Close Menu
Inside Universal
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Threads
    Wednesday, July 16
    Trending
    • The Franklin Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal announce “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” opening Feb 2026 in Philadelphia
    • Masquerade: Dance with Death scare zone announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida
    • Margaritaville at CityWalk Orlando celerbrates return of Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, The Hemisphere Dancer
    • What’s Happening at the Universal Parks – Week of July 14, 2025
    Inside Universal
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    • Home
    • News
      • Hollywood
        • Photo Updates
        • CityWalk Hollywood
        • Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood
        • Events
      • Orlando
        • Photo Updates
        • Universal Studios Florida
        • Islands of Adventure
        • Epic Universe
        • Universal’s Volcano Bay
        • CityWalk Orlando
        • Universal Resorts
        • Halloween Horror Nights – Orlando
        • Events
      • Japan
        • Photo Updates
        • Events
      • Singapore
      • Beijing
      • Other Universal Destinations
      • Outside Universal
        • Walt Disney World
        • SeaWorld Orlando
        • Around Orlando
        • Disneyland Resort
        • Knott’s Berry Farm
        • Around California
    • Forums
    • Inside Universal Podcast
    • Features
    • Merchandise
    Inside Universal
    Home»Special Effects Show

    Special Effects Show

    Home » Park Guide » Attractions » Special Effects Show

    Special Effects Show

    At Universal Studios Hollywood, anything is possible.

    The new and improved Special Effects Show – an exclusive look into the secret world of movie magic. With stunts, practical effects, and cutting-edge technology, the newly updated Special Effects Show takes guests behind-the-scenes of some of your favorite Universal Blockbusters.

    The Special Effects Show has been a long established part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Theme Park history. With various different renderings over the years, the newest update features some fan favorites from past versions and some brand new, never-before-seen special effects, including a thrilling stunt performers by some of Hollywood’s best. Currently located on the Upper Lot between Universal’s Animal Actors and Springfield, the Special Effects Show is certain to entertain everyone in your family.

    Navigation

    » Checklist
    » Intensity Meter
    » Tips
    » Our Take: From the Editors
    » Video Preview
    » Photo Gallery

    Checklist

    The hosts of the Special Effects Show

    Duration

    The new Special Effects Show generally lasts between 25 to 30 minutes.

    Wheelchair Accessible

    Yes, ask for assistance. There are designated seating areas painted blue that allow for a guest in a wheelchair to sit with their families. The accessible seating is located to the left and right of the center stage.

    Flash Photography and Video Taping Policy

    Because this show takes place in a theater style, flash photography is generally frowned upon. However, guests are welcome, and even encouraged, to take pictures and video as long as flash is not involved.

    Gate A Entrance

    The Gate A – or Front of Line – entrance is located to the left as you enter the Special Effects Show queue. Show the employee your Front of Line or VIP Experience badge, and they’ll direct you to the left side of the show building. Gate A guests typically get let in first and have the choice to sit anywhere in the show building, including a special reserved seating area that provides a perfect view of the entire stage.

    Stroller Parking

    Stroller parking is located outside to the right of the theater by the staircase. Just ask an employee for assistance and they will direct you on where to go.

    Child Friendly?

    While the show does have many elements suited for children, parents should exercise caution. The Special Effects Show includes loud noises, fire effects, and movie blood, among other things. Most teenagers and pre-teens should enjoy the show, though babies and some young children may be frightened by some segments. Be sure to read the intensity meter for a detailed explanation.

    Intensity Meter

    Intensity Meter

    Like the Studio Tour, the Special Effects Show is difficult to gauge in regards to intensity. While not traditionally intense, like Jurassic Park or Revenge of the Mummy, those who are faint of heart or easily made queasy by the sight of blood should exercise caution. Expect very loud noises throughout the show, simulated fight scenes, the use of movie blood, and even fire effects. For this reason, we encourage parents to exercise extreme caution with very young children. The show, in general, is child-friendly, but the effects mentioned above may be shocking to children.

    Tips

    The best seats in the house

    It all depends on your preference! In order to give you an idea of some of the best seats in the house, our editor’s provided a bit of their preference. Jonathan Green, a contributing editor, prefers to sit by the Audio and Video booth, which gives you a center view of the entire stage. Our newest editor, Tyler Crouch, prefers to sit in the very back row for the back rest! Again, it all depends on your personal preference. But we encourage you to arrive early to ensure your access to your favorite seat.

    Pick me, pick me!

    Like the Universal Animal Actors show, the Special Effects Show features three different opportunities for audience participation: the Foley Stage, Movie Blood, and the Flight Control Simulation.

