Top 10 Shows at the Disneyland Resort You Shouldn’t Miss on Your Trip
Anyone who has enjoyed Disneyland shows and entertainment knows they are not to be missed! With several incredible spectacles featuring lively characters, beautiful lights, and stunning special effects, Disney is truly unparalleled the entertainment industry. While no one will argue how fun the rides are at the park, it's simply not a trip to Disneyland without experiencing the entertainment.
Luckily for you, today we're exploring the top ten Disneyland shows so you don't have to miss a single one. Keep reading for everything you need to know about these Disneyland shows, so you can find the best picks for your family.
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1. Fireworks
Disneyland Fireworks light up the sky all throughout the year – not just on the Fourth of July – at Disneyland Resort! These are without a doubt some of the most beloved Disneyland shows that are offered. We highly recommend them! Like parades, firework shows change seasonally. Click here to find out what is currently being offered.
Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
Time of Show: Typicall shows every night at 9:30 PM during peak season and weekends in the off season.
Length of Wait: Expect to wait up to an hour or more if you have a specific preferred viewing location. Naturally, the closer to the castle you want to be, the sooner you should line up. If you don't care about being close, the fireworks can be viewed from several locations throughout the park without waiting in line, although views are sometimes partially obstructed.
Length of Show: About 15 minutes
Recommended For: Absolutely everyone!
Seating and Accessibility: While people are saving seats they will often sit, but once the fireworks start, most stand. Wheelchairs are allowed everywhere, though we'd recommend a location off to the side rather than the middle of the crowd so you can see around those that are standing.
Bonus Tips: Lining up early for a good fireworks spot? Take advantage of the food carts around Main Street, U.S.A.! Send one member of your party to pick up corndogs, churros, popcorn, and more for a better – and tastier – waiting experience.
2. Fantasmic!
In addition to fireworks, Disneyland offers nighttime spectaculars, special evening Disneyland shows that feature a variety of fun special effects. It's very possible that these are my very favorite of all Disneyland shows. They feature the perfect end to your day.
Starting again soon, enjoy Fantasmic! in Disneyland – a fun show on the Rivers of America that celebrates imagination and features pyrotechnics, projections, music, and all your favorite characters including Mickey Mouse!
Location: The Rivers of America in Disneyland
Time of Show: Shows are typically performed twice daily. Availability is subject to change, so make sure to check out Disneyland's official daily schedule here as you are making your plans.
Length of Wait: These are FastPass events. While you can sometimes get spots on standby, we definitely recommend getting FastPasses early in the day for the best viewing. As stated on the FastPass, you'll be allowed to line up a half hour prior to performance time. For the best seats in your assigned section, we recommend showing up even earlier than that, up to an hour before the show begins.
Length of Show: About 25 minutes
Recommended For: Everybody! These Disneyland shows can often easily be the most magical part of your vacation.
Seating and Accessibility: Ground seating. Make sure to inform a Cast Member if you have a wheelchair in your party, as there is specific wheelchair-accessible seating.
Bonus Tips: For a fun viewing option, take advantage of Dining Packages, which include a delicious meal and a reserved seat to view the show without having to wait in line for the best spot. Find more information about Fantasmic Dining Packages here .
3. World of Color
You can also enjoy World of Color over at California Adventure which is their main nighttime spectacular!
Location: Paradise Bay in California Adventure
Time of Show: Shows are typically performed twice daily during peak season. Availability is subject to change, so make sure to check out Disneyland's official daily schedule here as you are making your plans.
Length of Wait: These are FastPass events. While you can sometimes get spots on standby, we definitely recommend getting FastPasses early in the day for the best viewing. As stated on the FastPass, you'll be allowed to line up a half hour prior to performance time. For the best seats in your assigned section, we recommend showing up even earlier than that, up to an hour before the show begins.
Length of Show: About 25 minutes
Recommended For: Everybody! These Disneyland shows can often easily be the most magical part of your vacation.
Seating and Accessibility: Standing. Make sure to inform a Cast Member if you have a wheelchair in your party, as there is specific wheelchair-accessible seating.
Bonus Tips: For a fun viewing option, consider enjoying the Dessert Party which is the only seated option for World of Color.
4. Parade
Parades are without a doubt some of the most popular Disneyland shows! And with offerings changing seasonally, there will always be something new for you to enjoy.
Disneyland is currently showing the Main Street Electrical Parade featuring your favorite Disney characters and millions of lights.
Location: Through Fantasyland and Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland
Time of Show: Varies. Currently, the Main Street Electrical parade performs nightly at 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm. Again, we encourage you to look at the current schedule so you don't miss anything, as offerings are subject to change.
Length of Wait: For good seats, expect to wait up to an hour or longer. If you have a small group and don't prioritize being on the front row, you can usually find a spot and enjoy the parade right as it starts. We recommend catching the second showing of the Main Street Electrical Parade for no waiting for a front row seat.
Length of Show: Parades are typically around 45 minutes
Recommended For: Everybody!
Seating and Accessibility: Curbside and sidewalk seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to ask a cast member for suggestions on where and when to line up.
Bonus Tips: Parade performers will often try to give your children a wave or some special attention if they're wearing their costume. Parades are a great time for children to dress up!
5. Tale of the Lion King
A Tale of the Lion King is a live performance celebrating the story of the Lion King with beautiful musical performances that every guest will appreciate.
Location: The Fantasyland Theatre right next to the entrance of Mickey's ToonTown
Time of Show: Several times daily. Find the official list of showtimes here.
Length of Wait: We recommend showing up 20 minutes prior to showtime for the best seats, but if you don't care where you sit, you may be able to get a seat without waiting
Length of Show: 22 minutes
Recommended For: The whole family! The show takes place under a covered theatre, so it's a nice shady, spot for hotter days as well.
Seating and Accessibility: Bench seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wheelchair space is available.
Bonus Tips: You're welcome to bring food and drinks into the theatre! How about dinner and a show? The Troubadour Tavern is located right outside the theatre and offers several delicious meal and snack options
6. The Enchanted Tiki Room
It may look like any old building from the outside, but once you're inside you'll find that every aspect of this room has been musically enchanted! Surprises are waiting at the end of every verse and chorus. As the first audio-animatronic show Disney ever produced in 1963, this is a beloved classic that you won't want to miss!
Location: Right inside Adventureland
Time of Show: This show runs about every 20 minutes all day
Length of Wait: At peak times, you'll typically wait for about 20 minutes. If you time it right and they have the space, you may be able to walk right in as a show is starting without waiting.
Length of Show: 15 minutes
Recommended For: This is a favorite among kids, but it's also a must for lovers of all-things classic Disney! This is another great pick for those needing a break from the hot sun or the rain.
Seating and Accessibility: Guests will sit on benches. Those desiring extra back support should sit in the back against the wall. Wheelchair space is provided.
Bonus Tips: Don't forget to buy a Pineapple Dole Whip to complete your tropical experience! Many people don't realize there are two lines to get one. You can actually order a treat from the inside of the Enchanted Tiki Room's queue area and avoid standing in the extremely long line on the other side.
7. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a historical and inspirational audio-animatronic stage Disneyland show featuring the beloved President Abraham Lincoln. It was featured at the 1964 World's Fair and has been presented at Disneyland since 1965. It may be old, but it never fails to make me emotional – it truly is a great moment not to be missed. Make sure it makes your list of must see Disneyland shows!
Location: Main Street, U.S.A
Time of Show: This show runs every 20 minutes all day
Length of Show: 15 minutes
Length of Wait: There is never a line
Recommended For: This show is perfect for those who love American history as well Disney history, as this is truly a Walt Disney classic. The audio-animatronics are stunning, especially when considering how old they are.
