Universal Studios California shows--simply stupendous!

Types of shows at Universal Hollywood

The Universal theme park in Hollywood features several different types of shows. There are---

1.) Live action shows in huge outdoor arenas with stadium seating

2.) Movies in large indoor auditoriums

3.) "Demonstration-style" shows in specialty studios

4.) Walk-through exhibits

So, how do you keep track of all the shows that Universal Studios has to offer? There are so many that it isn't easy!

First of all, you'll be given a list of showtimes as you enter the park. Although ride-lovers should enjoy Universal's rides early in the day (before the lines build,) it's important to note show times for later in the day. Decide which shows you won't want to miss. Make a mental note of the last performances of the day...so you won't miss out.

Secondly, you can check the "Showtimes" board located on the "upper lot" of Universal Studios Hollywood not too far from the entrance to the park. (To your right, you see a picture of the Schedule of Showtimes announcement board that you should look for.)

Time-saving tips for Universal's shows

The great thing about the Universal Studios California shows that are given in stadium-style arenas and large "movie-theater" style auditoriums is that these type of shows hold a GAZILLION people at each performance! Knowing this fact can help you to better plan your day.

What Universal Studios shows should you see first? Actually, you shouldn't try to see any of the shows first; head to the rides first, instead. Since it's easier to get into any of the shows than it is to get through the long line for the rides, the first question you should ask yourself is, "What rides would I like to experience?" Then, head to the rides early...before the lines build.

Next, see shows in smaller auditoriums before the crowds build: Shows and demonstrations held in smaller theaters will form longer lines than shows held in large theaters or stadiums. So, see the shows held in the smaller theaters first...and save the spectacles held in the arena-style venues for later. Which shows are held in small theaters? (1) The "Backdraft" demonstration (about how studios use fire as a special effect) is held in a relatively small studio. (2) So is the Special Effects Show. These are the 2 shows which form lines most easily, and you should see them before their lines get too long. Luckily, the entrances to these shows are side-by-side on Universal's lower lot. Perhaps you could see them just after enjoying the Mummy roller coaster or the Jurassic Park boat ride (which are both near these theaters.)

Save the Universal shows held in large stadiums and auditoriums for last. Even when the theme park is full of people, it's still relatively easy to make it into the showtime of your choice for large-capacity shows. The list of large-capacity shows at Universal Studios Hollywood includes Fear Factor Live; the Water World stunt show; the Shrek 4D movie; Terminator 2--3D; and the Animal Actors show.

"Backdraft" show and Special Effects Stages

"Backdraft" is a demonstration-type show themed to the 1991 Ron Howard movie, "Backdraft." Just as the Backdraft film was set within the dangerous world of the fire fighters, so this Universal Studios show is all about fire.

What a show this is! You really won't want to miss this one. You'll get as "up close and personal" with fire as you'll ever care to be! (And, yes--it gets hot!)

While several other shows in the park use fire as part of their special effects, they CAN'T give you the same effect as Backdraft does. That's because the Backdraft show is held in a small venue with a limited crowd-size, which lets you get closer to the flames than at any other attraction. You'll also see MORE fire than at any other attraction, too! In addition, your tour host will provide you with a ton of interesting facts and stories about the use of controlled fires in the movie-making industry.

A few "lucky" people from the audience get to participate as volunteers. Volunteers find themselves acting as victims in a supposed movie-making scene; making noises (as if filming sound effects,) etc.

Warning--These shows are educational in nature and, while they're quite enjoyably presented, they may be boring to younger children, nevertheless. If your youngster squirms when he/she has to sit quietly, perhaps you'd better save this attraction for a few years down the road when your child is older.

Should you see the special effects shows if you've already seen them before? Yes! The special effects shows are regularly updated to relate them to current hit movies. It's a win-win situation: You get to see new shows...and Universal gets to advertise its latest theater and DVD releases!

"Shrek 4D" and "Terminator 2--3D" shows

One of the Universal Studios shows which can accommodate a crowd quite effectively is the humorous "Shrek 4D" movie.

"What's 4D?" you ask. Interesting question. Well, it's a 3D movie---that will "jump off the screen" at you---with ADDED special effects to make you feel "a part of" the movie. Hint--this may involve getting just a TAD wet, because a little spray of water just MIGHT be one of those special effects!

You'll see your favorite Shrek characters---Shrek the ogre, Fiona, and Donkey---in a short flick using themes from the original motion picture. Go---you'll have fun!

The other one of the 2 movie-based Universal Studios California shows is "Terminator 2--3D." As with the Shrek 4D attraction, the Terminator show takes place within a large movie-theater style auditorium. Shows run continuously one after the other, as with Shrek 4D, so getting in to see either of these fun shows isn't a major tie-up of your time.

You'll view a pre-show while waiting for the group ahead of you to finish in the auditorium. Once they leave, your group will be shuttled in, and live announcers will get the show rolling.

You will undoubtedly enjoy this show. I must, however, give a warning to asthmatics, such as myself. There are noxious, smoky smells in this show. I felt my lungs tightening up and had to reach for my inhaler immediately.

