The Best of the Best: Every Show You Need to See at Disney

There are many forms of entertainment to partake in around Walt Disney World. Spend an afternoon bowling at Disney Springs, become a magician's assistant at the Boardwalk, or sit back and relax with dinner and a show at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Let's face it, the entertainment possibilities are endless at Walt Disney World, but I want to share a few of my favorite shows with you.

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

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This show has you follow a family through the turn of the 20th Century and into the future. The theme song is catchy and the family's a hoot. I think I enjoy this show so much because the narrator, John, reminds me of my dad. He's into storytelling and history, he's a bit corny, and he loves his family. My favorite scene is when he's trying to tell a story and his wife, Sarah, keeps interrupting. Their dog, Rover, starts barking while Sarah's talking and John says, "Rover, don't interrupt while Sarah's interrupting." It feels as if Walt Disney was sitting in our living room as he was writing the script for this show. Ha. Did you know Walt created this show for the 1964-1965 World's Fair in New York City? Watch this classic and see if your family falls into any of the scenes.

Oh, and look for someone special at the end of the show. . .

Does she look familiar? It's the lovely owner of Kingdom Concierge, Alison Weaver!

Does she look familiar? It's the lovely owner of Kingdom Concierge, Alison Weaver!

The American Adventure and Voices of Liberty

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Although grouped together, these are two separate shows that take place in the American pavilion in Epcot. Voices of Liberty is a form of live entertainment, while the American Adventure has animatronics and a large screen used to tell us the story of the USA. In my opinion, you can't have one without the other.

Voices of Liberty takes place in the downstairs rotunda of the pavilion. The acapella group sings patriotic songs that are sure to lift your spirits. Their voices are beautiful and extremely powerful. You’ll leave the performance feeling awestruck.

The American Adventure takes you back in time to before America was America. You are shown the journey from Britain owned colonies to the United States of America; the good, the bad, and everything in between. The songs and illustrations are inspirational and make you feel like you are experiencing this journey in real time, not from a cushy seat.

Voices of Liberty followed by the American Adventure is sure to fill you with American pride. You will have heard and seen the struggles we went through to become the great nation that we are today.

Country Bear Jamboree

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This one will have you singing the tunes long after you’ve left the show and far after you’ve left the parks.

A punster’s paradise: the show opens with three friends just hangin’ around. Then, out come the Bears. Each bear performs his/her own song showcasing their daily lives. It’s brilliant. If you aren’t quick enough, the puns (and maybe even a bear) will fly right over your head. This show isn’t for the easily offended, or too serious of a person. It was meant to bring laughs and help you forget your worries, and by joe, it does. You’ll be clappin’ and foot stompin’ before you know it. 
Fun fact: it is one of the very last attractions Walt Disney helped create.

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

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Who doesn’t like birds that sing and tell an occasional pun? I know I do. This attraction was created by Walt himself and debuted in Disneyland in 1963. It was the first-of-its-kind, bringing about the technology to synchronize multiple animatronics visually, audibly, and physically at once. You are immersed in island life, where tropical birds, flowers, and even tiki statues come to life to entertain you. Watcher, beware, you will be hypnotized by the enchanting, lovely music, and before you know it, you’ve angered the island gods.

Impressions de France

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Escape the present with the entrancing soundtrack and breathtaking scenery. Stroll through a country market, scale the French Alps, or float high above the cliffs in a hot air balloon. Visit castles. Hear the bells of a cathedral. Smell the flowers in the gardens at Versailles. Taste the pastries, sip the wine. Race down the mountainside and swim in the sea. Visit France, if only for a moment. You’ll want to book an Adventures by Disney before the film is over. (Good thing you have a travel agent who can take care of that for you, ahem.)

Electrical Water Pageant

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This water parade has been happening as far back as I can remember. Growing up, my family stayed at the Contemporary Resort, and we would watch this every night before bed. I love the songs and accompanying mystical floats. I love that it ends with a patriotic medley. I love that I can still hear and sing the songs, even after not seeing it for several years. Thankfully, it still runs multiple times each night, so when I'm not staying at the Contemporary, I can watch it from other areas: outside of Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian Village, the Ticket and Transportation Center, Wilderness Lodge, and Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground.

The shows I've mentioned above are only a few of the many fantastic entertainments Walt Disney World has to offer. Be sure to ask your KC agent about their favorites or other entertainment opportunities.

Happy Travels,

Libbi Verdell

I have always loved all things Disney. Birthday parties, movies, vacations, outfit choices, and home furnishings have been centered around my love for Disney. Disney was even incorporated into my wedding. I have a passion for planning and being orga…

I have always loved all things Disney. Birthday parties, movies, vacations, outfit choices, and home furnishings have been centered around my love for Disney. Disney was even incorporated into my wedding. I have a passion for planning and being organized. Every detail is important, and when it comes to Disney vacations details are important. Some find it overwhelming, but that's when my passion comes into play. I enjoy and will take care of every detail to make sure your trip is as Magical as every one of mine.