Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, celebrated with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” This Universal Islands of Adventure stage show retells the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Roaming Whos in Seuss Landing
Between “Grinchmas” performances, the Who performers roam Seuss Landing, interacting with guests and posing for photos. The Grinch meet and greet is in Honk Honkers.
Grinchmas Entrance & Queue
The “Grinchmas” sign is outside Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous, with an arrow pointing “That Way” to the entrance. A giant medallion hangs from a pole sitting in a bed of red flowers.
The medallion features the show name over an image of Whoville. It’s in a wreath with colorful ornaments and a red bow. Bells hang around it.
A sign below the medallion displays show times: 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Another sign also notes that the show features music by Mannheim Steamroller. The group famous for Christmas music also usually performs at Universal Studios Florida but will not perform this year.
The show is performed in the former Blue Man Group theater, which is located between Universal Studios Florida and Hard Rock Cafe. Guests still enter from Seuss Landing and take a bit of a walk to the theater. There are stanchions set up between Circus McGurkus and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
A “Grinchmas” banner hangs over the backstage gate leading to the theater. The banner features the Grinch, a Christmas tree, and a pile of presents.
When the queue opens, a Cast Member is stationed at the end to direct guests. A screen displays the next show time.
Guests travel along a backstage pathway connecting Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. The path is lightly decorated with bows on lampposts. There is a service dog relief area. Signs and Cast Members along the route make sure guests continue in the right direction.
Outside the theater, a sign points to available restrooms.
There is a sign for V.I.P. guests.
There is also a sign directing guests to the exit.
This area is also sparsely decorated. Flower boxes full of poinsettias feature garland, a wreath, and snowflake decorations. Trees are used as walls.
There is a switchback queue outside of the theater’s box office, which is not in use for the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Guests wait under an overhang until the theater is opened ahead of show time.
“Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
The set features mountains covered in snow, several doors to Whoville houses, a giant Christmas tree that rotates and lights up.
“Grinchmas” opens with the Whos decorating Whoville. The show is partially based on the 2000 film starring Jim Carrey. It includes the film’s character of Martha May Whovier, who performs “The Man with the Bag.”
A narrator tells the story, filling in the blanks between musical performances and reciting some of Dr. Seuss’ original prose.
The Grinch emerges from his cave on the right side of the stage, frequently complaining about the Whos.
Cindy Lou Who leads a performance of “Where Are You, Christmas?”
The narrator and the Grinch sing a duet of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” as the Grinch steals Christmas from Whoville.
Of course, the Grinch encounters Cindy Lou and pretends to be Santa Claus.
After completing his theft, he looks down on Whoville from the top of the mountain.
He sees the Whos continue to celebrate Christmas without ribbons, tags, packages, boxes, or bags. They gather around their empty Christmas tree to sing “Welcome Christmas.”
The Grinch’s small heart grows three sizes. He returns to Whoville with all that he stole and Max at his side.
The Grinch joins the Whos for a reprise of “Welcome Christmas” and “Where Are You, Christmas?”
Watch our video of “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” 2024 below.
Check out the 2024 Grinch merchandise collection.
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