Don’t Miss One of the Best Parts of Epic Universe

Epic Universe has a lot of great qualities. But, don’t stop at the rides, one of the best things about it is the amazing entertainment offerings, including two amazing new shows!

What’s So Epic About Epic Universe

Epic Universe is officially open and running, and the reviews are coming in. People love the attention to detail given to theming in each of the immersive portals as well as the charming character interactions!

There are also 13 rides to enjoy. But, Epic Universe isn’t just about the rides. Universal claims it is putting the “theme” back into theme park.

If you love exploring theme parks for all they have to offer, then you want to be sure to experience one of the BEST parts of Epic Universe. The new Universal park has two of the best shows to ever pop up in a theme park. If you are a person who loves shows (and even if you are a person who normally skips the shows), add these to the top of your must-do list.

Le Cirque Arcanus 

If you love a mix of whimsical performances, magic, and fantastic beasts, head to Le Cirque Arcanus! This show can be found at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in Universal Epic Universe. The entry point is marked with red tents.

The show is not just a compilation of circus acts; it has an entire storyline, so do not go in expecting act after act. Instead, expect a mixture of visually stellar acts and storyline.

Le Cirque Arcanus is about 23 minutes long, and there are showings throughout the day every 45 minutes or so. There is an Express Pass Entry, but the Express queue and the standby queue merge into the same preshow. There is an accessibility queue in the front for those using mobility devices.

The preshow is standing room only and provides a bit of backstory for the audience. Namely, you get to know ringmaster Skender and his plans for Newt Scamander’s suitcase full of fantastic beasts. You also get to know the protagonist, a circus employee called Gwenlyn.

Soon, it will be time to file into the main show. It really does not matter where you are positioned in the preshow; you can access seats on any row unless you are the last people to walk in.

There is not a bad seat in the house. However, if you are in the front half of the theater, and slightly toward the right or left, you will potentially get to interact with smoke bubbles that cascade from the ceiling.

The show opens with circus acts, and the performers are some of the best Universal has ever had. I (Kate) never expected to be so mesmerized by bubbles. There is also an interesting trapeze act.

However, the remainder of the show is more plot-driven, and the circus acts make way for impressive sets and beautiful puppetry. Audience members can easily follow the story even without a lot of exposure to Harry Potter.

It does have intense sound and lighting effects, so those with sensitivities may prefer to avoid it. However, those who are able to enjoy such things will be rewarded with some pretty spectacular visuals. It is flashy and perhaps eerie, but not particularly scary.

And, if you find yourself wanting to interact with a Mooncalf afterwards, you will find one hanging out between the red tent and the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction. Just look through the window labeled “Oculus Opticien Regulus.”

Overall, it is a good mix of show and story. We wish it were a little more circus and a little bit less story, but it is honestly one of the best shows Universal has put out to date.

The Untrainable Dragon

Of course, the show generating the most buzz is the Untrainable Dragon. This show already has a presence in Universal Beijing Resort, but that doesn’t take away from the Epic Universe version.

This show is housed in a theatre at How to Train your Dragon: The Isle of Berk. There is an Express Pass queue and a standby queue for this one. But, as with many entertainment selections, the queues empty into the same spot.

The Untrainable Dragon has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes. Shows are available at varying intervals throughout the day, and times will appear in the app.

This show tells the story of an incident in Berk where a seemingly untrainable dragon infultrated the kingdom. It is up to Hiccup and his friends to train her before she burns the whole place down.

The show is a musical with great vocal performances from the actors. It also has stunning visual effects with gigantic dragons. However, be prepared for intense lighting and sound effects.

And, perhaps most famously of all, Toothless, the Nightfury, takes flight in the theatre. It is just as impressive, even on repeat visits.

Be prepared for a dragon to take flight in the Untrainable Dragon.

Again, this is a theater where all seats are good seats. If you want a chance to get a high five from one of the performers, get a front row seat. But, if you want great views of everything happening on stage, perhaps sitting further back and toward the middle will suit you.

The show might make you unexpectedly emotional. Overall, it is one of the best shows, if not the best show, you will see at Universal Orlando Resort. Even if you have no attachment to the films, it is something you can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you love entertainment, these are great shows. Universal pulled out all the stops on the visuals.

If you don’t like to be still, and you don’t like shows even when they are great, these might not be for you. But if you are traveling with people who love shows and you are coerced into seeing them, rest assured that you will likely still enjoy the air conditioning and a chance to rest your feet.

Overall, my family loved both of the shows. Some of us even loved them enough to see them both twice.

Have you seen Le Cirque Arcanus or The Untrainable Dragon at Epic Universe? What did you think? Let us know, and be sure to share the story with friends and family who plan to visit so they don’t miss out.