With heart-pounding thrill rides, action-packed shows, and incredible themed lands, Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place for an adventurous day date. For a picture-perfect finish, stick around to catch a dazzling nighttime spectacular, complete with fireworks. Our guide to viewing fireworks at Universal Orlando has everything you need to plan the grand finale, from what to expect to the best time to visit.
Where Can I See Fireworks at Universal Studios Florida?
At Universal Studios, gather around the central lagoon for an epic journey through some of the studio’s most beloved films.
The new lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida features incredible projection mapping, synchronized water fountains, and soul-stirring music, all topped off with a brief but dazzling fireworks finale.
Showtimes (usually 9pm) are available on the official Universal Orlando Resort app.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
Movie music comes alive in the new lagoon show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios. The show features Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.
The new show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, is impressive and emotionally stirring. A combination of drones, fireworks, fountains, special lighting, and stirring sound make this an incredible nighttime show. You have GOT to see it!
You might get misted or splashed if you stand in the tier closest to the water. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular (Universal Studios' fireworks) is on select nights through August 25 at 9pm.
The next-level lagoon show features 228 fountains that will reach heights up to 131 feet. Incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones – all come together in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.
Ramon Paradoa is show director of creative development at Universal Orlando Resort who explains that CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular “is really showcasing the power of music in film.”
“When you think of all your favorite movies like ‘Jurassic Park,' ‘Back to the Future,' and ‘E.T.,' the film score is really such an important part of what the character of these movies are,” said Paradoa. “We wanted to create a lagoon show that not only celebrated these iconic franchises and brands we've worked with at Universal, but also celebrated their iconic scores.
Ramon Paradoa, show director of creative development at Universal Orlando Resort
BONUS: Also debuting this June is DreamWorks Land – perfect for families!
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular Viewing Tips
You can find daily showtimes for CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular on the Universal Orlando app. If you’d like to plan ahead, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- There is no CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular during special events like Halloween Horror Nights or Universal’s Mardi Gras, even on non-event weekdays. Likewise, there is usually no show when the park is scheduled to close early, for example, when the park closes at 6pm.
- CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular begins right when the park closes at 9pm on select nights. If the park is open past 9pm, shows typically are scheduled between 9-10pm. Check the app for day-specific times.
Where Can I See Fireworks at Islands of Adventure?
At Islands of Aventure the nighttime show is at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Starting at dusk this Harry Potter nighttime show features projection mapping, special effects, enchanting music from the Harry Potter films, and a brief fireworks finale. All shows begin at dusk, with continuous showings every 20 minutes until the park closes.
Here's a quick breakdown of the three shows you can see throughout the year.
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a special holiday offering that usually runs from mid-November to early January. Cozy up by the castle and enjoy festive scenes inspired by the films, like a sweeping recreation of the Yule Ball. The show is about 8 minutes long.
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is a seasonal offering featuring the darkest creatures and villains from the Harry Potter universe. The show is a fun and spooky autumn alternative to the more gruesome offerings next door at Halloween Horror Nights. The show is about 8 minutes long. Plus, keep an eye out for Death Eaters in Hogsmeade Village throughout the day!
Hogwarts Always (NEW)
The new Hogwarts Always nighttime show takes places this summer, starting now, Select Nights through August 25th.
Hogwarts Always takes you on a journey through iconic moments of a year at the beloved school of witchcraft and wizardry. From shopping in Diagon Alley, to the exhilarating ride aboard the Hogwarts Express, to participating in the Sorting Ceremony and celebrating the House Cup winner, this visually stunning experience promises to be captivating and awe-inspiring.
The show features four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and will end with a colorful pyrotechnic display. Fans will also hear dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show.
Hogwarts Always is a “brand new castle show that's a year in the life of a Hogwarts student, unlike anything [Universal] has ever done on Hogwarts Castle.”
“It begins with you getting your acceptance letter and getting your supplies at Diagon,” said Aiello, “all the way through the year with the House Cup challenge at the end. And the really great thing is, depending on when you see the show, you might see your house win because there are four different endings.”
Mike Aiello, senior director of entertainment and creative development at Universal Orlando Resort
This incredible new projection show is set against the background of the Hogwarts castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Hogwarts Always Viewing Tips:
- The best viewing is near the Frog Choir stage, facing the front of Hogwarts Castle. If you want a little more space, get there early and watch from the bridge between Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park.
- The recognizable voices of characters like Hagrid, Dumbledore, and the Sorting Hat are in the show, so keep your ears open for familiar vocals throughout the projection.
- Hogwarts Always ends with a bang—a colorful pyrotechnic display.
- This nostalgic show is best watched while sharing butterbeer-flavored snacks with your sweetie.
- On crowded days, you'll need to enter the Wizarding World near the Hogsmeade train station. The Jurassic Park entrance near the castle is typically exit-only during shows, for the sake of crowd control. My recommendation? See the first show of the evening, then hop over to ride Velocicoaster just before the park closes!
- Like CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, this show does not take place during special events, early park closures, and other scheduled maintenance.
Does Universal Have any Holiday Fireworks?
If you’re looking for a bigger boom, you might enjoy Universal’s Independence Day or New Year’s Eve fireworks!
At Universal Studios Florida, July 4th entertainment kicks off at 6:15 p.m. at the Music Plaza Stage and the party doesn’t stop until the park closes. Entertainment at the Music Plaza Stage will include a live DJ and meet and greets with fan-favorite characters and roaming patriotic stilt walkers. And at 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a festive pyrotechnic display over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon to cap off the celebration.
Looking ahead to New Year's Eve, the schedule for this year is a few months away.
In the meantime, check out some of the other great fireworks options around Orlando! I highly recommend nabbing a spot at Bar 17, the rooftop lounge at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, where you can watch fireworks sparkle all over the city.
Another fun way to watch the fireworks around Orlando is at ICON Park, specifically aboard The Wheel.
4th of July Fireworks at Universal Orlando
Currently, no specific information for 2024 has been released.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Universal Orlando
Currently, no specific information for 2024 has been released.