninitiated muggle will appreciate this dramatic puppet performance. The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts presents a lively stage show in Diagon Alley that brings two of Beedle’s tales to life. You’ll get to hear The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Tale of the Three Brothers. It’s the three brothers’ story that sets the foundation for all the Harry Potter lore, so you won’t want to miss this dramatic retelling.
During busy seasons, you can catch the show hourly. Times change weekly so check the times guide during your visit to see when these tales will take place.
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
Where: Universal Studios Florida: Diagon Alley
Celestina Warkbeck is a famous singer from the wizarding world. Molly Weasley was an avid fan throughout the Harry Potter saga, dancing along to Ms. Warbeck’s tunes as she managed the general mayhem of caring for her red-headed brood. Celestina performs three of her top hits with her trio of backup singers several times a day in Diagon Alley. You can catch her about once an hour when the parks are busy.
Studio Brass Band
Image: Nic McPhee, Flickr (license)
Where: Universal Studios Florida: Beverly Hills Boulangerie
This brass quintet plays not inside the Boulangerie, but out in the streets, where passersby can easily enjoy the jaunty tunes on the way to their next destination. Thought most do just stroll by, this is a short performance that’s worth catching. The set lasts just 20 minutes and includes an assortment of Hollywood-inspired tunes. You can even grab some maracas and join in the with the band!
The performers only take to the streets three or four times a day, so check your guide to make sure you can catch them.
The Blues Brothers Show
Image: Milo & Silvia in the world, Flickr (license)
Where: Universal Studios Florida: New York
If you’re a Blues Brothers fan, you simply can’t miss this street show. There’s a small stage tucked away in New York near Finnegan’s Bar & Grill where you can catch the performance. The Blues Brothers roll up in their signature car, then make their way to the stage. There, Jake and Elwood are joined by Mabel the waitress and her partner Jazz on the sax.
This show draws quite a crowd, so you’ll get the best spot if you start lingering near the stage a few minutes early. The show typically takes place four or five times a day. Check the guide on the day of your visit so you can make sure you’re in the right place when they roll out.
If you want to enjoy something memorable with absolutely no line, these shows will fit the bill. There’s something to suit any type of visitor, from tots to teens, so there’s no excuse not to catch at least one.
