The theme parks at Walt Disney World are not only known for their rides and attractions like the all-new TRON Lightcycle / Run & Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but also for amazing entertainment featuring a number of Disney themed shows.
While there are a number of shows that include video screens, 4D experiences and aminatronics, we fell that the live stage shows are at the top of the list. So check out our list of the best live shows that shouldn’t be missed during your next visit to Walt Disney World.
Guests will find that most of these live shows are offered a number of times throughout the day so when making your plans, be sure to include these in the schedule for your day.
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Best Live Shows at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks (2024)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
- Festival of the Lion King
- For the First Time in Forever: Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Finding Nemo – The Musical
- Fantasmic!
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Originally opened in 1989, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is one of the longest running live shows at Walt Disney World. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios just past Echo Lake, this 25+ minute live show is typically offered several times during starting from mid-morning until late afternoon.
Guests will see how Indy, Marion and other live actors perform a serious of death defying stunts, surrounded by special effects and other movie magic. The show takes a number of it’s scenes directly from the hit movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
While there are some loud noises, the show is highly suitable for guests of all ages. The open air theater seats over 2,000 people but we highly recommended getting on line 20 minutes early to ensure you get a good seat. Otherwise, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available.
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
Based on the hit Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is one of our favorite shows at Walt Disney World. Also located within Disney’s Hollywood Studios along Sunset Boulevard (before the Hollywood Tower of Terror), this amazing show originally opened back in 1991 and is still one of the most popular live shows at Disney World.
The 25 minute show follows the story line of the movie featuring Belle, the Beast, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Lumiere and Gaston. Guests will also enjoy the amazing songs like “Be Our Guest”, “Something There” and “Beauty and the Beast”.
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is offered several times per day and highly suitable for guests of all ages, especially those young princesses that are fond of Belle. The open air theater seats around 1,500 people but we highly recommended getting in line early if you would like to sit up front.
Festival of the Lion King
Festival of the Lion King is the premier show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Located within the Africa section of the park inside the Harambe Theatre, this 30 minute show was inspired by the storyline from the hit Disney movie, The Lion King.
Guests will enjoy watching a number of live performers as well as characters including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. The high energy performance features a number of stilt walkers, acrobats, dancers and a fire thrower along with songs like “Hakuna Matata”, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and the “Circle of Life”.
Typically there are multiple shows every day starting around 10:00 AM and running until around 5:00 PM. The fully indoor air-conditioned theater seats around 1,500 people in four sections that surround that show. This 40 minutes show is very popular so we recommended getting in line at least 20 minutes early. Otherwise, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available.
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For the First Time in Forever: Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
If you love the music and characters from the movies, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a can’t miss show.
Located just past Echo Lake within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this amazing show features both video screen and live performances including those by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. And of course, guests will sing along with Elsa to “Let It Go”.
There are usually several shows daily starting around 9:30 AM and running until around 4:30 PM. The fully indoor air-conditioned theater seats around 1,000 people but since the show is very popular, we recommended getting in line at least 20 to 30 minutes early. Otherwise, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond!
Located in DinoLand U.S.A. within Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond. This live show features both performers and large puppets that are based on the characters from the hit movie series.
Guests will see Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush and a number of characters as well as live songs like “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow”.
Typically there are multiple shows every day starting around 10:00 AM and running until around 5:00 PM. The fully indoor air-conditioned theater seats around 1,500 people in four sections that surround that show. This 25 minutes show is quite popular so we recommended getting in line at least 20 minutes early. Otherwise, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is the premier nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Offered just once (sometimes twice) just before closing, this 30 minute show is the perfect way to end the day when visiting a theme park.
Located in the 6,000 person fully outdoor Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, the Fantasmic! story is based on a dream by Mickey Mouse. Mickey is a “sorcerer’s apprentice” that uses magic to control water and color in an effort to fight the evil Disney Villains.
Along with Mickey, there are a number of your favorite Disney characters that perform in this show including Moana, Pocahontas, Elsa and Mulan.
Due to the popularity of this show, we’d recommend getting to the amphitheater no less than 30 minutes before showtime. Otherwise, Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
Located in the Magic Kingdom with Cinderella’s Castle as the backdrop, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire features many of the popular characters from the Disney stories.
Along with Mickey & Minnie, guests will enjoy seeing performances by, Donald & Daisy Duck, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Olaf, Princess Tiana, Princess Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Along with the singing and dance, there are a number of dazzling effects that make this live show special.
While there are no seats, we would recommend that you find a good stop in the central hub in from the Cinderella’s Castle about 20 to 30 minutes in advance of showtime. This outdoor show is offered several times a day but can be cancelled due to inclement weather.
