We'll have limited time when we visit Disney World next year so we want to see the best of the best. What, in your opinion, are Disney's don't-miss stage shows?
So glad you asked! Disney's undisputed forte, after all, is storytelling, and the classic Disney stories are retold in the theme park stage shows. You'll have plenty of choices, but I suggest you don't miss the following:
MAGIC KINGDOM
Spectromagic! will have returned by the time you visit, and this evening light parade is a dazzler for all age groups. Stick around for Tinkerbell's Flight and the fireworks afterwards. Note: The evening parades run every night during summer and holidays, but if you're visiting in a less crowded time, the parade may run on only one or two evenings a week. Check your schedule to make sure you're in the Magic Kingdom on a night when Spectromagic! is scheduled.
EPCOT
IllumiNations--the music, fireworks and laser extravaganza that closes the park every evening--is an absolute Disney classic. It plays nightly over the World Showcase Lagoon (usually at 9 P.M.) and is a tribute to the different nations of the World Showcase. In terms of sheer beauty, IllumiNations is hard to beat, and it's the favorite show of the adults we surveyed.
DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS
Not surprisingly, there are several great shows at this show-biz themed park. Young kids are dazzled by the popular Voyage of the Little Mermaid; older kids can better appreciate the Broadway-style pizazz of Beauty and the Beast; but don't overlook The Hunchback of Notre Dame stage show, a charmingly low-tech offering that many families state was their favorite.
In the evening, it's a no-brainer. Everyone in the park heads for the nightly showing of Fantasmic!, my vote for the best Disney stage show anywhere. The characters turn out in full force for this multi-media assault on the senses, in which poor Mickey must single-handedly battle every bad guy in the Disney book. Does innocence overcome evil in time to guarantee a happy ending? Do you even have to ask?
ANIMAL KINGDOM
The Animal Kingdom is the only theme park without a big closing show, but its sleeper hit Festival of the Lion King, packs in the crowds all day long. Simba and crew are on hand to whip the kids into a frenzy. The music is infectious, the costumes the best and the aerialist birds and gymnastic tumblemonkeys will amaze you with their athleticism.
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Last but certainly not least, don't overlook the amazing Cirque du Soleil. Don't expect lions, elephants or men shot from cannons--the 70 gifted athletes who stage this show use props, sets, costumes and their bodies to tell a story and completely transport the audience into the dreamlike world of this unique show.
Because this show isn't in one of the theme parks, there is a separate charge and it's a steep one--$95 in category 1 seating and $77 in category 2 seating for adults, $76 in category 1 seating and $62 in category 2 seating for kids ages 3-9 years--but the families I spoke with were absolutely wowed by the show and stressed there's certainly nothing like this at home. Call 407-939-7600 for details and reservations.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in November 2000.
Update March 2006
