Disney theme parks are more than just rides and food—they also offer a variety of shows. Choosing which shows to see or whether a show is worth seeing at all can be chilling challenge for vacation planners. We asked the Parenting Panel this week: Which Disney Theme Park shows are your family’s favorites? Read on to see what the panelists had to say about the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
Emily Loftus is a wife, mom of 2, portrait photographer and Disneyland fanatic from Reno. Emily writes:
We’re Disneyland folk, so I’ll focus on Disneyland’s lineup of shows. First and foremost, I must stress that the shows are not to be missed. It’s easy to get caught up in the rides, especially if you’re taking a short trip, or you’re visiting with teenagers or thrill seekers, or people who simply like to attack the day. However, a Disneyland day without a show isn’t all that it can be. It’s incomplete, it lacks a little piece of the magic, and, let’s just be real here, it’s tiring! A stop to watch a show is the perfect way to rest your tired feet, decompress, and ready yourself for another go-round on the good old Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
The fireworks and parades are obvious options. When the fireworks start, everyone notices. But, our family favorite might be considered a somewhat-hidden gem. Tucked inside the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in the heart of Frontierland, is the best live bluegrass music and comedy show anywhere: Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. The show is performed several times a day, and is a hilarious marriage of fiddle, bass, redneck jokes, guitar and banjo. You won’t see more talented musicians anywhere, because these guys are as good as musicians get. Arrive a little before showtime to have your choice of seats, enjoy an ice cream treat or light lunch at your table while you wait, and get ready for some of the best live bluegrass music you’ve ever heard. Seriously, don’t miss Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.
For the perfect Disney nighttime experience Fantasmic! is the only show you’ll ever need. Everything it should be, and more, Fantasmic! is theatrical, epic, pirate-princess-and-dragon laden theater. Even now, 15 years after the first time I saw it, this show stirs me up, in ways that nothing else can. My son, the 10-year-old thinker, is continuously curious about the fireworks that spew from Mickey’s fingertips, as well as the pirates’ acrobatic, rope-swinging, stunts. My daughter, the 9-year-old dreamer, notices the intricacies in the choreography and costumes. All of us watch in awe—every single time.
Finally, I must mention the Disneyland Resort’s newest nighttime epic, World of Color! The show does not disappoint and it’s worth the wait, the FastPass line and all the work that sometimes entails seeing it. The show has an all-encompassing feel. You’re, in some way, wrapped in the music and immersed in the imagery. My 4-year-old nephew, who may or may not have a general problem in the “sitting still” department, was more entertained during this show than I have ever seen him before. The Toy Story and Pocahontas sections were our favorites. We purchased the World of Color dining package and found the arrangement to be convenient. Tickets to a reserved viewing area are included in the price of the meal, which saved us from having to mess with FastPasses. The price was a bit more than we’d normally spend on dinner, but not having to worry about a place to watch the show made it worthwhile.
In conclusion, I have to say that the only mistake you could make would be to skip the shows altogether. I’ve seen many Disneyland shows over the years, and never once has a show been anything less than professional, well put together, and entertaining.
MousePlanet columnist Chris Barry his wife Diane, 11-year-old Samantha, and twin 8-year-olds, Casey and Alex, live on Long Island and are all major Disney and Walt Disney World fans. Chris writes:
There are a lot of shows to take in when you’re at Walt Disney World. When my 12-year-old daughter was younger, she always loved the shows in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Despite the blazing sun and the hard concrete, we would always find the time to sit and watch shows like Cinderellabration on the castle forecourt stage. It was a guaranteed spot to see characters and princesses and let’s face it that was pretty important to her. I guess after a while that appeal waned and it’s been some time since we sat pretzel-legged in the hub to see a show.
We’ve watched shows on the stage in Tomorrowland during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I know my daughter has seen at least one of the High School Musical shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I, joyfully, have not. Speaking of the Studios, we haven’t done Fantasmic! in a while. As a matter of fact, my 8-year-old twin boys still haven’t seen it. I guess the hassle of the long wait or the idea of getting the Fantasmic! dinner package and having dinner at 4 p.m. has sort of kept us away. That’s a shame because it’s pretty outstanding.
