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.
What to Expect
The new lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida will feature projection mapping, synchronized water fountains and soul-stirring music, all topped off with a brief but dazzling fireworks finale. Fireworks typically wrap up by 10pm, and daily showtimes are available on the official Universal Orlando Resort app.
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Once the official schedule is established we will update our information.
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. Universal's Cinematic Celebration is the former show that featured iconic movie moments highlighted on huge waterfall screens, accompanied by synchronized water fountains, colorful lights and projections, and a sweeping musical score.
The new show, CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor, is expected to be even more impressive and emotionally stirring.
Universal’s Cinematic Celebration was about 20 minutes long. The spacious park has three tiered walkways for easy viewing, and the waterfall projections are beautifully complemented by building projections across the lagoon.
Although the new show will be different, you might get misted or splashed if stand in the tier closest to the water.
CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor Viewing Tips
You can find daily showtimes for CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor on the Universal Orlando app, once it is available. If you’d like to plan ahead, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- There is typically no CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor 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 Splendor will most likely begin right when the park closes. 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!
At all other times of the year, the new Hogwarts Forever nighttime show will take place during busy seasons, starting June 14, 2024
Hogwarts Forever 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.
- 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 Splendor, this show does not take place during special events, early park closures, and other scheduled maintenance.
Coming to Universal Orlando this June
On June 14, 2024, Universal Orlando will be lighting up the sky with two new nighttime shows – Hogwarts Always and CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor.
Hogwarts Always
Hogwarts Always will take 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 will also feature 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.
This incredible new projection show will take place on select nights against the background of the Hogwarts castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor
Movie music will come alive in the new lagoon show, CineSational: A Symphonic Splendor at Universal Studios. The show will feature 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 next-level lagoon show will feature 228 fountains that will reach heights up to 131 feet. It will also feature incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones – all coming together to envelop guests in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.
BONUS: Also debuting this June is Dream Works Land – perfect for families!
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!
For 4th of July, the festivities for 2024 have not been confirmed yet. But usually the fun begins around 5 p.m. and run through park close at the Music Plaza, which is usually decked out in festive décor and all things red, white and blue. The celebration will most likely culminate with a special pyrotechnics display at 9 p.m. which guests can view throughout the theme park.
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.
