Animal Actors on Location!™
Universal Studios Florida · Woody Woodpecker's KidZone
Overview
A live animal performance show in Woody Woodpecker's KidZone featuring trained birds, dogs, cats, and other animals demonstrating skills from real film and TV productions. The show blends video segments, live animal skits, and audience participation across a 20-minute indoor runtime. An animal handler cast presents the performers and explains aspects of how animals are trained for screen work. With no height requirement and very low intensity, it is one of the most accessible family entertainment options at Universal Studios Florida.
ParksLog Verdict
Worth catching when the schedule lands naturally in your day — not a detour-worthy must-do, but one of the park's most reliably crowd-pleasing shows for families with young children. The live animals bring unpredictability that no screen-based entertainment can replicate. Adults traveling without children can skip it; families with animal-loving kids will find it genuinely entertaining. Arrive 10 minutes early. Midday works well when other queues are at their longest.
About this experience
This wild showcase features some of the most talented animal actors from movies and television performing in a hilarious mix of video segments, live skits and audience interactions. With a menagerie of vibrant birds, mischievous pups, agile cats and more, it's a hoot for the whole family.
Best For
- Families with young children
- Animal lovers
- Guests seeking low-intensity family entertainment
- Visitors to Woody Woodpecker's KidZone
Tips
- Check the daily show schedule and arrive 10–15 minutes early — the theater fills quickly with families during peak periods.
- Front-and-center seating gives children the best view of the live animal segments and improves the chance of being selected for audience participation.
- A reliable midday option when the park's thrill rides aren't suitable for the whole group.
Details
History
Animal Actors on Location! has been a fixture at Universal Studios Florida since the park opened in 1990, making it one of the park's original founding attractions. It is one of the few shows from the park's opening era to have remained continuously in operation across three-plus decades.
Fun Facts
- Animal Actors on Location! has been running since Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, making it one of the park's original founding attractions still in active operation.
- The animal performers are trained by professional animal wranglers who have supplied animals for major film and television productions.
- The show is one of only a small number of live animal performance shows remaining at any major North American theme park.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Animal Actors on Location!™ take?
- The experience runs about 20 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Animal Actors on Location!™ good for young children?
- Yes — Animal Actors on Location!™ is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- Does Animal Actors on Location!™ operate in the rain?
- Animal Actors on Location!™ is an indoor attraction. It runs in a climate-controlled environment, making it a good choice on hot or rainy days.
- Should I prioritize Animal Actors on Location!™ at Universal Studios Florida?
- Animal Actors on Location!™ is optional on a typical visit. It's a pleasant addition if lines are short, but most guests won't feel they missed out if they skip it.
- Does Animal Actors on Location!™ have Universal Express?
- Animal Actors on Location!™ is not included in Universal Express Pass. All guests join the standard queue for this attraction.
- When did Animal Actors on Location!™ open?
- Animal Actors on Location!™ opened at Universal Studios Florida in 1990.