    The first audience participation segment features a family of four as they recreate the Foley sound effects in a scene from popular Universal movie, Identity Thief, starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman. The Movie Blood segment typically involves a young woman willing to sacrifice her arm for the sake of entertainment. Plus, it makes for a great photo opportunity! The final segment generally involves a couple, where the male counterpart is dressed in a space suit, and his significant other is finally in charge of the remote.

    If you want the chance to participate, the best thing you can do is to arrive early. Prior to the show, the hosts, or someone involved in the show, walk around looking for participants. Sometimes it involves pure luck, others require a bit of an audition. Whatever they ask of you, make sure you do it loudly and with lots of energy!

    Don’t try this at more…try it at a friend’s house

    With the proper equipment, most of these effects can be recreated at home. For example, the Foley effects can be recreated with various household items and the movie blood segment can be recreated with a plastic knife from your local party store and a bit of ketchup.

    However, we do not recommend attempting to recreate the stunt performances, including the fight scene, the propelling, and definitely not the fire effect. These are performed by highly trained professionals who have many years of experience in this field. So, again, we HIGHLY stress that you should not try these stunts at home, or even at a friend’s house!

    Our Take: From our Editors

    The Special Effects Show – a movie-lover’s dream! Among Universal’s many shows, the Special Effects Show gives guests an insider’s look into the world of movie magic. With its recent update featuring never before seen stunts and effects, is the new Special Effects Show better than its predecessors? Read on to see what our editors have to say!

    Kaley Cyrino – Inside Universal Editor

    The magic of movie-making has always been something that interested me. Because of this, the Special Effects Show had always been a must see whenever I visited Universal Studios Hollywood. In fact, it was one of the many reasons I fell in love with Universal in the first place! Second only to the back lot, the Special Effects Show quickly became a favorite of mine because of the behind-the-scenes access it gave me to how my favorite movies were made.

    However, after many years of the same version of the show, and I had finally been chosen for all of the audience participation segments, I grew tired of the Special Effects Show. It wasn’t long before I started reciting the host’s lines as I watched the show. So when it was announced that the Special Effects Show would be closing temporarily for a refurbishment, I was anxious to see something different.

    The hosts of the Special Effects Show

    I was thrilled when it was announced that they were revamping the show, complete with brand new Stunt Effects and even a hint at some of our favorite bits from the past. So when the show finally opened to annual pass members, I had to be among that group so see it first! And I was definitely not disappointed.

    Obviously, the “new” show isn’t drastically different from its previous version; however, it managed to take that show to a whole new level. Many of the familiar sketches were carried over into the new show but enhanced with new technology and a new script. I found the new show to be highly entertaining and I can officially say again that the Special Effects Show is a must see for me whenever I visit the park.

    If you are anything like me, and you love learning about the movie industry, and how your favorite movies were made, I highly recommend checking this show out! Similar to the Studio Tour, this show offers guests another glimpse into the world of movie-making. And who knows? You may even get chosen to participate!

    Video Preview

     

    Photo Gallery

    LATEST POSTS

    The Franklin Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal announce “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” opening Feb 2026 in Philadelphia

    July 15, 2025

    Masquerade: Dance with Death scare zone announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida

    July 15, 2025

    Margaritaville at CityWalk Orlando celerbrates return of Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, The Hemisphere Dancer

    July 15, 2025

    What’s Happening at the Universal Parks – Week of July 14, 2025

    July 14, 2025

    The Origins of Horror scare zone announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida

    July 14, 2025
    About Inside Universal

    Inside Universal is a website dedicated to covering Universal Parks & Resorts, specifically Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando. Our team of editors is committed to providing fact-based, non-sensationalist content that educates and informs our readers while still focused on having fun.

    Inside Universal aims to maintain a rational perspective, allowing us to offer commentary, news, and analysis about Universal Parks. Our mission is to provide you, the reader, with accurate and in-depth reporting to the best of our ability. This is our goal - nothing more, nothing less.

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    JOIN THE DISCUSSION ON OUR FORUMS
    If you’re looking to have your Universal-related question answered, or if you’d simply like to chat about the park’s future developments, Inside Universal's forums is the Internet’s leading unofficial forum dedicated to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando. MEI Travel
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Threads
    • About Us
    • Masthead
    • Contact
    • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2025 All Rights Reserved - Inside Universal is not affiliated with Comcast, NBCUniversal, Universal Parks & Resorts, or Universal Destinations & Experiences. You may not copy, redistribute, publish, sell, or otherwise make the original contents of this website available to third parties unless you have received prior authorization from Inside Universal.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT