All the best live Disneyland shows to see today at Disneyland with complete recap for 2023. Live performances at Disneyland Resort are one of the things that makes this theme park so outstanding. There are so many options to choose from from full scale productions each night, to Broadway style musicals to pop-up bands and singers throughout the parks.
Whether you’re at Disneyland for 2 days, 5 days or enjoy year-round access with a Magic Key pass, you’re sure to find some new and old favorites in this list of best live Disneyland shows—including Rogers: The Musical. In this article, we’ll explore the best shows in Disneyland that are not to be missed!
Table of Contents
Complete List of Live Disneyland Shows
There are a ton! This is the complete list of live shows regularly running in 2023, although not each of them run daily. Take a look and then I’ll go over the best ones in more detail throughout this article.
Live Shows at Disneyland Park
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- The Bootstrappers: Pirate band performing in New Orleans Square
- The Dapper Dans: acapella chorus performing on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Disneyland Band: various performance spots including Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A.
- Disneyland Parades: seasonal parades throughout the year
- Encanto Projection show: a short show on the facade of “it’s a small world” featuring our favorite Encnato music
- Fireworks: various shows throughout the year and seasonally
- Flag Retreat Ceremony: each afternoon at the flag pole on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Fantasmic! A special effects show featuring Mickey Mouse on the Rivers of America
- Golden Horseshoe Piano Player: Dine and enjoy piano music inside this quick service eatery in Frontierland
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The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural
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Nightly Projections: one of the famous nighttime spectaculars set to your favorite Disney stories like Jungle Book, Finding Nemo and more
- Pearly Band: performing entertainment in Fantasyland
- Pixar Pals Dance Party: join in the dancing fun with favorite Pixar characters each night
- Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band: Jazz music in New Orleans Square
- Storytelling at Royal Theatre: one of the best places to spot Disney Princesses, usually Belle or Rapunzel in a quick reenactment of their fairy tale
- The Straw Hatters: live band on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Tale of the Lion King: live show with plenty of seating and show times in Fantasyland
Live Shows at Disney California Adventure Park
- The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Man stage show high above Avengers Campus
- Avengers Assemble!: catch this show as you walk through Avengers Campus, almost everywhere offers a great spot for viewing
- Citizens of Buena Vista Street: interact and have a great time with these fun Cast Members on Buena Vista Street
- Coco – A Musical Celebration during Halloween Time
- Disney Junior Dance Party!: arrive about 30 minute early for good seats (floor searing) up close to the action and Disney Junior characters
- Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts: in Avengers Campus
- Five & Dime: walk up and have a good time with female jazz singer named Dime singing on Buena Vista Street
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!: watch and dance with your favorites from Guardians of the Galaxy just outside the attraction
- Operation: Playtime! – featuring the Green Army Patrol: watch them march by and join in some audience participate in this mini, fun parade for kids
- Paradise Garden Bandstand: tons of different musicians play here especially during summer months and special events
- Rogers: The Musical new at California Adventure (concluded, now longer showing)
- Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciples of the Dora Milaje: daily in Avengers Campus
- World of Color: nighttime entertainment staple in front of Paradise Bay and Pixar Pier
Keep reading to see which Disneyland shows you should plan for, which ones are great for a last minute break and so much more.
Must-See Live Disneyland Shows
Earlier I gave you an entire list of live Disneyland shows and I think most of them are worth seeing (although I wouldn’t squeeze all of them into one trip). But here I’m going to be totally opinion based and share my personal must-see live Disneyland shows.
Live Shows at Disneyland Park
- Disneyland Parades especially my favorite that is now showing, Magic Happens
- Flag Retreat Ceremony is some thing I throw into the mix every now and again I love the patriotism and tributes to some of America’s finest.
- Nightly Projections are a must-see for me. Fireworks are fun too but don’t sleep on the projections, even if they’re sans fireworks.
Live Shows at Disney California Adventure Park
- Coco – A Musical Celebration during Halloween Time
- Five & Dime is one I almost always stop for a quick tapping of the feet. Great music and vocals.
- Paradise Garden Bandstand if you can coordinate a show time with a meal, this is an awesome spot to unwind and enjoy especially when it is the Mariachi Divas.
- World of Color, dessert party style only please.
Plan Ahead for These Disneyland Shows
Since you’re here reading about Disneyland tips on The Happiest Blog on Earth, it’s likely that you prefer to plan ahead. And you’re in good company!
Planning ahead for certain Disneyland shows will get you the best viewing opportunities and help you make the most of your Disneyland vacation. These are the best live Disneyland shows to see when you plan ahead or just want an extra special experience or upgrade with the show.
Disneyland Parades
It’s true that Disneyland parades can be viewed from various areas in the park. The good news is there is a spot for everyone, whether you plan in advance or just want to catch a glimpse at the last minute.
Special perks come to those who plan in advance for Disneyland parade viewing and/or would like to book an upgraded experience. Here are my favorite parade viewing options:
- Pay with your time. Show up to your desired parade viewing location about 2 hours before the show begins.
2. Pay with money and still a bit of time. Book a dining package here and type “Plaza Inn Dining Packages” into the search bar. This option secures you a great viewing area, plus a meal before the parade. You’ll show up at the designated viewing area about an hour or so before the parade.
Disneyland Fireworks
There are so many incredible Disneyland fireworks viewing locations. Some coveted spots take a lot of advanced planning and some of the best spots can be joined at the last minute.
It really depends on your goals, and also if you’d like to secure special viewing locations only available for an extra fee. Either way, you’ll want to be sure to check the calendar to make sure fireworks are scheduled for your visit.
