The Best Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World | Magic in the Planning

The Best Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World

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Live entertainment at Walt Disney World is truly unique. Some of the best shows I’ve ever had the privilege of enjoying were inside a Disney park! Truth be told, the shows are constantly changing and evolving. There are always new characters to meet, exciting new parades, brand-new nighttime spectaculars, and unique street performances. But some of the best shows have a way of sticking around for a while, and some have even become part of many family traditions. Here’s a list of some of the best live entertainment at Walt Disney World.


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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more!


 

While there is much to see when it comes to live entertainment at Walt Disney World, I have narrowed it down to my top five must-see shows! (And these are in no particular order!)

 

1) Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King | magicintheplanning.comI have seen this 40-minute show several times now, and honestly… it just keeps getting better! If you only have time for one show while visiting Animal Kingdom, make it this one! Featuring some of the most talented dancers, singers, and acrobats I have ever seen perform live, this show literally has it all. My kids (who were 4 and 6 at the time) loved the show and never once lost interest. I definitely suggest arriving early as the line can be quite long due to its popularity!

 

2) Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Another fan favorite is definitely the Finding Nemo musical found also at Animal Kingdom. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel the first time I watched this show. How would Disney be able to pull off singing and dancing sea creatures live on stage? Not only that, but the movie itself wasn’t a musical. So unlike the Festival of the Lion King, there wouldn’t be a lot of familiar music. But leave it to Disney to wow and impress. This show raises the bar as to what live entertainment has the potential to be, and our entire family loved it! The original show was reimagined in 2022 and is based on the first Finding Nemo movie.

 

3) For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this show is definitely for the Frozen fan at heart (adults and children alike!) It is narrated by a pair of “Royal Historians” who take the audience through the history of Arendelle. Don’t be surprised when this history includes some of your favorite characters and scenes from the movie. And did I mention that they encourage the audience to sing along? If you love the movie, you’ll love this live show!

 

4) Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular | magicintheplanning.comNo Disney show list would be complete without this long-running stunt show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Debuting in 1989, I saw this with my parents as a kid and have since been able to share it with my own family as an adult. Perhaps the most exciting part, however, is that the show is set to receive a major overhaul in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. It will be closed for a time while this change is underway, but it is scheduled to re-open with an updated show by summer 2021!

 

5) Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Debuting in 1991, this popular stage show is a complete retelling of the Disney classic (condensed down, of course). This 25-minute performance features everyone’s favorite characters and musical numbers from the original movie. You will definitely want to arrive early as this show is very popular!

 

What’s your favorite live entertainment at Walt Disney World?

 

Looking to plan your Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!

 

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