A Day in the Park with Barney facts for kids

A Day in the Park with Barney was a fun live show at Universal Studios Florida. It opened in 1995 and was based on the popular children's TV show, Barney & Friends.

This attraction also had a special area called "Barney's Backyard." Here, kids could play and even meet Barney himself! It was a great way for Universal Studios to welcome younger visitors.

Outside the Show: Barney's Welcome

Outside the show, you would see a big sign that said "A Day in the Park with Barney." There was also a cool black statue of Barney. This statue was made of bronze and stood on one foot in a fountain. It was over 9 feet tall!

The Show Experience

The show was divided into a few parts. First, you'd enter a pre-show area. Then, you'd move into the main theater for the big performance. After the show, there was a special play area.

Getting Ready: The Pre-Show Area

Before the main show, guests would gather in a covered area. It looked like a very colorful, imaginative house. This house was decorated with bright lights, pipes, and knobs. It even had a rainbow over it!

This area was supposed to be the home of "Mr. Peek-a-Boo." He was the friendly host of the pre-show. While waiting, you'd hear fun songs and sounds.

Meeting Mr. Peek-a-Boo

The pre-show began with Mr. Peek-a-Boo and his parrot, Bartholomew. Mr. Peek-a-Boo was a good friend to Barney, Baby Bop, and BJ. He was an older person but had a very young spirit.

He was a bit forgetful, but he loved helping kids find Barney. He would lead a song and dance routine. Mr. Peek-a-Boo would try to find the door to Barney's Park. He soon remembered that you needed to use your imagination!

He would ask everyone to close their eyes and imagine a park. When it worked, a "rain waterfall" blocking a cave-like door would stop. Then, Mr. Peek-a-Boo would invite everyone inside.

The Main Show: A Magical Park

Inside, you would find a cool, air-conditioned theater. It was designed to look just like a park! In the middle, there was a round stage where Barney and his friends performed.

During the show, the lights would change. It could go from a sunny day to a starry night. Special effects made snow, leaves, and rain fall from the ceiling. There was even a lightning effect during one song!

Mr. Peek-a-Boo would greet the audience. He would ask everyone to chant "Barney!" to make him appear. The lights would dim, and stars would twinkle. Then, Barney would pop up from the stage! Confetti would explode, just like in his TV show.

Barney would sing a few songs, like "If You're Happy and You Know It." Soon, Baby Bop and BJ would join him. They would sing more songs, including "Mr. Knickerbocker" and "Down on Grandpa's Farm."

During "If All the Raindrops," mist and water would spray on the audience. Small soap flakes, like snow, would also fall. At the end, Barney and his friends would sing "I Love You." Baby Bop and BJ would leave the stage. Barney would blow a kiss goodbye as streamers shot into the air.

Mr. Peek-a-Boo would then lead everyone to Barney's Backyard. Kids were even allowed to pick up the confetti and streamers!

After the Show: Barney's Backyard

After the main show, guests would go into Barney's Backyard. This was an indoor play area for children. It was a great place to meet Barney and take pictures with him! Sometimes, Baby Bop and BJ would also be there.

The backyard was full of colorful games and sounds. There was a big, colorful train that kids could crawl through. They could press buttons to hear Barney say things like "A train goes choo choo!" There was also a large tree house to climb and play in. It had more buttons to hear Barney's voice.

The lines to meet Barney were usually short. Barney would stay in the backyard for about 10-15 minutes. Music from the show would play as children played.

Show Closure: The Pandemic's Impact

The show temporarily closed on March 16, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. It reopened for a short time in May/June 2020. However, it closed again on August 9, 2020. Universal Orlando later announced on February 3, 2021, that the show had permanently closed.

Songs from the Show

Regular Show Songs (1995–2020)

• Barney Theme Song
• If You're Happy and You Know It
• Imagine a Place
• Mr. Knickerbocker
• Down on Grandpa's Farm
• If All the Raindrops
• I Love You

Christmas Show Songs

• Barney Theme Song
• Jingle Bells
• Frosty the Snowman
• Mr. Knickerbocker
• Down on Grandpa's Farm
• Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
• I Love You
• We Wish You a Merry Christmas