These Are the Best Live Shows at Walt Disney World

When most Guests think of Walt Disney World, popular attractions are probably the first to spring to mind.  

Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest – it’s rides like these that draw Guests into WDW’s theme parks over and over again.

And while it’s true that there’s nothing like stepping into the first of many Doom Buggies on your Disney vacation, there’s another very important piece of the magical puzzle that is Walt Disney World: live entertainment.  

No one does live entertainment like Disney, and you owe it to yourself to enjoy at least one live show while you’re on property! Here are some of our favorite live shows at WDW.

Drawn to Life

One of the newer additions to Walt Disney World’s entertainment lineup is Drawn to Life at Disney Springs, presented jointly by Cirque du Soleil and Disney (say no more, I’m sold!).  

This live show uses classic Disney animation as a starting point, and it’s interpreted and reimagined by the artists of the renowned Cirque du Soleil.  

What does that mean, exactly? Well, we know there’s a stage decked out as a massive animation table, high-flying acrobatics, a magic pencil, brand-new Disney animation, magnificent choreography and costuming, and an original score based on classic Disney tunes. For the rest, we’ll have to wait and see!

Voices of Liberty 

If you’re a Guest who has up to this point skipped the American Adventure Pavilion in the World Showcase at Disney’s EPCOT theme park, we have an excellent reason for a visit on your next Disney trip – one of the best a cappella groups you will ever hear!

After performing on stage at America Gardens during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Voices of Liberty returned to the American Adventure Pavilion Rotunda in January, 2022.  

This talented group sings Disney favorites throughout the day, in 15-minute sets. Their harmonies are flawless, and the acoustics of the rotunda only make their vocals sound more heavenly.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

It’s certainly not new, but Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios occupies a special place in the hearts of many Walt Disney World Guests. This live action show features Indy, Marion and assorted baddies from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).  

You’ll watch as the heroes perform stunts, dodge giant boulders and explosions, and jump off impossibly high buildings. Even better – you’ll get to see how these stunts are safely performed.  

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Disney’s animated masterpiece Beauty and the Beast (1991) is a classic for good reason!  

And no matter how many times you’ve watched the original film or the live action remake from 2017, watching Belle and Beast fall in love on stage surrounded by larger-than-life enchanted objects, stunning costumes and beautiful sets, never gets old.

Guests can watch Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage in Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the show is a mere 30 minutes long, it somehow manages to tell the entire story from the animated film, complete with your favorite songs, choreography and characters. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a quick jaunt to Broadway!

Dapper Dans

You’ve just arrived at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and you’re happily making your way down Main Street, U.S.A. toward iconic Cinderella Castle. What could be more perfect than being serenaded by a barbershop quartet?

The Dapper Dans perform a 20-minute set of a cappella Ragtime and Disney favorites at various times throughout the day, perfect for the turn-of-the-century vibe in this area of Magic Kingdom.  

Guests will love their perfect harmonies, tap dancing, spiffy pinstripe suits and groan-worthy vaudeville jokes. (Please, will someone get these guys together with the Voices of Liberty for a sing-off, already??)

A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King

From “Circle of Life” to “Hakuna Matata”, you’ll find all of your favorite songs from the Disney animated film The Lion King (1994) at Animal Kingdom’s A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King.  

Stilt walkers, giant puppets, and talented dancers bring the story of Simba to life amid a riot of cheerful color. This is one live show that can truly be called a spectacle!

The show is 40 minutes long and takes place indoors at Harambe Theater – which means it goes on rain or shine. This is a great opportunity to introduce little ones to the magic of live entertainment!

Grand Floridian Lobby Pianist

We couldn’t resist mentioning the resident piano player at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

That’s right, this Resort boasts its very own pianist, who serenades Guests at the grand piano in the lobby several times a day.  

You can check performance times on the Grand Floridian’s website. Even if you’re not staying here, feel free to drop by and grab a comfortable seat to enjoy the beautiful tunes while taking in the majesty of what is perhaps the most stunning lobby in any Disney Resort Hotel.

Bottom Line

Not so long ago, it was next to impossible to find live entertainment anywhere at Walt Disney World, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, most live shows have now returned, if sometimes slightly modified.  

There are plenty of other entertainment offerings on WDW property that are also worth your time, including For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Rhythms of Raglan at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs, and the fabulously eclectic acts at The Edison in Disney Springs.  

So why not catch a show or two on your next trip to Walt Disney World?