Seating and Accessibility: Comfortable chairs are provided and wheelchair space is offered
Bonus Tips: Looking to cool off on a hot day or seek immediate shelter from a sudden rainstorm? Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a great solution! This is one many people walk by without realizing how amazing it is, but it is truly a do-not-miss!
8. Turtle Talk with Crush
Everyone's favorite cool turtle, Crush, invites you to an interactive live chat with him and his favorite pals from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory! Participants will be invited to ask him questions, and he may ask you some, too! It's almost like magic. This is kind of hidden and easy to accidentally miss, so make sure you keep your eye out for it!
Location: The Animation Academy building inside Hollywood Land in Disney's California Adventure
Time of Show: This show runs about every 20 minutes all day
Length of Wait: For the best seats we recommend getting in line as soon as the previous show begins. This means you'll be waiting about 20 minutes.
Length of Show: About 17 minutes
Recommended For: While kids may especially love the characters, teenagers and adults will still be fascinated by the technology that allows Crush to have actual conversations with the audience. This is another great pick for those needing a break from the hot sun or the rain.
Seating and Accessibility: Comfortable chairs are provided and wheelchair space is offered
Bonus Tips: For a better chance at getting picked to talk to Crush, sit in the front or on the aisle. And don't miss the other fun offerings in the Animation Academy building including the Sorcerer's Workshop and the Beast's Library, where you can take a quiz to find out which Disney character you're most like.
9. Storytelling at the Royal Theatre
Join the Imperial Players for comedic retellings of scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. Sit back, relax, enjoy the show – and prepare to laugh! This fun, small theatre provides an up-close look at some of your favorite fairytales and Disney moments.
Location: Right next to Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Fantasy Faire on Main Street, U.S.A.
Time of Show: There are several shows daily. Visit Disneyland's official website for a specific schedule here.
Length of Wait: For the best seats, the wait will be about 30 minutes
Length of Show: 22 minutes
Recommended For: Children and fairytale-lovers will be delighted by this, but the added humor and creative storytelling will be fun for the whole family
Seating and Accessibility: Benches are provided for viewers. If you don't want to stay for the whole show, you're always welcome to stand in the back for a few moments as you pass through. There is seating on the ground in the very front for children.
Bonus Tips: This is a great opportunity for your kids to see some of their favorite fairytale characters up close without having to wait in a long line.
10. Disney Junior – Live on Stage
Your little ones will love singing and dancing along to some of their very favorite character puppets on stage like Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Mickey Mouse! This colorful and interactive show could easily be the highlight of the trip for your Disney Junior fans. Be prepared for some fun surprises for one of the most energetic Disneyland shows!
Location: Hollywood Land in Disney's California Adventure
Time of Show: There are several shows daily. For specific showtimes, check out the official website here.
Length of Wait: Around a half hour, but sometimes longer depending on the day
Length of Show: 18 minutes
Recommended For: Children and preschoolers
Seating and Accessibility: There are a few benches, but most of the seating is on the floor. Wheelchair space is provided.
Bonus Tips: Want to join the show? Pick up a Made with Magic Connected Ear Hat here! These illuminating interactive hats will colorfully glow along to the DJ's picks during the performance.
Plan Your Disneyland Trip Today!
Now that you know about all the incredible Disneyland shows offered, it's the perfect time to start planning your vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth. To get started, subscribe to our FREE deals newsletter for access to exclusive content and deals you won't find anywhere else. Check it out HERE! Don't forget to check out some of our other helpful planning guides:
- Best Times to Visit Disneyland 2022
- Best Disneyland Souvenirs 2022
- Disneyland Restaurant Reviews and Tips
- Disneyland FastPass Guide
- Booking Disneyland Packages
Thank you so much for joining us as we explore the Top 10 Disneyland Shows! Enjoy your vacation!
Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.
O’ Hope to have the best entertainment for my family and kids! I can’t wait to visit Disneyland with my family and friends. I haven’t been to Disneyland since 1998, my senior grad night with some of my friends. I know I’m going to have a night of my time. My kids are really going to enjoy Disneyland and have a magical time.