Disney World’s Best Stage Shows [RANKED]

Walt Disney World is one giant stage. But the theatrical productions play specific leading role (pun intended) in theme park entertainment.  These family-friendly performances showcase skilled artists, from actors to acrobats, and a million technicians in between. And while the storylines are often truncated, the design elements more than make up for it! So, if you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation in the near future and wish to take-in a Broadway-style show… look no further! Our list of Disney World’s Best Stage Shows [RANKED] is here to help!

6. Beauty & The Beast – Live on Stage (Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sunset Boulevard)

A lush and lavish Broadway-style musical version of this tale as old as time is most certainly the belle of the ball on Sunset Boulevard. Featuring colorful costumes, massive scenery, and all the classic songs you know and love, this larger than life production is guaranteed to warm your heart.

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

We love this show… for sentimental reasons. However, it could use a bit of a refresh ala the Disney Cruise Line version. In addition, some of the outdoor seating is unshaded, making watching the show under the Florida sun a bit unbearable. Be sure to show up 30 minutes before showtime to grab the best seat in the house!

• Runtime: 30 minutes
• Showtimes: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 5:00PM

5. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake)

In For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Royal Historians of Arendelle recount the frosty story of their enchanted kingdom as thrilling moments from the movie play on-screen. Your little ones will love cheering on Anna, Elsa and Kristoff, as they sing along with the audience! Don’t worry, projected lyrics make it easy to belt out irresistible show-stoppers like “Let It Go” and “Love Is An Open Door.”

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

Don’t skip this one! We know… it sounds like it is geared towards the kiddos. But there are plenty of big kid laughs to be had here. The actors are hysterical and pacing is upbeat and infectious!

Just be ready, because this theatre will be PACKED for each and every performance. So, if you’re looking for something a bit more lowkey… this ain’t it, folks!

• Runtime: 1 Hour
• Showtimes: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM

4. Festival of the Lion King (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Africa)

Pageantry, puppetry, music and more… Festival of the Lion King is an absolutely spellbinding experience that fits like a glove in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’re looking for an eclectic and star-studded lineup of entertainment, this is you ticket!

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

Part circus, part Broadway… there is nothing quite like Festival of the Lion King! Breathtaking and uplifting, you’ll be inspired the whole way through. The theatre-in-the-round arena really makes in an all encompassing experience.

• Runtime: 40 minutes
• Showtimes: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM

3. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! (Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A.)

Dive into a spectacular stage show set in the underwater world of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. With live performers, animated backdrops and a theater decked out with innovative lighting, sound and special effects to create Nemo’s undersea environment, this newly updated show takes you back to the extraordinary underwater world.

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

We love everything about Finding Nemo – The Musical. But Finding Nemo: The Big Blue.. and Beyond! leaves us a bit wanting. The performances are just as good and the technical aspects are still solid. However, the cuts made to the score and script really chop up the story, making it feel a bit rushed. Yet, we can’t turn our back on this incredible musical. Despite the changes, it is still one of the more theatrically creative productions to grace a Disney stage. For all that and more… give this nautical tale a try!

• Runtime: 25 minutes
• Showtimes: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM

2. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake)

Cheer as Indy performs incredible stunts with explosive special effects—and learn the secrets behind the magic. Watch live as the actors take on deadly traps, battle the bad guys, leaps from tall buildings and makes thrilling escapes straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

If you love watching any form of behind the scenes stuff… this was made for you! Along the way, you get an inside look at how stunts are done with demonstrations that reveal how to safely pull them off. The sets are huge, the stunts are impressive, and the cast is just downright loveable! If you’re a fan of Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s original MGM Studios concept, you’re going to be eat this up!

• Runtime: 1 Hours
• Showtimes: 10:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PM

1. Fantasmic!

Featuring more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and rousing music, this larger-than-life show is painted on a grand canvas of dancing water and light like nothing you’ve ever seen. The fantastic fantasy includes Disney Characters from some of your favorite animated classics: Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Traveling Mouse Hot Take

Even though Fantasmic! is currently under construction, it remains our absolute favorite! Truly, there is nothing not to love! This epic masterwork has all the “wow” factor of a Magic Kingdom firework show, with the ingenuity of an EPCOT nighttime spectacular. Not to mention, it stars Mickey… I mean, how can you possibly go wrong?!?

Rumor has it… Fantasmic is coming back in November 2022. So, if you want to catch the latest version, speak with a Traveling Mouse Company Travel Agent today!

• Runtime: TBD
• Showtimes: TBD

In Conclusion: Disney World’s Best Stage Shows [RANKED]

And there you have it, our list of Disney World’s Best Stage Shows [RANKED]. Do you agree with our ranking? What would you change? Be sure to leave your comments on our Facebook page!

Until next time… see you real soon!