We definitely recommend WaterWorld! It's a really fun and entertaining show. The only downside is that it may not be the best fit for younger kids, it's more geared toward adults, in our opinion. read more

This show is amazing!!! We watched it twice while we were at Universal Studios for the two days we were there. Definitely do not sit on the green benches unless you want to get wet. The show kept us entertained the entire time. Cast did a phenomenal job. This is a must when you visit this park. Don't forget to show up early so you can get good seats! It gets packed. read more

See all

Great show! 10/10 Action packed and very entertaining for children and adults. Expect water planes, jet skis and boats. There are fire and explosions! The actors do an amazing job of entertaining the crowd. It seems like such dangerous work!! They make it look effortless though. My husband and I showed up late to the showing and got horrible seats. I didn't take any photos or videos, because they would have had the back of people's heads in them. No one wants to see that lolol I plan on coming back to Universal in a couple months. I will get good seats next time! The show was still great this time. Spectacular really. I love it. I haven't been brave enough to sit in the splash zone. If you want to get wet, go for it. lol read more

Action packed stunts! Although the movie is over 20 years old, you can't beat the live action performance. Be prepared to get wet through out the entire show. Small aquatic theatre, which is able to accommodate jet skis, boats, and lots of falling structures. Absolutely loved the stunts and storyline. Suitable for both young and older crowds. read more

See all

I honestly forgot how great this show was. Watched it when I was young but coming back as an adult I really appreciate the special effects and stunts more. It's worth your time, and it's a nice sitting break for a long day at the park. Just know that if you sit in the green wet areas, you will get wet. They will go out of their way to make sure you get wet. read more

For a limited time in May there was a Fall Guy stunt, which I thought was phenomenal and glad I got to see it during its short time. The show overall is always spectacular and I can't stress this enough... if your seat is marked a splash zone, then be prepared! You WILL get wet. It's quite hilarious when it isn't you, but I can see folks getting upset as some areas get absolutely drenched! Don't forget this works for Universal Express Pass if you purchased for better seat availability. read more

WaterWorld - Pre-show for Fall Guy (May 18th 2024) - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

See all

WaterWorld is probably one of those movies that kids have no idea what it was or about. I wonder if they'll replace this one day with something more "current." But it's a great sit and do nothing and enjoy a stunt show. Just beware, do not sit on the colored benches unless you want to get drenched. Even sitting a couple benches back, we still got a bit of splash back. The overhead covering isn't enough to keep the heat away, just beware of that if it's 90+ degrees. It's still hot. But again, if you're trying to just calm down from all the motion sickness full rides, this one is a great one just to rest with and it's full of great stunts! read more

See all

A must do show in Universal Studios (tbh the only show left pls bring back live entertainment Universals :( ) This show is a lot of fun. The actors are amazing and if you decide to sit in the wet zone prepare for them to blast you with water with no mercy. The sea plane is my personal favorite part it's truly amazing how they do this show. Lights, water, action, fire, you name it they got it in this show. Little ones really enjoy this show as they're quite interactive with the crowd. read more

It's a fast-paced show that's funny (cheesy script), exciting and family-oriented. The stunts are pretty amazing and the special effects are spectacular! You may even get a little wet! Avoid the green seats if you want to stay dry. Take the kids, have a blast while enjoying the blasts, the falls, the jumps and all the action! If you've travelled all the way to California, this is a great way to catch some of that Hollywood Magic! It's also a great way to end your day at Universal Studios Hollywood! The kids love it! If you'd like to watch a snippet of the show, here's a link to a YouTube short: https://youtube.com/shorts/JjkDzdphTcc?si=z69UDsY4z4MwH21Y read more

WaterWorld - Action! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

Warning you may get wet. This was the first attraction we saw when we came to Universal. And it was a good start. First the build up was great. Before the show, the performers have a comedy routine explaining where you can potentially get wet. It's done is such a great way you can't stop laughing. Plus audience participation is mandatory. Then the actual show starts and it has its moments. There are some pyrotechnics, plenty of cheesy one liners, and over dramatic falls. But overall a good show. The audience laughed, booed, and had fun. So in the end it's a great time with friends and family. Overall five stars. It's a 20 min show that makes you well laugh, boo, and have fun. Yea I know I repeated what I just wrote but it's worth emphasizing again. Now excuse me, time to plan the next ride. M read more

See all

It's great to see that WaterWorld is still here after so many years. Definitely the best show and best non-ride-activity at Universal. You don't need to see the movie to understand the story of this show. There's a splash zone in the first several rows, and even if you sit behind the splash zone, you might still get a bit wet! The stunts, explosions, fires, and action are all very convincing. If you bring kids, take care of them. I remember being a kid terrified at this show because I thought everything was real. read more

