Take a break from the attractions, and enjoy one of the many live performances Disney offers
Shows at Walt Disney World are so important for multiple reasons.
One, it gives you a chance to sit down and relax after walking all day. It gives you an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a broadway-style show without going to the Big Apple. Lastly, if you're lucky, it allows you to sit in an air-conditioned building and escape the Florida heat for at least twenty minutes.
There are many options for entertainment at Walt Disney World, but for this list we’re basing our decisions on shows where you will be seated for at least twenty minutes in a large theater.
Here are our top three shows families should see when visiting Walt Disney World.
Fantasmic
Located adjacent to the Hollywood Tower Hotel and behind the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater is Fantasmic, a nighttime show that is fun for the whole family.
Fantasmic follows our favorite star, Mickey Mouse, as dreams of being a mighty sorcerer’s apprentice. While he's sleeping, he faces off against the Disney Villain’s as they attempt to turn the little mouse’s dream into a nightmare.
Of course, we all know not to underestimate the power of Mickey’s imagination.
The show includes characters from many favorite Disney classics like:
"Beauty and the Beast"
"Sleeping Beauty"
"The Little Mermaid"
"Aladdin"
"The Lion King"
"Pocahontas"
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
The show features over 50 live performers, massive sets, dazzling effects, choreographed pyrotechnics and a music score that’ll leave you humming all night.
Insider Tip: The show features water projection and water effects. Needless to say, if you sit to close, you’ll be in the splash zone. Think twice before choosing a seat up front.
There’s no such thing as a bad seat at Fantasmic. The amphitheater curves around the lagoon, so no matter where you decide to sit, you’ll be in a perfect spot to experience the magic.
Insider Tip: Be prepared for loud fireworks. Some louder than others. If you or a little one have sensitive ears, plug your ears when you see Monstro the whale. Once that scene is finished guests are in for jump when cannon fire erupts before the lights illuminate the stage.
Festival of the Lion King
Calling all lions, giraffes, warthogs and elephants. You are cordially invited to a celebration in the pride lands.
Inside Disney's Animal Kingdom nestled among the city of Harambe is the Harambe Theater home to Festival of the Lion King. A Broadway-style show filled with animals from all over the savannah.
The show features your favorite characters from the animated movie as well as a band of other animals that will help you stomp your hooves and ruffle your feathers.
If you're not really into the theater, Hakuna Matata. This show isn't you're traditional Broadway show.
The stage show combines acrobatics, singing, flame-throwing and even a little aerial dancing to create one heck of a Disney experience.
Finding Nemo -- the Musical
Staying in Animal Kingdom, just keep swimming to Dinoland U.S.A to the Theater in the Wild home to Finding Nemo The Musical.
Inside you’ll be able to join Nemo, the overprotective Marlin and the forgettable Dory as they venture out into the big blue world to find Elmo – sorry, Nemo.
You’re probably thinking to yourself “wait, Finding Nemo wasn’t a musical?”
Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez best known as the songwriting duo behind Frozen and Coco created fourteen original songs for the show.
Want a taste of the must-sea musical? Listen to the soundtrack below.
The show uses an array of vibrant puppets and larger-than-life props to recreate the story families have come to love.
Before Nemo moved in the theater was home to The Jungle Book and Tarzan Rocks. Finding Nemo the Musical marks the first time a non-musical Disney animated feature has been adapted into an original music production.
This list doesn’t include all musical stage shows. Families can also enjoy:
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Disney Junior Dance Party!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Be sure to check out showtimes online and on the My Disney Experience app if you’re planning on checking out one of these shows.