There are many attractions and shows at Walt Disney World designed for the entire family, and then there are some with very specific demographics in mind. Disney Junior – Live on Stage! is one such attraction. For those without preschoolers in their traveling party, this is one attraction that more than likely won’t appear on their Fastpass Plus itinerary. However, for families traveling with preschool-aged children, this attraction is a must.
Located inside the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show presents favorite characters from the Disney Channel’s most popular programs. Described by Disney as a show featuring “enchanting puppets, whimsical scenery and catchy songs,” this high energy production “invites preschoolers to sing, dance, and play” along with their favorite characters.
Originally called Playhouse Disney, this 25-minute live show has evolved over the years as new Disney Junior programs premiere on television. The first time my family saw this show, it featured characters from Handy Manny, The Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. In its current incarnation, Disney Junior – Live on Stage! still features characters from Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse alongside new favorites from Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First. Casey, the live cast member, hosts the show, encouraging audience participation and keeping the thread of the storyline moving along.
Guests enter the soundstage beneath giant colorful cutouts of the “stars” of the show. The focal point of the theater is the stage, a modestly sized affair flanked by colorful screens, ladders, and doors. Familiar Disney Junior tunes play in the background as colorful images are projected on the walls and stage screen. Guests are invited to sit on the carpeted floor around the stage. We found that all the “seats” provided good viewing for the show; guests hoping to sit near the front, however, should plan on arriving early or reserving a spot using Fastpass Plus. Note: there are a very limited number of benches available near the rear of the theater for those unwilling, or unable, to sit on the floor.
When the lights go down, Casey appears, singing and clapping and inviting the crowd to join along. The storyline concerns Mickey and the gang planning a surprise party for Minnie Mouse’s birthday. Each character–Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and Mickey–is assigned a certain task. This premise sets in motion the storyline that the Clubhouse characters need to visit several other stories in order to get everything ready for Minnie’s big day.
The entire production can be describe with one word: kinetic. Lights and projected shapes swirl overhead and on the walls. The stage is filled with huggable puppets who pop up unexpectedly and to the delight of the young audience. Casey is in constant motion, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Confetti shaped like golden doubloons fall from the ceiling while Jake and the Neverland Pirates are on stage. Photo by Jeff Kober.
After the set-up of the show’s “plot,” Clubhouse characters visit other Disney Junior shows to get inspiration for Minnie’s party. After the Clubhouse portion of the show is over, the stage moves, transforming itself into the world of Sofia the First. My boys were big fans of The Little Einsteins andHandy Manny, so were disappointed that these shows are no longer represented in the program. Luckily, the Sofia portion features lots of magic, so the whole princess thing is palatable for boys as well. The Jake and the Neverland Pirates segment of the show is especially well-done, featuring not only the heroes of the show, but Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and the crocodile as well. My boys love Doc McStuffins, so they were very happy to see Chilly and Stuffy in person.
The puppets, music, and stage effects are very well done, but the interactive aspects of the show bring the most squeals of delight from the youngest members of the audience. Watching little ones light up when they recognize favorite characters, sing along to beloved songs, and dance along with Casey is really just as fun as the show itself. Add confetti, gold doubloons, and snowflakes falling from the sky and it’s clear why this show is such a favorite of Disney’s youngest fans.
If your kids want to interact with Disney Junior characters, take pictures with them, or ask them for autographs, there is a Meet and Greet area outside in the Animation Courtyard throughout the day.
If we were visiting the Vacation Kingdom of the World with no young children in tow, this attraction would not even be on our radar and I would not recommend it for those guests unfamiliar with the Disney Junior characters or whose travel party does not include little ones. For those with small children, however, this show is a must. One of the joys of parenthood is watching children as they are transported through their imaginations. Disney Junior – Live on Stage! offers parents a wonderful venue to do just that.