This is such a fun show! The stunt actors are great and very talented; the show is captivating the entire time. As a disclaimer, you don't have to watch Water World in order to understand what's going on. They set the scene for you, so it's enjoyable for veterans and newcomers! Make sure to arrive early as the stadium does max out capacity fairly often. If you're not planning to get wet, I highly suggest arriving early to avoid sitting in the Wet Zone. I have witnessed the Wet Zone get SOAKED every time I've watched this show. If that's not for you, get there early! Overall, it's a fun thing to experience while in the park, especially if you want to rest your feet or take a break from the heat for an hour! read more

I have NEVER seen WaterWorld (this show and the movie) and we came here since we wanted to kill some time and not wait hours in line. My friend who went to Universal earlier in the year said that this show was a must, so my expectations were pretty high. Just a word of warning, if you sit in the splash zone, YOU WILL GET WET, from actors spraying and dumping water on you, explosions, or jet skis doing turns, and so much. I don't want to ruin the plot but there's so much fire, stunts, fighting, explosions, diving into the water, and a huge unexpected crash that was pretty cool. Also I did not know the actors here were actual actors for other shows, so that's pretty neat too. You'll get a chance to meet them after the show. One of the MUST shows at Universal if you are planning on going! read more

See all

Is this cool? Aboslutely! Am I still surprised it's still going? Also, absolutely! This movie is so old I am surprised they haven't found something new to replace this show with. Waterworld was cool but like, if it wasn't for this show and random mentions, I'd have forgotten about it a long time ago. Nonetheless, it's a cool show. I enjoyed the crowd participation and the splash zone is always fun. They also get kids to participate at the beginning and that was adorable and hilarious. read more

This is one of the really good shows to watch when you are at Universal Studios. If you don't want to get wet, don't sit in the areas marked for that. If you don't want to sit in the sun, I would recommend standing in line early so that you can pick where you want to sit. If you like a show full of action, this is definitely the place. This show is based on the movie WaterWorld which was out a LONG time ago, but no matter, the show is action packed full of stunts. Enjoy!! read more

WaterWorld - Viewing from the back of the bleachers - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

We haven't been here in years.... Still the same show but super entertaining. So far this is the only live show going on right now. Perfect for all ages and depending where you sit, you may get wet :) read more

What I can say about the Coolest Show in Southern California only offered at Universal Studios Hollywood!!! Depending on how wet you would like to get will depend on proper positioning in the show... Green seating area gets you wet but sitting let of the tower getaway you drenched with the middle being the second wettest and the right and ok I'm wet but dry by the end of the show... The actors do change over time but they always give you the best show... Watching the show closer to twilight allows the pyrotechnics to really stand out and the Shockwave heat goes up a notch... All I can say is this is one show you have to watch when you visit USH!!! If you don't you will regret it.. read more

See all

Destino was our waiter and he was awesome and went above and beyond in his services and suggestions what's the best to order. We enjoyed the king crab, the clam chowder soup, tomatoes salad and all the other with snacks and everything. Highly recommend! Again Destino was great!! Bravo! read more

See all

Amazing show! If you sit in the green seats you will be SOAKED! It was epic. Although should have done earlier show as was still damp heading home. Also, didn't realise it wasn't a ride but a show read more

WaterWorld - Short video clip of Water World show - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

What a great show at Universal Studios! Just like the movie Water World that starred Kevin Costner. Note: Kevin Costner does not appear at these shows. Lots of stunts and the stuntman and stuntwoman were very interactive with the audience. They threw buckets full of water in to the audience who were sitting in the green wet zone. So we moved a few benches behind so we were safe. The show was spectacular. Lots of action. But it was very loud with lots pyrotechnics. If you come to Universal, take the time to watch this show. read more

Absolutely the highlight of every time I visit this park. The performance never gets old and it never disappoints. This trip was cool cuz we caught the last showing just as it was getting dark. The explosions were even more powerful and the heat from them more intense. Outstanding actors, impressive stunt work, doesn't overstay its welcome, and usually hilarious with viewer engagement. Be ready to get wet! Stop by here for sure. I have a hard time imagining anyone being disappointed by the show. My in-laws were unsure about attending, but it was a highlight for all of them afterwards. Just do it. But get there a lil extra early as it does reach capacity at times. Now you know! read more

WaterWorld - Lovely evening show. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

See all

Probably the highlight of our trip to Universal Studios. The show, the props, the acting, the stage, special effects, etc were all top notch. (Note: the green zone is the splash zone. Just be aware.) read more

