Best Live Stage Shows at Disney World 

Top 7 List of the Best Disney Musicals, Stage Shows, and Live Performances

Theater productions play a significant role in the entertainment offerings at Disney World Resort. While you can find smaller shows throughout the park, Disney also features several larger-scale theatrical stage shows and musicals, particularly in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Most of these performances are family-friendly and included with your park admission.

These original live shows showcase highly talented actors, singers, and dancers, along with a mix of new and classic Disney characters. The costumes and set designs are as impressive as the choreography, music, and storylines.

If you’re looking for a unique, magical Disney experience, this guide to larger-scale live theater productions and musicals is perfect for you. The theaters typically have a large capacity, so you won’t have to worry much about long lines. However, some shows do offer a Lightning Lane option, allowing you to reserve your spot in advance.

Now, let’s review some of the best stage shows at Disney World so you will know which ones to head for.

1. Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is an uplifting celebration of Simba, the main character from Disney’s classic film. If you’re a fan of The Lion King and its memorable musical score—especially the 1994 Academy Award-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight“—you won’t want to miss this lively Broadway-style musical!

The show features live performances of your favorite Lion King songs, along with a fast-paced array of aerial acts, acrobatics, stunts, dancing, fire twirling, and character performances. Audience participation is highly encouraged, making it enjoyable for guests of all ages.

The Festival of the Lion King takes place in the enchanting Harambe Village section of Animal Kingdom. Performances are scheduled at various times throughout the day. Advanced tickets are not required; simply line up about 30 minutes before the next showtime to secure your spot.

• Location: Animal Kingdom (Africa)
• Show Duration: 30 minutes
• Best For:  Families with young children, fans of Disney’s The Lion King, theater enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an engaging, interactive experience.

2. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

After the original Finding Nemo – The Musical closed in 2020, we worried it might never return. Thankfully, it resurfaced in 2022 as Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

In our opinion, this show ranks alongside The Festival of the Lion King as one of the best live-stage performances at Disney World. Like its counterpart, *Finding Nemo* is showcased at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

This 25-minute live musical is based on the beloved Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo (2003) and features multiple daily performances. The show is about ten minutes shorter than its predecessor, making it more suitable for younger children who may lose interest.

The show’s original musical numbers—which take direct inspiration from lines in the film—include “Go With the Flow,” “Just Keep Swimming,” “In The Big Blue World,” and “Fish Are Friends, Not Food.”  The music was composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the powerhouse team behind the music of Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II.

Disney collaborated with Tony Award-winning director Peter Brosius and designer Michael Curry. Curry is renowned for his puppet designs in the stage adaptation of The Lion King. Many of these creative elements are featured in the new show.

Like The Festival of the Lion King, no advance tickets are needed, and the show is included with park admission. Get there early because seating does fill up fast.

The captivating songs, talented cast, impressive puppetry, and stunning digital backdrops create a magical experience. This unique stage show is not to be missed!

• Location: Animal Kingdom (DinoLand USA)
• Show Duration: 25 minutes
• Best For:  Families with young children and Disney fans seeking a captivating live performance. The engaging music and visuals appeal to all ages.

3. Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage

If you’re a fan of the classic Disney movie Beauty and the Beast or its Broadway musical adaptation, you definitely don’t want to miss the enchanting live stage show at Hollywood Studios. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage brings the beloved tale to life through stunning set designs, beautiful costumes, and captivating choreography that fully immerses you in the magical world of Belle and the Beast.

This Broadway-style musical features a delightful array of songs from the film, inviting guests to join in and sing along with their favorite characters. So, be sure to bring your A-game!

Best of all, Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage is included at no extra cost with your park admission (like most of this list). The show runs about 25 minutes long and is performed several times throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your schedule. For the best experience, make sure to arrive early and secure a seat up front for an unobstructed view of the enchanting performances.

• Location: Hollywood Studios (Sunset Blvd)
• Show Duration: 25 minutes
• Best For: Families, Disney enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a magical theatrical experience. Ideal for kids who love singing and dancing!

4. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a musical stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction is inspired by the 2013 animated Disney movie Frozen and features songs from the film.

First Time in Forever is essentially a 25-minute retelling of Frozen’s plot, showcasing characters like Anna, Elsa, and other favorites on stage. The most enjoyable moment comes when cast members encourage the entire audience to sing along to “Let It Go.” Not surprisingly, most attendees know the lyrics by heart and eagerly join in the chorus.

The show is currently located at the Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake. It runs throughout the day, so Lightning Lane reservations are not necessary. For the First Time in Forever is suitable for all ages and is included with park admission.

• Location: Hollywood Studios (Echo Lake)
• Show Duration: 25 minutes
• Best For: Frozen fans, families with young children, and anyone who loves live musical performances.

5. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Debuting in 1989, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is one of Disney World’s oldest stage shows. This live performance is inspired by the hugely successful Indiana Jones film franchise and features reenactments and stunts from the first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Notably, the show was produced by George Lucas himself!

While it may feel somewhat dated (and your kids may not even know who Indiana Jones is!), the show is action-packed. The daring stunts and dramatic explosions create an exciting atmosphere, and adults can feel nostalgic, recalling their childhood memories of watching the Indiana Jones movies. There’s a lot to love about this show, and it has a timeless appeal that entertains both children and adults alike.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a great deal of fun, with audience members aged 18 and older even invited to join the performance as extras. What’s not to love?

• Location: Hollywood Studios (Echo Lake)
• Show Duration: 30 minutes
• Best For: Indiana Jones fans, families with kids 6 and up, and those who enjoy live-action stunts and nostalgic adventures.

6. Fantasmic!

Disney World’s version of the popular live-stage show Fantasmic! opened in 1998 and has long since been a Disney favorite. This nighttime spectacular, which takes place at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater (nearly 7,000 seats!), is chock full of Disney magic.

The storyline immerses you in the imagination of Mickey Mouse and features a fantastic musical score, pyrotechnics, lasers, water screens, floating barges, and numerous Disney characters. A total of over 40 performers take part in this 25-minute show at Hollywood Studios. Be prepared: guests seated in the front rows are likely to get wet!

*Fantasmic!* remained largely unchanged from its opening until the pandemic closure of Disney World due to COVID-19. However, the November 2022 reopening introduced several enhancements. This show is a must-see to round off your day at Hollywood Studios.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the performance, consider booking the Fantasmic! Dining Package. This VIP experience allows you to enjoy a meal at one of five select Hollywood Studios restaurants before heading straight to your reserved seating at the show, bypassing long lines.

• Location: Hollywood Studios (Sunset Blvd)
• Show Duration: 25 minutes
• Best For: Families and anyone looking to enjoy a blend of music, storytelling, and impressive visual effects. It’s also perfect for those wanting a magical end to their day at the park.

7. Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is a major stage show at Magic Kingdom featuring Mickey Mouse. Originally opened in the summer of 2016 as Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, this entertaining live outdoor performance takes place on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.. The stage is elevated, allowing most guests in the Central Plaza of Main Street USA to have a good view of the show.

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy are joined on stage by characters from Frozen, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog. The show lasts for 22 minutes and includes a catchy musical score featuring songs from popular Disney films. Unlike many other shows, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire doesn’t rely on flashy high-tech sets, pyrotechnics, or lasers. However, it is arguably the most quintessentially Disney stage show in all of Walt Disney World, thanks to its iconic setting and beloved classic (as well as new) Disney characters.

• Locations: Magic Kingdom (Main Street USA)
• Show Duration: 22 minutes
• Best For: Those seeking a heartwarming and nostalgic experience with beloved Disney characters, perfect for families and fans of classic Disney storytelling.