Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show™
Universal Studios Florida · Hollywood
Temporarily closed
Reimagined show coming Winter 2027. Original 36-year-old show closed permanently May 12; new version keeps the comedy format and Pantages Theater.
Closed May 12, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
Overview
The props and materials in Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show come from actual film productions, not replicas built for the show — a level of authenticity unusual for theme park live entertainment. It's been running since 1991, tracing back to the park's founding identity as a working film studio that lets guests in on the process, the same concept that produced Disney-MGM Studios' Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular around the same era. Live demonstrations on volunteer audience members walk through practical effects and prosthetics across a 25-minute comedy-forward format.
ParksLog Verdict
Catch this once per trip if you're curious how practical effects actually work — adults and older kids get the most out of it, and the volunteer segments genuinely add unpredictability, not just filler. Sit near the front if you want a shot at being picked. Very young children may find the horror content unsettling despite the technically low thrill rating; use judgment for that age group specifically.
About this experience
In this outrageous live show you'll watch how top make-up and special effects artists craft some of the creepy characters you've seen on the big screen. Featuring movie clips, props, and interactive demonstrations, this experience offers fascinatingly funny insight into the moviemaking process.
Best For
- Film and practical effects enthusiasts
- Horror and makeup fans
- Older children and adults
- Guests who enjoy filmmaking process entertainment
Tips
- Volunteer opportunities arise during the show for live makeup demonstrations — sitting near the front and being visibly enthusiastic improves selection chances.
- The horror content and graphic effects demonstrations may not be appropriate for very young children, despite the no-height-requirement and low thrill rating.
- Check the daily schedule for show times — the Hollywood theater runs multiple performances per day.
Details
History
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show has been running at Universal Studios Florida since 1991, making it one of the park's earliest entertainment offerings. It was part of Universal's founding identity as a film-studio park that educates guests about the moviemaking process — a founding concept shared by Disney-MGM Studios and similar parks of the same era.
Fun Facts
- Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show has been running since 1991 — one of the few entertainment offerings from the park's founding era still in continuous active operation.
- The show uses actual props and makeup materials from Universal film productions rather than replicas — giving it a level of authenticity unusual in theme park live entertainment.
- The Horror Make-Up Show was part of Universal Studios Florida's original behind-the-scenes filmmaking identity at its 1990 opening, a founding concept that also drove the creation of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney-MGM Studios in the same era.