You cannot turn a corner at Walt Disney World and not see something entertaining. Every single nook and cranny has a purpose and/or meaning. In true Disney style, all of their shows are truly exceptional and very entertaining. But, if you are wondering which classic shows you should see during your short or infrequent trips, these are the top 4.
Festival of The Lion King, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This show is a family favorite. My son had the privilege of being pulled up to dance with the “animals” many times. The music and singing is so beautifully done. You find yourself smiling for no good reason other than it is truly one of the best shows Disney has ever made.
I find myself singing along to ALL of the songs like “Hakuna Matata”. This show is not only a must-see, it is a must-see every time you go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Beauty and The Beast-Live on Stage, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This show made its premiere on November 22, 1991. This was the same day as the release of the movie. The venue allows 1500 guests a chance to sing along to favorites like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Be Our Guest”. This show brings back fond memories of watching the movie. The show also has original movie voice-overs of Angela Lansbury, Robby Benson and Jerry Orbach. This Broadway-style spectacular will have you singing along with your favorites.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds
This particular show is the longest, continuously-running musical in American theater history. It opened in 1974 and have performed well over 35,000 times to over 10 million guests. This is a dinner show. This show requires 2 table service (TS) entitlements on the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) per person. You are served home country food (beer and wine included). Performers will have you laughing and joining in on all the fun. To name a few songs, “Oh, Suzanna”, “She’ll be Coming Around the Mountain” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”.
Fantasmic!, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This show can be seen by itself or you can schedule a dinner package. By scheduling a dinner package, you are given VIP seating for Fantasmic! You can dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby (2 TS DDP per person), Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (1 TS DDP per person) or Hollywood & Vine (1 TS DDP per person) any time that day and return to see the nighttime show. See the Disney World site for more details.
The show has Sorcerer Mickey face villains like Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Scar and Maleficent. There are character appearances from Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin and The Lion King. Enjoy the pyrotechnics, laser light and one million gallons of dancing water. If you prefer to have dinner and go directly to the show, be sure to reserve as early as possible as those dining preferences are taken up rather quickly.