House of Horrors walk-through attraction

Now, we come to a different type of Universal Studios California shows---the walk-throughs. Currently, there is only one walk-through attraction at the park: The House of Horrors!

Not long after you enter the park, you'll see a large, eerily-decorated building on your left...near the "Showtimes" sign board. That's it!

This building always seems to be a walk-through of one kind or another. They change the show fairly frequently. Each show only lasts a few years, so if you want to see this one...do it now! It may not be here the next time you return to Universal Studios! (Not long ago, there was a Van Helsing-themed maze; and before that, there was a walk-through themed to the Mummy movie series.)




What's in the House of Horrors---and is it very scary? The House of Horrors is similar to a Halloween house of fright. The effects are more expensive-looking than what you might find in your local Halloween Haunted House, but the idea's the same. You'll see skulls, bones, evil-looking dolls, and other "scary" scenes. Beware for costumed creepies to pop out at you!

How scary is the House of Horrors? If you go through when many other people are both ahead of you and behind you (which is most of the time!) it's not very scary at all. You'll already know where the spooks are going to jump out at you. And, it's hard to think that fake skulls are scary when there's a crowd around. On the other hand...it might send quite a chill up your spine if you could go through it alone!

How popular are the walk-through attractions? When they first debut, they're VERY popular. For example, when the Mummy attraction was new, all the day's passes to the attraction would be given away by early afternoon. Same with the Van Helsing show. The longer the attraction has been around, the shorter the line becomes. Just don't take any chances. If visiting the House of Horrors is important to you, check it out EARLY in the day!

"I Love Lucy" tribute is now closed, but...

a new Universal Studios Memorabilia Display has opened!

In a nutshell, you'll now be able to view famous clothing and props from popular Universal Studios movies!

How would you like to see the REAL diary from "Bridget Jones's Diary?" It's here! How about Kevin Bacon's space suit from the "Apollo 13" movie? It's here, too. So is Cate Blanchett's dress from "Elizabeth: The Golden Age;" the baseball uniforms that Abbott & Costello wore in their famous "Who's On First?" routine; and Eddie Murphy's prosthetic makeup from "The Nutty Professor."

Naturally, these won't be the ONLY props and famous wardrobe pieces that will be on display. You can check out the items in this walk-through exhibit any time that you're on the Universal Studios lower lot (near the Backdraft show's entrance.)

There were photos of Lucy from her earliest Hollywood days, when she went for the "glamorous starlet" look. And yet, she found her biggest fame when she delved into the world of comedy...and, of course, most of the exhibit space was devoted to her stint with the supremely popular "I Love Lucy" show. You can see two pictures of the exhibits on your right and left, for those who are sad that they missed seeing this well-done Lucy tribute.

Fear Factor Live show

Are you a fan of the Fear Factor TV show? If you are, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood can give you a chance to get in on some Fear Factor action!

Beginning each morning, a Universal Studios employee looks for volunteers to participate in that day's Fear Factor stunts. If you're interested in being selected, simply step up and volunteer!

Attending the Fear Factor show of your choice should not be a problem. It's held in a large stadium. Simply select your favorite showtime and show up shortly in advance of its starting time.

Universal's Animal Actors show

This adorable attraction takes place in a large arena, so it's another great time-saver...you WILL get into your desired show. (If getting a front-and-center seat is important to you, however, you should enter the arena 15-20 minutes ahead of the next performance.)

Water World Stunt Show

Of all the Universal Studios California shows, the Water World extravaganza is the "no-holds-barred" finale to the bunch. Though the movie it's based upon didn't reach spectacular heights, this show DOES deliver. You'll see real Hollywood stunt men and women strut their stuff in a water-themed spectacular involving jet skis, boats, fire, water sking, fire...oh...and did I mention, fire???

The Water World arena is huge, so there's no reason to miss this one! Warning to asthmatics---a lot of smoke is generated in this show. You may want to sit towards the back of the arena...away from the thickest part of the smoke cloud.

Street Entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood

In the picture of a street band to your left, you see a group that was part of the "extra" entertainment on a busy day in 2008. Standing near the Shrek 4D movie theater (in an ogre-themed alcove!) these fellows were playing a happy mix of favorite oldies.

Other bands playing at the Universal Hollywood theme park recently have been a jazz band and a mariachi group. (You can see pictures of these musical groups in the slide show at the top of the page.

THE BLUES BROTHERS music & comedy revue is another show that music lovers won't want to miss. It's been around Universal Studios California for a number of years, and still remains a crowd pleaser this year, as well. The Blues Brothers revue takes place near the House of Horrors, and its schedule is available on the master schedule signboard on the upper level of the park.

Because he's a part of a zany street show comedy routine! Acting as if they live in a New York City tenement, a man and his wife hang their heads outside their windows and throw verbal darts at one another (and sometimes at the crowd, as well!)

Beneath them hangs laundry lines laden with the morning's fresh load of wash. The accents...and the insults...are thick. And somehow out of this scenario, the wife dared her husband to appear in his underwear. And he did! (On top of his clothing, of course!)







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