Illuminations is certainly a favorite of all of ours, but it truly depends on the kids’ mood. My daughter was never that crazy about loud noises. She still isn’t. She’ll tolerate it for Illuminations. Sometimes the boys are just not in the mood. My wife and I adore Illuminations. We’ve watched it alone and we’ve watched it with my daughter holding her ears and the boys asleep in the stroller.
I suppose the only true guaranteed show in our family is Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. Personally, I never get tired of seeing Tinker Bell fly overhead or Jiminy Cricket’s voice guiding us through the show. We’ve seen it plenty of times and we’ll keep seeing it over and over again. The Magic Kingdom rose garden has become a very special spot for my wife and I. It will always have a special place in our hearts and we intend to keep seeing Wishes from that spot for as long as we can.
After a long hot day in Walt Disney World, there’s just nothing better than grabbing ice cream and smoothies at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland, walking back over the bridge and claiming our favorite spot in the rose garden and waiting for that cricket to talk and that pixie to fly. It’s always the perfect way to cap off another magical day together.
Chris, also known as GusMan, is always planning his next family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and loves to help others plan their trips as well through sharing his experiences. Chris writes:
I remember my first trip to WDW in the early 1980s with my mom and dad. I recall asking them about when we were going to get to ride all the rides. I said this because they dragged me to things such as the Hall of Presidents and, to me, it just was not what I expected from Disney. Fast forward a few decades, and it is easy to see how Disney is much more than just rides. It spans all sorts of attractions and continues into the different shows that are offered on any given day.
Even with that mentioned, my family is mixed as to what we like when it comes to the different shows. Admittedly, this is partially the case because my son is not one for suspenseful themes, nor is he one who likes to stay up late. But, in general, our family tends to hover towards these favorites:
Wishes: While mainly liked by my wife but enjoyed by all of us, the music and the wonderful theme of the fireworks display has become an annual favorite. At the same time, even waiting for the show to start, it is mesmerizing to see the castle subtly change hues as the lighting goes through the color palette. The fireworks show itself is probably the most calm of the different shows, which does not cause my son to cover his ears to signify his dislike for loud noises. But it is the storyline along with the music that I think does it for us. I think it is one that is hummed the most after the show and listened to most often once we come home.
Fantasmic!: While we don’t see this one as often as we would like, one of us parents usually skip it mainly because my youngest just does not like the storyline. Admittedly, it can be a little scary for younger guests, but this was my first Disney “show” and it is one of my favorites. We love the storyline on how Mickey ultimately triumphs over evil. The visuals are some of the most dramatic, and it is the one that has actual actors intermixed with the different special effects. Its almost like watching a full stage show, but with many more theatrical elements that cant be recreated indoors. I’m sure my son will come to like this favorite of ours once he gets a little older.
Illuminations: This is my personal favorite, and I love to watch this with my daughter. While we love the fireworks and special effects elements in this shorter show, it is the music that keeps us returning. There is something about the music that really sets the tone for the story and fits right in with the message being presented. At the same time, I think Illuminations has some of the best preshow music of all the shows I have seen at WDW. Not sure what I mean? Start listening to the music change around World Showcase Lagoon 30 minutes before showtime. You may not be interested in different forms of music from all over the world, but you might find this pre-show very enjoyable.
While we think of the nighttime spectaculars when we think of shows, there is always something going on around the parks that are very entertaining, somewhat impromptu, but are worth a look if you happen to be passing by. Groups such as the Dapper Dans play music and sing up and down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom Park can really put a smile on your face. Singing familiar Disney songs, they really have a talent in presenting the music in such a simple way, you can’t help by singing along or humming the songs the rest of the say. Also, don’t forget about the “streetmosphere” actors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The interaction with the crowd is great and the shows vary and are a lot of fun. Who knows—you might end up like me and be a part of the show—so have those video cameras handy. It is something that you will remember for year to come.
Disney is so much more than rides and attractions. It is how they transport you to a different time and place, away from the ordinary. I know it is easy to rush to get to your first ride on Space Mountain, but take your time and see some of the things that you normally pass up. Plan on seeing a show—and really enjoy it for the production that it is. You will really have some great opportunities to make some great memories.
It’s your turn—keep the discussion flowing!
Visit the Parenting on the Parks section of our MousePad discussion board, and share your opinions about this topic or many others, or send your suggestions via e-mail. Reader-submitted tips might be used in a future article, and you might be selected to participate in an upcoming panel discussion!