Here are some of the most popular fireworks viewing options:
- Pay with your time. Many people consider front and center of Sleeping Beauty Castle to be the very best. I personally share many other best options here, but if you want this spot plan to arrive at least 3 hours early, sometimes even earlier on high-demand nights like the 4th of July or the debut of a new fireworks show. I got this spot once because a friend of mine was willing to pay with his time while I showed up about 90 minutes before because you can’t hold a huge space with no one in it for that long.
2. Pay with money. This is the best way to view fireworks and not be surrounded by a ton of people. Plus, it’s very VIP. One way is by securing a VIP tour guide (expensive!) and one way is by booking a reserved spot at Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace. Our family loved this experience!
Keep reading to see how you can also score a last minute spot for fireworks if you feel the time or money isn’t worth the investment.
Fantasmic!
Please note Fantastic is not currently running and expects to return in 2024. Fantasmic ranks among the top Disneyland shows, its classic storytelling and showmanship has entertained generations.
Here are some of the ways to get a great view for Fantasmic!:
- Pay with your time. Show up early—about 90 minutes before showtime. There will be ropes sectioning off viewing areas and you’ll be able to get into the best free viewing areas at that time. It might not always be front row, but you’ll get some of the better free spaces.
2. Pay with money and still a bit of time. Book a dining package here and type “Hungry Dining Packages”, Blue Bayou” or “River Belle Terrace Dining Packages” into the search bar. Hungry Bear and Blue Bayou option secures you a great viewing area, plus a meal before the show. You’ll show up at the designated viewing area about an hour or so beforehand.
For River Belle Terrace, you’ll actually dine and view from your seat at the restaurant. It’s the only Fantasmic viewing option with an actual chair. The seating is elevated and umbrellas will be lowered.
World of Color
World of Color has grown on me and in part by the upgraded experience I think everyone should try at least once.
The absolute best World of Color viewing options:
- Pay with money. Book a dining package here and type “World of Color Dessert Party” into the search bar. It is an incredible experience ($$$) where you get actual seats and desserts to enjoy during the show. See my review here.
2. The next best viewing areas are from upgrading to a dining package. Book a dining package here and type “Storytellers Cafe” or “Wine Country Trattoria” into the search bar.
These options secure you a great viewing area, plus a meal before the show. You’ll show up at the designated viewing area about an hour or so beforehand.
Last Minute Best Live Disneyland Shows
There are always ways to snag a last minute spot for Disneyland shows. Sometimes these are even the best ones!
Disneyland Park shows that cater to walk up and last minute viewing:
- The Bootstrappers
- The Dapper Dans
- Disneyland Band
- Flag Retreat Ceremony
- Fantasmic! (second show)
- Golden Horseshoe Piano Player
- The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural
- Jambalaya Jazz
- Nightly Projections
- Pearly Band
- Pixar Pals Dance Party
- Ragtime Piano
- The Straw Hatters
- Tale of the Lion King (seats don’t usually fill up and you can drop in during)
California Adventure Park shows that cater to walk up and last minute viewing:
- The Amazing Spider-Man (show up about 5 minutes prior if possible)
- Avengers Assemble!
- Citizens of Buena Vista Street (strike up a conversation anytime they’re out)
- Coco – A Musical Celebration happening during Halloween Time
- Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts (show up about 10 minutes prior)
- Five & Dime
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
- Operation: Playtime! – featuring the Green Army Patrol
- Paradise Garden Bandstand
- Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciples of the Dora Milaje
- World of Color (second show)
Nighttime Live Disneyland Shows
We’ve covered most of the nighttime live entertainment shows in earlier sections. But sure to read this article that specifically covers Disneyland Night Shows!
The best Disneyland Resort nighttime shows in my opinion are:
- Any parade at it’s later showing if it happens to be after dark
- Projections with or without fireworks
- World of Color
Best Live Disneyland Shows for Kids
What Disneyland shows will hold your kids’ attention? Of course it depends on the child but here are several my kids have loved over the years, along with nieces, nephews and little cousins.
Best Kid Shows at Disneyland Park
- Disneyland Band, especially when they play in front of the castle and are joined by Mickey and friends.
- Disneyland Parades
- Nightly Projections with or without fireworks if they can stay up late enough.
- Pixar Pals Dance Party, no waiting around required just show up at the designated time listed on the Disneyland app under entertainment.
- Storytelling at Royal Theatre for live retelling of favorite Disney fairytales. Be sure to arrive about 30 minutes early.
- Tale of the Lion King, you can arrive last minute to this one too.
Best Kid Shows at Disney California Adventure Park
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- Avengers Assemble! This shows many times throughout the day and is easy to catch.
- Disney Junior Dance Party!
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! Even if they don’t know the characters, kids love to dance.
- Operation: Playtime! – featuring the Green Army Patrol from Toy Story
Best Live Disneyland Shows for Teens
What Disneyland shows will teens stop and enjoy for a minute or two? Here’s the short list of which shows my teens think are the best.
Live Shows at Disneyland Park for Teens
- Disneyland Parades
- Fireworks
- Flag Retreat Ceremony
- Fantasmic!
- Nightly Projections
Live Shows at Disney California Adventure Park for Teens
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
- Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciples of the Dora Milaje
- World of Color
Retired Live Disneyland Shows
Since Disneyland opened in 1955 there have been countless retired shows. I won’t attempt to name them all, but I do have a short list of some of the most recently retired shows that you might be wondering about.
Retired Shows at Disneyland Park
- Mickey and the Magical Map
Retired Shows at Disney California Adventure Park
- Rogers; The Musical (Summer 2023)
- Frozen —Live at the Hyperion (2016-2022)
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Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular (2003-216)
Before you head out, don’t forget to get your discount Disneyland tickets here with my partners at Get Away Today.
Which shows do you think are the best live Disneyland shows?