WaterWorld - Damn great show! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

My wife and I arranged for a babysitter to watch all 4 of our kids on a Saturday (no small feat). We decided to go to Universal Studios as we had just purchased passes and we never get to ride together on any attractions since we usually have a child who is either too small or too scared or hungry or has to go to the bathroom or, well you get the picture. Super Nintendo World was sold out earlier in the morning and by around 4 pm, the virtual queue opened up and we got passes for 6:15 pm. Having ridden the rides in the upper lot that we wanted to, we opted to see a show while waiting for our turn to go to SNW. The next Waterworld performance was coming up, so we queued up in a large gathering area (it looked more like a corral). At first it was relatively empty, so we assumed the show was just "okay." While waiting, I saw YouTube videos that seemed kinda lame, so I said to my wife, let's just skip it. When we turned around, the corral had filled up and it was almost impossible to walk through (we were at the very front by the chains). So, we decided to push onward. I say this, because you could literally feel a gentle push from the crowd behind you. Once the chains were lowered from the corral, there was another holding area where you had to wait another 10 minutes or so. I later found out it was to increase the number of people by opening up the outer corral. It was an illusion to make those who were coming later to think the line wasn't so long... After the second holding area was opened up, it was a free for all to find seats. I wanted up front seats and was able to find some right away. I later found out why... The benches, itself, are the aluminum stadium type, so it's cold and uncomfortable. Keep that in mind if you go on a cold day like we did in the late afternoon... Now, about those seats. There's a splash zone in the front center seating areas of each zone. There are three zones, one to the left, one center and one to the right. IF YOU SIT IN THOSE AREAS, YOU WILL GET WET! It's not just spray from the performers and the jet skis kicking up water from the big tank. The actors, themselves, actually use super soakers, water cannons and water buckets to wet you. It's all in good fun, of course, but my wife was anxious and ready to bolt if the actors started pointing the super soakers towards us. I asked one of the ushers and he told me that the particular area where we were sitting was "safe..." The show, itself, was much better than the YouTube videos. It was action packed with more things to see than you can get in. We'll definitely see this again to catch the parts we missed. The special effects were good and the actors and stunt men did a wonderful job thrilling the audience with fire effects, high dives and physical effects. (Spoiler alert) The plane flying through the wall and up and over and landing in front of the audience was great! I looked for wires or guy lines and couldn't find any. Now that we've seen it without the kids, we'll definitely come back with them: just up high, away from the water, please... read more

Universal Studio's WaterWorld is perhaps the only show I enjoyed as much as an adult as I did as a kid. This show has stunts. Explosions. A plane jumping over water. And water on fire. What's not to love? After a few minutes of pushing through the crowd like sardines crammed into a fishbowl, you get to pick your seats in the bleachers around the stage. The first few rows are marked as "Soak Zones", meaning that sitting there ensures you will get wet. Like from the jet skis kicking up water during the show. And from cast members who, in character, taunt the audience and spray sections of the bleachers with water cannons before the start of the show. It's awesome. WaterWorld opened at Universal Studios in 1995, the same year that the movie was released. The show has aged well and has terrific re-watch value, so I hope it sticks around for a long time to come. A visit to the park wouldn't be the same without it. read more

This show is one of my favorites at universal. I truly feel like they put so much work and effort. I have been here a numerous times and every time I am watching, Its amazing and how well they perform it. I highly recommend it while in Universal. Its probably 15-20 minutes but its one of those you must watch. read more

Hands down still the best non-ride and live-action show in the whole resort. The show is about 15 minutes long and features a variety of stunts, including jet-skiing, fire-breathing, and explosions. I recommend arriving early to get a good seat. Prepare to get wet if you sit closer to the action, or better still, bring a poncho or raincoat. Pros: Exciting stunts and special effects Cast meetups after the show Family-friendly Great way to cool off on a hot day Cons: Can be crowded You may get wet Show is not wheelchair accesible read more

Great entertaining show for all stages! You risk getting completely soaked if you sit in the wet zones. We're not talking getting splashed by the jet skis during the show. You may get targeted and get hose sprayed directly at you or a bucket of water poured on you but one of the performers before the show actually starts. Great spot for a hot day. read more

This is a awesome show, especially if you get a good seat and the weather is nice. We came on a Monday when it was cloudy, so the weather was nice and we were the first one in line so we got a great seat in the front. We didn't sit right behind the wet area but 2 rows behind it in the middle. The show was great, the actors was amazing and the effects will blow you away. read more

