Are you looking for the best shows at Disney World?
Walt Disney World Resort is the theme park and entertainment capital of the world!
So it comes as no surprise that pulling together a top 10 list of the BEST shows at Disney World would be challenging.
And it was, but alas, I did it!
I carefully curated a list of my very favorite (and never missed) Disney World shows that I think you will love and should add to your upcoming trip itinerary.
Filled with my reasons for loving these shows, why you should see them, when they are performed and tips for the best seats in the house, let’s jump right in and get to it.
Ranked in no particular order, here are my top 10 BEST shows at Disney World that will focus mainly on the theme parks.
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1. Fireworks Over Cinderella Castle (Magic Kingdom)
Seeing the fireworks nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney. And no one does it better.
One of my fondest memories as a little girl visiting Walt Disney World is seeing the incredible fireworks burst over Cinderella Castle and watch as Tinkerbell flies overhead.
That excitement and thrill has not left me all these years later, I still get chills and just as excited to see it every single time.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
The fan-favorite, Happily Ever After, has returned with classic Disney songs, amazing projections and fireworks that lights up the sky almost every night of the year!
Be sure to grab your tissues, you’ll need them to get through this magical Disney World show, it surely tugs at the heartstrings.
Are you wondering where the best spot is to see the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom?
If you want to see the projections on the Castle, your best viewing location is in The Hub or just to the right or left of the Castle near or in front of Casey’s Corner or The Plaza Restaurant (right at the end of Main Street).
However, if you are looking to see more of the fireworks in all their glory, you might want to be a bit further back on Main Street to get the full effect.
The fireworks are enjoyed better over the Castle from a bit further away.
But don’t fear, if you don’t find a spot in either of those locations, you can still get a glimpse of the show and hear the incredible soundtrack from almost anywhere in the vicinity of the Castle.
What to Know about the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Show
- Location: The Hub / Main Street U.S.A (Fireworks directly over Cinderella Castle)
- Show Duration: 15 minutes
- Show Times: Shown nightly at Magic Kingdom usually at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (times subject to change based on the season). Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
Should You Use Disney Use Disney Genie+ for the Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom?
No, at the time of writing this article the Magic Kingdom fireworks show like Happily Ever After are not part of Genie+.
This means that if you plan to see the fireworks on any given night, you do need to plan to wait a bit. Be sure to include this in your itinerary plans for the day.
The Hub and Main Street U.S.A. fill up pretty quickly (at least 1-2 hours ahead of show time), especially during peak times.
If you don’t want to spend so much time waiting, you do have the option to reserve seating at a Fireworks Dessert Party, offered in Tomorrowland Terrace.
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2. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom)
Classic Disney at its very BEST!
If you are a long-time Disney fan and lover, you know the famed history of the enchanted Tiki birds and Walt’s love for this attraction.
After all, this was the very first audio-animatronic show, supervised by Walt himself.
The first version opened in 1963 in Disneyland in California, and was an opening day attraction in 1971 at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
The 100-seat indoor theater displays over 150 birds, totem poles, flowers and volcanoes combined.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is the perfect show to enjoy and cool off. It plays continuously throughout the day, so there is never much of a wait.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Magic Kingdom (Adventureland)
- Show Duration: 11 minutes
- Show Times: Continuously throughout the day
- Disney Genie+: No, not a Genie + attraction
3. Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)
Another quintessential Magic Kingdom audio-animatronic Disney World show, the Country Bear Jamboree is filled with corny songs, jokes and great fun for the whole family.
Also an opening day attraction, this show proves that once a hit, always a hit. Disney fans far and wide absolutely love the Country Bears!
Be sure to stop in at Grizzly Hall in Frontierland and sing along.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
Much like Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, this is another perfect Disney World show to escape the heat!
