Step back into the age of sword and sorcery as we unravel the fascinating story of Universal Studios’ most dangerous and innovative attraction: Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular. This legendary stunt show wasn’t just entertainment — it was a revolution that forever changed how theme parks approach live experiences.
From Robert E. Howard’s complex literary character to Frank Frazetta’s iconic artistic vision and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s silver screen portrayal, we trace Conan’s evolution before diving deep into the attraction that dared to use real fire, military-grade lasers, and death-defying stunts to wow audiences. The show’s creation marked the moment Universal deliberately established itself as the “anti-Disney,” poaching Imagineers and pushing boundaries Disney wouldn’t touch.
And, of course, our ol’ pal Bob Gurr makes an appearance.
It’s The Lowdown on the Plus-Up Episode 20: Universal Studios Hollywood’s Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular!
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Kelly McCubbin is a columnist for Boardwalk Times
