While the attractions tend to get most of the attention, Walt Disney World Resort offers enough shows and entertainment to keep your schedule packed all week long. So which shows are worth your time? Here are my recommendations for 12 shows you don’t want to miss!
Magic Kingdom
1. Let the Magic Begin
This is Magic Kingdom’s “welcome show” and begins five minutes before the park’s official opening each day. While I miss the old welcome show at Main Street Station, this one is still a great way to start your morning off with all of your favorite characters. It’s also a great way to position yourself for quick access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!
2. Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Cinderella Castle is the backdrop for another great show filled with Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends. It features original songs combined with favorites from Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Frozen. It has several showings per day, so it’s easy to work into your plans.
3. Once Upon a Time
Watch as Mrs. Potts and Chip retell classic Disney stories and bring Cinderella Castle to life with magical projections. The castle transforms before your eyes as you witness scenes from Peter Pan, Cinderella, Frozen, Alice in Wonderland, and, of course, Beauty and the Beast.
4. Wishes
This is one of my favorite fireworks shows, and I’ll be sad to see it retire in May. Watch as Tinkerbell flies over Cinderella Castle and Jiminy Cricket shares famous wishes. It features melodies from the best Disney films, such as Hercules, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Snow White. There is no better way to end a day at Magic Kingdom than with the nightly fireworks spectacular!
Hollywood Studios
5. Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
If you’ve always wanted to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, this will give you a taste of it. This 30-minute live stage show features all the music from the 1991 movie. The costumes are beautiful, and it’s a great spot for a mid-day break from the sun.
6. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Frozen fans will love this retelling that combines scenes from the movie with live appearances by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and a couple of “royal historians”. Sing along with “Let It Go”, “Love is an Open Door”, and “For the First Time in Forever” – you won’t be able to get them out of your heads all day!
7. Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Spectacular
Learn how Hollywood creates some of its most classic stunts while Indiana Jones chases down the golden idol. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Adults – you may even have a chance to join in on the fun!
8. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
If you love Star Wars, you’re going to love this fireworks show. It combines, projections, lasers, and pyrotechnics to showcase scenes from all of the Star Wars films. Hollywood Studios is the place to be for Star Wars fans.
9. Fantasmic!
So this is my favorite show that Disney offers. Watch as Mickey’s dreams come to life, bringing your favorite Disney characters before your eyes. But be careful – there are villains lurking in the midst. From water effects to live performances to a 45-foot tall fire-breathing dragon, this show is dazzling. It also has the best finale of any show at the Disney Parks!
Epcot
10. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
This fireworks show at Epcot takes place in the lagoon, surrounded by the 11 nations of the World Showcase. It celebrates “the spirit of humanity” and has a great message of history, triumph, and hope. The soundtrack is inspiring, and I love watching each of the pavilions light up!
Animal Kingdom
11. Festival of the Lion King
The is one of the most fun shows to watch, as the Cast Members invite the audience to participate and interact. I love the Tumble Monkeys – a team of acrobats who perform entertaining and impressive gymnastic stunts. And of course, it features your favorite songs from the film!
12. Rivers of Light
This is the newest show at Walt Disney World, and it is one of the most spectacular. Discovery River comes to life with lanterns, fireflies, and beautiful effects. This show celebrates all living things, and is a wonderful way to end your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Spread your trip out over a week to catch each of these shows, or pick your favorites and save some for next time. Don’t forget about Disney’s legendary “streetmosphere” performers – these are pop-up acts that add character to every land in the Disney Parks. No matter how old you are, there’s entertainment galore at Walt Disney World Resort!
So which shows top your must-see list?
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we’ll be headed there in about six weeks. Can’t wait!
That’s so much fun! You’re going to love the Flower & Garden Festival. It’s such a great time of year to visit.
Hubs and I are going in November… we’ve seen most of these and agree that Fantasmic is the BEST show at WDW! I recommend getting there right as they open the amphitheater so you can get good seats. And bring along a lot of patience ’cause its a long shuffle out of the park! 🙂
That’s a great tip. I like to get the dining package at Hollywood Brown Derby – it’s such a nice way to end a thrilling day.
If you’d like any assistance planning your trip, I’d be happy to help!
I absolutely LOVED the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth & The Festival of The Lion King! Such great shows. I’m not missing either when I go back, but now I have more to add to my list!
I can’t get enough of the Tumble Monkeys! They’re so much fun to watch.