See all

Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular is hands down the best theme park attraction to ever exist. The show opened in 1995 and they still have it so you know it's a fan favorite This show has everything you want and more. There are huge explosions, fights, boats, jet skis, a plane, and a man on fire?! The show is also very funny and interactive. The pre-show gets the audience involved and it's always very funny seeing. I love watching Greg Dolph as the Deacon, it's always great booing him when his character comes out for the first time(he has been acting in the show since the opening). Action Horizons does an amazing job casting the stunt performers as well. If you're visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, make sure you see this draw dropping show, you will not regret it! read more

The BEST thing at Universal Studious. Been here a few times over the years, the story line hasn't changed and the act is still amazing Family loved it. We have no plans of returning to the universal studios anytime soon but if we ever do, Waterworld is what we will be visiting first. read more

This stunt show is a fun adaption of an underrated movie, sure to entertain your family. The theme follows the movie plot for the most part and has some great pyrotechnics which you can feel from the seats. They are crowd interactive as well and really try to get you involved in the goings on which is fun. This particular show has been around a long time and I have seen it a ton of times but each time I enjoy it the same. I would like to see something new, but I never miss this one while in town. read more

It's been two decades since coming to Universal and the same show but it's so much better than I remembered it. Very interactive and entertaining with very cool stunts and special effects pyrotechnics. Still very exciting 20 years later and definitely worth a visit. read more

Waterworld is a Universal must!!!! Especially during the summer! There are a few line variations from when I used to watch this show as a kid, but it is a classic! The storyline is great! (I know it's based on the movie, but this special effects show is better) Even the audience interaction pre-show is hilarious! The flares, fireworks, and fire/water effects are all great. I also love when they introduce the cast at the end because they are all trained actors/stuntmen from well know tv shows/movies, who you can even meet in person at the end of the show. Fun for all ages!!!! It cannot be missed! read more

Cool show... This set looked a little familiar to me... hmm, oh yeah! It was once the stunt show of Miami Vice Action Spectacular based on the Miami Vice TV series. That show finally closed in the mid '90's and now replaced with Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular. Yay! we caught the show just in time before the show began... the only problem was most of the bleacher seats were occupied EXCEPT the 'Soak Zone' benches in the front section (these seats are the target of splashes from the jet skis and different wet special effects). Nooooooo! you don't understand, my hair gets frizzy when splashed. Well, okay, whatever, I went along with it. We watched the stunt show from the front. Was the movie a success in the theaters? I don't even know what WaterWorld was all about but the actors were great, the stunts pretty amazing and the attraction continue to be highly rated by park guests. The show is about 20 minutes long and features stunts on water, land, and overhead structures supported by many pyrotechnic, flame, water, and other special effects, including the explosive crash landing of the seaplane. So cool! Located in the Upper Lot just to the right of the park entrance. By the end of the show I ended up getting just a little wet and not soaked. Good job, actors :) Review #0704 read more

See all

It's always good to catch a a showing of waterworld when it's a hot day! The seats are specifically divided into 2 sections: regular seats and the soak zone! If you choose to sit in the soak zone you get a very interactive show experience. But you also have to prepare to get soaked! The actors makes the crowd cheer and get you invested into the heroes fight against the pirates. The stunts they pull off are amazing from them slipping across the floor or doing high falls into the water. I especially thought the water ski fight was amazing in how they could drive so close to each other. I would always aim to watch this show on the hottest times of the day and sit in the soak zone. read more

This is the BEST SHOW in Universal Studios. I have seen this show many, many times but I still make it a point to see it whenever I come here for a visit. It doesn't matter if nothing has changed as regards to the script, the story, and the stunts. You just never get tired of something classic. I love to see the stunts being performed whether on stage or in the water. I love the chase, the fighting, the explosions and best of all, the plane landing precisely in front of the audience. From time to time, I see different actors and actresses portraying the roles based on an old movie starring Kevin Costner. It's a good thing though to see their own acting styles as they tackle their respective role assignments. BEWARE: If you don't want to get soaked, avoid the Green Splash Zone. It's part of the show to get the people sitting in this area to be sprayed with water. It's kind of fun, both for the people getting soaked and the rest of the audience watching. Kudos to some smart people who came in prepared by wearing raincoats. They get the best seats in the house, having lots of fun watching the entire show minus the soaking part. Brilliant! read more