Because it plays about every 15 minutes, this show never has much of a wait. It’s a great way to relax and cool off.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Magic Kingdom (Frontierland)
- Show Duration: 10 minutes
- Show Times: Shows every 15 minutes (approximately)
- Disney Genie+: No, not a Genie + attraction
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4. Voices of Liberty (EPCOT)
By far one of the BEST (and most underrated) shows at Disney World, this popular 8-person a cappella vocal ensemble performs classic Americana songs in the Rotunda of the American Adventure Pavilion.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
Their incredible voices fill the grand hall and amaze onlookers. You can’t help but get chills watching and hearing them sing.
During the holidays, there is a “Dickens Carolers” version singing holiday classics.
Arrive Early to This EPCOT Show
Get there early (approximately 15 minutes before this incredible Disney World show) if you want a seat in the Rotunda.
There are plush velvet benches surrounding the area where the group performs.
Children and adults are encouraged to also sit on the floor and fill in the space around the area to take in their grand and majestic voices.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: EPCOT – World Showcase (The American Adventure Pavilion)
- Show Duration: 13 minutes
- Show Times: 11:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. (times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: No, not a Genie + attraction
5. Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom)
There are so many amazingly great things I can say about this show at Disney World. Where to even begin.
First off, the Festival of the Lion King is spectacular and not to be missed.
This larger than life Broadway-caliber production is filled with vibrant colors, incredibly talented performers and songs we all know and love.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
It is truly a spectacle in the best of ways. And it’s very popular too, so planning ahead to make sure you get a seat in the theater is important.
Be sure to queue up at least an hour before show time, especially if you’re not using Genie +.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Animal Kingdom (Africa)
- Show Duration: 40 minutes
- Show Times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. (times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: Yes, this is a Genie + attraction
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6. The Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom)
Recently returning in its full glory since the pandemic shutdowns, The Festival of the Fantasy Parade is by far one of the BEST shows at Walt Disney World.
Experience all the pageantry and whimsy as the parade floats down Main Street U.S.A bringing our favorite stories of Fantasyland to life.
Join Mickey, Minnie and all their friends as they dance and sing encouraging all of us to join in.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
Offered twice daily, don’t miss the opportunity to see the spectacular fire-breathing dragon – Maleficent steals the show. Just don’t get in her way!
Although this parade debuted in 2014, it remains incredibly popular. Plus, the best viewing spots are Frontierland and Main Street U.S.A.
The parade starts in Frontierland, so if you are looking to watch and quickly get on with your day, I highly suggest watching from that vantage point.
Otherwise, the parade typically doesn’t hit Main Street U.S.A. until about 20-25 minutes after the scheduled start time, so you’ll be waiting longer.
It’s hard not to still recommend Main Street as a viewing spot though, pictures are incredible with the Castle in the background.
Arrive Early to this Magic Kingdom Parade
I also recommend planning to secure your place at least one hour before parade time. Adjust accordingly during peak times.
Grab a snack and hang out, it’s a great time for people watching!
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Magic Kingdom
- Show Duration: 12 minutes
- Show Times: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. (times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: Yes, this is a Genie+ attraction
7. Beauty and the Beast: Live On Stage (Hollywood Studios)
The Beauty and the Beast: Live On Stage is one of the BEST shows at Disney World and one of my absolute favorites.
Belle specifically is my favorite Princess and the one I relate to most.
Seeing this stage show every time I visit the parks is a must-do for me. And it should be for you too!
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
Relive the tale as old as time and watch as Belle learns to love Beast for who he is on the inside, despite his outside gruff appearance.
This show rivals the NYC Broadway version, it’s THAT great.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Hollywood Studios (Sunset Blvd)
- Show Duration: 25 minutes
- Show Times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. (times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: Yes, this is a Genie+ attraction
8. Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios)
Fans rejoiced when Fantasmic! recently returned to Hollywood Studios after a 2+ year hiatus.
With all new scenes, sounds and pyrotechnics, this is truly one of the BEST shows at Disney World and an absolute must see and do!
It’s wonderful to have a nighttime spectacular back at Hollywood Studios again too.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
This show is an all-time favorite of Disney fans and full of nostalgia since its opening day in 1998.
Be sure to arrive early to get your seat in the outside open air theater. There are plenty of seats to go around, but it does fill up when the park is busy.
