Animal Actors on Location Closing at Universal After 36 Years

Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that Animal Actors on Location! will permanently close on November 2, 2026, ending a 36-year run at Universal Studios Florida. The live stage show first opened as Animal Actors Stage on June 7, 1990 — one of just three attractions that have been part of the park since its very first day.

The show features trained dogs, birds, pigs, and other animals performing tricks and comedic gags alongside their handlers, with audience participation woven throughout. Some of the animal performers have backgrounds in Hollywood productions before making Universal Orlando their permanent home. Universal's announcement noted that the closure is intended to make way for a future experience, though no specific replacement has been revealed.

With Animal Actors gone, only two original opening-day attractions will remain at Universal Studios Florida: E.T. Adventure and the Universal Horror Make-Up Show, the latter of which is currently undergoing a significant refresh. Animal Actors had previously been part of the Woody Woodpecker's KidZone area, which was transformed into DreamWorks Land two years ago, leaving the show somewhat isolated in its corner of the park.

Also worth noting for Universal visitors: The Untrainable Dragon stage show at Epic Universe is scheduled for a brief refurbishment closure from September 15 through September 20, 2026, with a planned reopening on September 21. Universal has not specified the reason for the short downtime, though the week-long window suggests routine maintenance rather than any major overhaul.

Guests who want to catch Animal Actors on Location before it closes have until November 2, 2026 to do so. This story was first reported by Disney Tourist Blog.