Aside from the popular and well-known parades and nighttime spectaculars, Walt Disney World has so many other fun entertainment options that everyone in the family can enjoy together. Whether you plan to see a sit-down show or come across impromptu street performances, there really is entertainment around every corner at all four theme parks and Downtown Disney. Heck, you could even spend entire days without riding any rides and instead experience all of the entertainment offerings. Take a look at my top 10 favorites, aside from parades, fireworks, and nighttime spectaculars, at WDW.
1. Dream Along with Mickey, Magic Kingdom Top of my must-do list for each visit to the Magic Kingdom! Join your favorite Disney friends right in front of Cinderella Castle for a celebration of the magic in our dreams and wishes. The entire show lasts about 20 minutes, so it's the perfect amount of time for a little stop between attractions, and little ones won't get bored. There's no seating, so be sure to check out the performance times before you arrive and head to the castle-front stage a few minutes in advance (I'd suggest a least 5-10). During peak seasons there can be as many as six performances a day, but the schedule is subject to change. And definitely have your cameras ready! 2. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Hollywood Studios Relive the "tale as old as time" with this 25 minute live-action performance inside the Sunset Boulevard theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll see Belle, the Beast, all of the enchanted objects, and the one and only Gaston. There are usually five to six performances a day, but the theater definitely fills up each time, so get your seats early (I'd suggest 10-15 minutes). FastPass+ is also offered at this show, so take advantage of that if you'd like guaranteed, preferred seating for your travel party. 3. Festival of The Lion King, Animal Kingdom One of my favorite parts of any day at Animal Kingdom! Step into the brand new Harambe Theater in the Africa section of the park, and experience this 30 minute spectacular with singing, dancing, aerialists, and your favorite Lion King characters. Kids can even get in the action towards the end of the show, so get in line early for a prime seat. While there are many performances throughout the day (usually eight to ten), this is one of the most popular offerings at Animal Kingdom, and the theater always fills up. Get there early, or get a FastPass for a guaranteed seat! 4. Magic Kingdom Welcome Show/Main Street Trolley Show, Magic Kingdom Easily the best way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom, the Welcome Show is always on my must-do list. This ten minute production takes place just inside the main gates of the park in front of the train station about 20 minutes before park opening, complete with characters and fireworks! Mickey Mouse and various Disney friends arrive on the Walt Disney World Railroad to officially open the park for the day, and a family of the day is crowned. This show always brings tears to my eyes, and you really feel the magic of Disney all around you. Just be careful during busy times and on Holidays, as many guests will be packed inside the gates with you to watch the show. I'd definitely try to arrive at the gates around 30-45 minutes before the park opens to make sure you're there in time. The Main Street Trolley Show adds onto the Welcome Show, as the citizens of Main Street travel on their trolley to perform for you. They usually stop around three or four times in the morning, and it's a great show that takes you back in time to the heartlands of America. We always try to take a few minutes to stop and watch while everyone else rushes and runs around us. It's sure to make you smile! 5. World Showcase Players, EPCOT Stop by the UK pavilion in World Showcase for a 25 minute street performance and retelling of one of Shakespeare's beloved stories. These players aren't all they're cracked up to be though, and they are definitely prepared to embarrass a few guests during their shows! We stumbled upon them a few years back, and always make sure to carve out some time in our day for one of their performances. They usually come by the Rose and Crown Pub around five times a day, so check out the times guide and your MyDisney Experience app while you plan your days! 6. Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party, Magic Kingdom Another one of my Magic a Kingdom must-dos! This fun and vibrant parade-like street party makes its way to the Castle Hub area three to four times a day, and the cast wants you to join them. You can shake your tail feathers with Donald, conga with Mr. Incredible, and do the twist with Minnie, among other Disney friends. Don't be shy, and get out there! Even if you don't have too much time during your busy day, each street party is 35 minutes, so you have plenty of time for a little celebrating. 7. Jeweled Dragon Acrobats, EPCOT Head over to the China pavilion in World Showcase for this stunning acrobatic performance of strength and balance. There are usually around five shows a day, each about 20 minutes long, and everyone in the family is sure to be stunned and awed. We like to grab a bite from the Lotus Blossom Cafe and claim a spot a couple minutes before start time, because guests gather around rather quickly as soon as the music begins, taking up the viewing area. 8. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Hollywood Studios If you're an action-adventure fan and want to see how movies are made, then you definitely don't want to miss this one! This 30 minute production gives you a glimpse into how many of Indiana Jones' epic movie stunts are put together, and you even have the chance to be a part of the show. Get to the theater early, get a seat close to the front, and be sure to volunteer when the director asks! FastPass+ is also offered here if you'd like to guarantee your seat. 9. Finding Nemo - The Musical, Animal Kingdom Get up close and personal with Nemo and friends in this live-action retelling of Marlin's quest to find his son. It's a 40 minute production that takes place around five times a day, and FastPass+ is offered for guaranteed seating. This is definitely a great show for little ones and adults alike, and it's almost guaranteed that you'll leave singing the bevy of original songs. The theater can be found at the back of the Dinoland USA section of the park, so definitely give yourself some time to make your way over and get in line early. 10. The Dapper Dans, Magic Kingdom A Disney Classic that's always a must-do. The iconic barber shop quartet can be found along Main Street USA throughout the day to perform 20 minute sets of familiar a cappella tunes. If you see them, definitely take a few minutes to stop and listen. They're also always happy to take photos with you and get you involved in their act, so don't be shy! A day at the Magic Kingdom just isn't complete without the a Dapper Dans. There's a lot more magic to experience with all of the entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to slow down and take in everything you can. Whether you visit one of the many theaters for a large production or come across a street show, you're sure to have fun! For more information on all of the entertainment offerings at WDW, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/. Do you have your own list of favorites? Tell me about then in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
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