If you are looking to secure guaranteed seating at the show, you can opt to reserve one of the Dining Packages available.
This offers an excellent meal at Hollywood Studios at a participating table service restaurant and priority seating for the show.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Hollywood Studios (Sunset Blvd)
- Show Duration: 25 minutes
- Show Times: Currently playing twice nightly at 8:30 p.m. (times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: No, not a Genie + attraction
9. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue….and Beyond (Animal Kingdom)
Be sure to visit yet another incredible Broadway-style show at Walt Disney World!
Recently re-imagined, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond retells the tales of Nemo and friends from the Pixar animated classic.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
Gorgeous puppetry, vibrant costuming and catchy songs make this production incredibly special. You’ll find yourself singing the show tunes all day long.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Animal Kingdom
- Show Duration: 25 minutes
- Show Times: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. ( times subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: Yes, this is a Genie+ attraction
10. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Hollywood Studios)
Fun and delightful, Guests of all ages find themselves immersed in the town of Arendelle singing along to all the classics we know and love from the hit animated movie, Frozen.
Join as Royal Historians retell the classic story with wit and charm. Laugh, sing and dance along with Elsa, Anna and the gang.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
This is a longer show than most. But it is indoors and littles and adults alike love it.
It is lively and engaging and will keep the whole family’s attention for the duration.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: Hollywood Studios (Echo Lake)
- Show Duration: One hour
- Show Times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm (subject to change) Check My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day/night you are visiting
- Disney Genie+: Yes, this is a Genie+ attraction
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BONUS: Projection Show on Spaceship Earth (EPCOT)
This has quickly become a must see and do at EPCOT!
Updated periodically throughout the year, this all-new show combines gorgeous lighting effects projected directly onto Spaceship Earth mapped perfectly with a medley of songs fit for the festival or season.
Why We Love This Show at Disney World
It is grand and spectacular and not to be missed.
This debuted at the start of the 50th Anniversary in October 2021, and there is no telling if this will continue when the 50th celebration ends in March 2023.
I suspect it might stick around because of its popularity.
This is why I considered this a “bonus” and not an official part of the top 10, although in my opinion, it does rank pretty high on the list.
What to Know about this Disney World Show
- Location: EPCOT – Spaceship Earth (viewed from the park entrance)
- Show Duration: 3-5 minutes
- Show Times: Runs continuously after dark; last show ends right before Harmonious begins (subject to change)
- Disney Genie+: No, not a Genie + attraction
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BONUS: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds)
Now I know this isn’t technically at a Disney theme park but I couldn’t end this article without mentioning it because it’s THAT good!
Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is both a dinner and a show and is one of the most unique and fun experiences you’ll ever have.
The entertainment features a musical and comedy revue inspired by the wild west.
Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo show usually runs three times a night at:
- 4:00 p.m.
- 6:15 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m.
You should arrive about 15-20 minutes prior to the show to check in and ensure you’ll have good seating.
Throughout the show, you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks (including wine and beer) brought to your table!
Hoop-Dee-Doo is one of Disney’s last remaining dinner shows, and has survived due to its incredible popularity and quality!
WATCH: The 5 BEST Snacks at EPCOT You Must Try on Your Visit! 🧁🍕🥂🥳
My Final Thoughts on the Best Shows at Disney World
So, there you have it!
My very favorite top 10 best shows at Disney World, with an added bonus.
Next time you visit the Most Magical Place on Earth, be sure to add these shows to your list of must see and do’s.
They are worth the time and perhaps the extra effort (if wait times are longer). You will never be disappointed, it’s Disney after all. So, let’s get on with the show!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Marnie from A Disney State of Mind, a creative Disney writer and blogger with 35+ years of travel and park experience.
I have a fierce and contagious passion for all things Disney.
I specialize in simplifying the complexities of planning a Disney vacation by sharing travel tips, park strategies, the latest park news, unbiased reviews, and advice to make the most of your Walt Disney World experience.
Follow all my adventures @adisneystateofmind on Instagram and Facebook.
(Original Article Date: January 25, 2023/Updated by Editor on March 20, 2024)