WaterWorld - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

Real live stunts, fighting, gun/bazooka shootings, a seaplane crash, spectacular pyrotechnics, amazing display of jet skis skills by the Mariner / Smokers, wow, no wonder it's been the longest running attraction at Universal Studios since 1995! (Though, it do a reopening in 2017...) Running Time: 20mins SPLASH ZONE: Green bleachers. For reals, you will get soaked sitting there by the actors. If you do plan on sitting there, bring along a poncho and/or umbrella, and make sure your camera and/or cell phone is waterproof. The cast members will repeat over and over, YOU.WILL.GET.SOAKED. Sit at your own risk, lol! Before the show starts, three cast members from each different section (Left, Center & Right) will try to hype up the crowd with laughter, cheers and boos. In between, you'll also get to see various water splashing hijinxs and fighting. Afterwards, the shows begins... Here's a recap of the Adaptation: The Atollers (Good Guys) noticed that Helen (L Good Female Lead Character) is returning and opens the gate to let her in the Atoll (the floating land). She discovers Dryland and the Smokers (Bad Guys) are after her. The Atoll is attacked by the seaplane and two Smokers (Bad Guys) break in and let in the Deacon (One Eyed-Bad Guy Ringleader) and the other Smokers. Helen and the other Atollers attack them with water cannons, but eventually the Atollers gets killed one by one, especially, when one of them gets dropped into a toxic tank when Helen refuses to tell the Deacon where the Dryland is. Helen is held hostage and then the Mariner (Good Male Lead Character) emerges from underwater on his jet skis. A massive fight breaks out between Helen, the Mariner and Smokers. The Deacon shoots a fuel tank nearby them, killing them all (but Mariner survives). The Deacon tries to escape with Helen, but.... Yup, that's all I'm gonna tell ya, lol! If you want to know the rest, you gotta come and watch the show, bwahah!!! At the end of the show, the Deacon introduces the cast members and mentions any other TV shows that the cast members were previously in (American Horror Story, Walking Dead, Glee, Divergent, etc). You can also Meet & Greet the cast afterwards. I definitely recommend checking out this attraction. It's the first one to your right upon entering Universal Studios. For a 20mins production, it's a great way to either start off your day at Universal Studios or relax a bit after being on your feet all day and riding those crazy, fun filled rides. After all, it's been open since 1995, and so they must be doing something right! read more

See all

This is not a show... it's a PRODUCTION! Fire! Explosions! High speed chases! Fighting! Crashes! Be a part of the action-packed movie that starred Kevin Costner in 1995! Wow - REAL stunts are performed - like falling into the water from a very tall tower... and speeding jet skis whipping around corners, spraying water all over the audience! (Big hint - aka WARNING: if you do not want to get wet, do not sit in the Green Splash Zone!) Go see this production when you are at Universal Studios. Actors' names are listed at the entrance and they are individually introduced at the end of the show. There are only a few shows a day, so check the schedule and get there early for a better seat! read more

See all

I have seen this show quite a few times and it's interesting to watch. The pyrotechnics, jet skis, sea plane, and the pre-show entertainment are the best parts of the show, more than the actual plot of the show. TIP: Know where you a're sitting... green seats = SOAK ZONE There are bleacher sections painted in green, which denotes a "Soak Zone"... the actors try to make sure you WILL GET WET! At the show we just attended on 8-23-15, the guy asked if this person's electronic device was waterproof and if not, they should put it away. Several times he warned the person. Then, he got the person wet. And then, there was a tourist who had no idea he was in the wet zone and this actor kept getting him wet and you could see he was getting upset. The actor then talked about the Soak Zone to the audience and the tourist moved from that section. The actors in this show are listed at the entrance. The ones from 8-23-15 are celebrity actors from real productions like Transformers, Fresh Off the Boat, CSI:NY, The Walking Dead, Grimm, and more! Each set of actors only perform a handful of times each day, then they are replaced by another set. There really is a lot of live action and stunts being performed in this show. One must appreciate all the effort in that alone! Children are amazed and love watching it! Most all of the action takes place in the water and a small bit of land in the middle of the "stage". There is also action along the perimeter. If you don't keep track of the actors, they will be in another area, ready for the next part of the scene. We got to stay for a personal Q&A after the show. We found out that there is only one person who has a stunt double, he's the one who is actually lit on fire. We also got to see the replica mask the stunt double wears and it doubles to protect his head. They showed the rubber gun prop they use and it floats, so they can find it after the show. It may be cheesy & old, and from a movie that wasn't a Box Office hit, but if you just watch it for being entertainment, I'm sure there's something interesting for all. If you haven't seen it yet, you should at least see it once! read more

WaterWorld - They use a crane to hoist the plane back to its' hidden starting point - Amusement Parks Near Me - Universal City, California

See all

This is probably the BEST show in Universal Studios. There is a lot of action, stunts, and unexpected surprises. The cast really does a great job at entertaining everyone. The special effects are great! Avoid the Splash Zone if you don't want to get wet and try to sit in the shade... it gets hot! Definitely DO NOT miss this show! read more

See all