Best Trip Tips: Stage Shows
The main attraction of most theme parks are the rides. This is just as true at Walt Disney World. Don’t let these main attractions distract you from all the other amazing things going on at these four parks. One of which is the Stage Shows. At every park there are professional stage performances featuring Broadway caliber choreography and stellar vocals. These shows are a great way to add some variety to your day at the park. It can also give you some much needed down time in a day full of rides, food, and fun. Below are a list of stage shows by park. Be sure to add these to your itinerary.
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Starring Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy. Enjoy a show featuring these Disney characters along with performances from Tangled characters, Princess and the Frog characters and Frozen. Be impressed with the special affects and the beautiful costumes. The vocals are recorded by the original talent so don’t stand too close to the stage to ruin the magic for your young ones. This show is performed in front of the castle 5 times a day: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:15pm. This is not a shaded area and the show lasts close to 20 minutes. Making it best to watch this stage show before noon. This is one of my kids favourite stage shows to watch for Parade Day.
Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
Head down Sunset Boulevard to watch Beauty and the Beast performed before your very eyes. With a mix of live and recorded vocals; sit on a bench, protected from the rain or sunshine, for a 25 minute performance. Performed 5 times a day at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm. This show has stayed the same for 20 years, if you have seen it before enjoy this Disney favourite. If you are seeing it for the first time, enjoy the re-telling of this classic tale with all the songs you know and love. Fastpass + is offered for this stage show.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
In the heart of Animation Courtyard you’ll find this theatre that will take you under the sea. Performed by puppets and a live Ariel and Eric. This short 17 minute show is a compressed version of the Little Mermaid. It is in a dark theatre and at times it can be scary for young children. It is out of date but if you or any one in your party is a fan of the Little Mermaid you’ll want to check it out. Being performed every 20 minutes to a half an hour, you can easily slip into one of these shows without carving time out of your day. Fastpass + is offered for this show.
Disney Junior Dance Party
The newest addition to Animation Courtyard, Disney Junior Dance Party. In this 20 minute show kids will have the chance to dance along with some of Disney Junior’s favourite characters. Timon from the Lion Guard will be in attendance as well as Doc McStuffins. Vampirina will also be dancing with guests both young and young at heart. The dance party takes place in a large sound stage and runs every hour at about half past the hour. Check the daily schedule for specific times on the day of your visit.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Be sure to book a Fastpass for this popular stage show. Head into this theatre for a retelling of Frozen, with special appearances by Anna, Kristoff and Elsa. Sing along to the songs you know by heart as they play on the big screen. Lasting 30 minutes, this stage show runs every hour at the half hour (10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and so on).
Animal Kingdom
Festival of Lion King
A favourite with our family, check out this live performance of the Lion King, featuring music and minimal dialogue. This show has such a variety: acrobatics, audience participation, fire breathing and memorable choreography. This show is not to be missed. Performances last 30 minutes. Shows are every hour at the top of the hour. Find the theatre just behind Tusker House at the entrance of Africa. With the first performance at 10am, you can head straight here after an early trek on Kilimanjaro Safaris. You can book a FastPass for this stage show.
Finding Nemo- The Musical
This Broadway caliber musical is performed in a large theatre at the outskirts of DinoLand U.S.A. The story of Marlin’s adventure to find his son Nemo is retold in song, in a similar style as the Lion King on Broadway. You’ll see performers using puppets as they portray the well known characters. Playing at the top of the hour from noon until 6pm, this is a great place to relax in the afternoon. The show lasts 40 minutes so it is a time commitment. Use your fastpass here to avoid waiting in a very long line, for a very long period of time.
Personal Touch:
If your favourite movie or character is featured in a stage show it is not to be missed. It’s a really unique way to see them in the midst of their story. It’s also a great way to calm down, relax and enjoy. A time to remember that the moments spent at these parks are as special as the things you are doing. If you have a family member who loves musical theatre then all of these stage shows will be enjoyed. Be sure to pick up a park hours sheet as you enter the park to make sure you have the correct times for the show you want to see.
Happy Planning.
