Top 5 Live Shows at Walt Disney World

It should come as no surprise that as an entertainment company, the Walt Disney World Resort is home to some of the best live performances around. If you’re looking for Broadway-style musical performances or maybe something a little more educational about the world around us, there are plenty of options for different live performances at the theme parks. From classic family experiences to epic nighttime finales, read on to discover my top five picks for the best shows at Walt Disney World.

5 – Voices of Liberty

Voices of Liberty is an acapella group that performs daily in the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT. They are an iconic group singing inspiring songs celebrating America’s spirit and beauty. During the holiday season, they will sing classic holiday music. When you hear them perform in the pavilion’s rotunda, prepare to get goosebumps.

4 – Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

Hollywood Studios’ live performance of Beauty and the Beast is one of the best family attractions in the park. For a park where thrill rides and shows are the name of the game, it can be tricky to find something that interests each member of the family. While I do not believe that Beauty and the Beast is the best live show at Walt Disney World, hence its location in the number five spot on this list, I do think that it is one of the best family attractions at Hollywood Studios. The show is a mix of classic Disney theme park entertainment and Broadway-style performances. It’s a re-telling of the story from the film, so it has a sense of familiarity for guests and can easily be entertaining for each member of the family. While it is an excellent performance, the primary reason why I’ve placed it at number five is simply because it’s dated. If you saw the show in the 1990s when it first debuted, chances are it has not changed much over the years.

3 – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond

“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” is one of the most surprisingly great shows at Walt Disney World. The show was reimagined and updated in 2022, and the show still holds the charm and heart of the original show. Considering Finding Nemo is not a musical, it’s striking how good the show is because the songs from the show are now so connected to Finding Nemo. “Big Blue World” is so iconic now we’ve got this show to thank for that. The show’s unique style, including allowing the puppets and puppeteers to be seen by the audience, is another reason why this show is so special and a must-see show!

2 – Festival of the Lion King  

Festival of the Lion King has repeatedly been a fan favorite for live shows at Walt Disney World since its opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One of my favorite things about this show is that it is not a simple re-telling of the movie; instead, it is an entirely different celebration featuring some of the well-known characters from the film that we’ve all come to know and love. Another great feature of this show is the level of audience participation that is involved, which makes this an active experience for guests watching the show. Unlike many other live stage productions, this show also features a wider variety of performers, including fire breathers and acrobats.

1 – Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is the ultimate nighttime entertainment experience that is sure to wow everyone in your family. The original storyline, water and pyrotechnic effects, and an excellent soundtrack make this the best show in Walt Disney World. Whether you’ve spent the day in Hollywood Studios or you’re just showing up to catch that last performance of Fantasmic! there is no better way to end a day at Walt Disney World than relaxing and enjoying the epic finale in this performance.