Put your hands together for the Blues Brothers at Universal Studios Orlando
For those of you visiting for the first time. Universal Orlando has something for everyone besides its famous roller coasters and rides. Here’s a treat you don’t want to miss – It’s The Blues Brothers show. Universal Studios brings the characters of Jake and Elwood to life based on the Cult Classic film The Blues Brothers from 1980. If you haven’t seen the film, make sure you watch it when you get home. They are on a quest from God, raising money to prevent an Orphanage from closing.
The live street show starts with the arrival of the saxophone player followed by his wife Mabel – played by Aretha Franklin in the film.
Jake and Elwood usually arrive by their battered Police car coming from the direction of Transformers the ride – this is the best opportunity to get a good photo. However sometimes they appear from one of the houses opposite the stage and cross the audience.
They cover a variety of songs from the film such as Respect, Shake a tailfeather, Soul Man and Think. The audience is encouraged to join in with the singing and dancing.
Where to find The Blues Brothers Show
The venue is outdoors and lasts around 15 minutes and runs approximately hourly from 10.30 am. You’ll find it in Universal Studios on one of the streets in the New York Set between Transformers the Ride and Revenge of the Mummy near Finnegan’s Bar and Grill. It’s easy to miss if you’re heading for the rides but it doesn’t matter if you stumble across the show half way through just make sure you catch the next show. There’s no queue.
As it’s outside the show is dependent on the weather. There is some shade on the opposite side to the stage and I usually sit on the stone steps of the houses there to get some relief from the sun and rest my feet. It’s also a good spot to get a good photo of their car coming round the corner.
The show ends with Jake and Elwood leading the audience dancing round the street. I’ve noticed the characters interact well with the audience and will linger amongst the crowd after the show for photo opportunities.
Tip – Get the Universal App for more details and times of all the shows.
All rides end at the Gift Shop
All rides end at the gift shop is a quote from the Simpsons ride. In this case not quite a 100% true. There’s a small gift shop called The Film Vault at the end of the street selling a small selection of Blues Brothers memorabilia. You’ll also find items from old Universal films such as Jaws, Back to the Future, Gremlins, Psycho and The Big Lebowski.
Did you enjoy this show or have you a different Universal Favourite? Feel free to leave a comment.
