The Adventures of Conan paved the way for modern stunt shows. This was the first show to combine advanced special effects with live actors. Special effects included lasers, pyrotechnics, flame cannons, magical illusions and audio-animatronics. The finale featured the live actor Conan battling an eighteen-foot tall fire-breathing, laser firing dragon.

This show's success started the transformation of Universal Studios from a small studio tour into a major theme park, and paved the way for break-through attractions like "King Kong" and "Back to the Future."