Broadway-style shows on the Fantasy

[PHamrick]

As far as I can tell, there are three Broadway-style musical shows on the Fantasy: Aladdin, Wishes and Believe.

I love musical theater, good, bad or indifferent. I just enjoy the spectacle. However, I'm not sure if everyone (kids, 7 and 5) and husband will sit through three nights of shows when there are so many things to experience as well.

Can you tell me which ones you liked and specifically, why? I know everyone has different tastes, but I'm trying to get a feel for all of them. THank you!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

As far as I can tell, there are three Broadway-style musical shows on the Fantasy: Aladdin, Wishes and Believe.

I love musical theater, good, bad or indifferent. I just enjoy the spectacle. However, I'm not sure if everyone (kids, 7 and 5) and husband will sit through three nights of shows when there are so many things to experience as well.

Can you tell me which ones you liked and specifically, why? I know everyone has different tastes, but I'm trying to get a feel for all of them. THank you!!

Just my opinion, but the shows on the Dream class ships aren't as good as the ones on the Magic class ships.

That said, for the Fantasy shows, I thought Aladdin was good (basically the same storyline as the movie); Wishes I liked because it was about Disneyland (3 teenagers growing up remembering their trips) and we westcoasters don't get a lot of recognition from Disney generally; Believe I would rank as fair, mostly because the storyline just didn't seem connected. But it's good in that they cover several different Disney shows during the performance.

For first time cruisers, I always recommend seeing all the shows, so that you can make your own judgement about what you like for the next cruise.

 

[2prettygirl]

I would have to say that our favorite show was Aladdin....the person playing Genie made the show! I think we enjoyed each show but for different reasons, they are just unique but yet definitely Broadway style shows! I recommend any fist time cruiser to see all the shows.

 

[jrabbit]

I've enjoyed all of the "Broadway" style shows on-board. Well except for Toy Story.

Since you love musical theater, you will love these shows. DCL actually has pretty amazing stage and effects for their productions at sea.

Aladdin is very similar to the show in Disney's California Adventure next to Disneyland. And yes, the Genie can make or break the show. Some puppets, some special effects, and great music.

Wishes (my family calls it "Ann Marie Grows Up" (Ann Marie is the main character in Disney Dreams on the Magic / Wonder). I enjoyed this show better the second time (earlier this year vs 4 years ago). Music and video kept it interesting.

Believe is the Fantasy's attempt at a "happy tears" show. Again it was better this year than 4 years ago. Lots of Disney Music - and Characters.

There is no doubt in my mind that some of these actors will end up on Broadway or in Touring Companies (have seen some former DCL performers in touring companies over the years - we're subscribers to Broadway Across America in our community). Disney does a great job of finding awesome talent.

Now for if the rest of the family will "put up with all of these shows". DCL schedules these at the same time as dinners. Early Dinner get Late Show. Late Dinner gets early Show. And they don't schedule many activities to conflict with the shows. The shows MAKE the evening!!! And they are less than an HOUR Long. Unless they are showing Star Wars or another movie....

In between Dinner Seating / Show Times there are short (30-40 minute) other activities that are easily participated in or easily skipped. When we started cruising with DCL 15 year ago, these were usually well attend. Over the years fewer people make it to them - and I don't know why that is. I Enjoy them!!!

 

[Quellman]

When we started cruising with DCL 15 year ago, these were usually well attend. Over the years fewer people make it to them - and I don't know why that is. I Enjoy them!!!

Could be that people have already seen them a bunch of times and on multiple ships. I know Disney is working to correct this, but for multiple cruises I can see how the appeal of some shows might wane over the course of platinum status.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Well except for Toy Story.

I hear you. Scott just posted about a casting call for a new Frozen show (maybe on the Wonder?). I'd support replacing Toy Story with it, even if Frozen is "getting a bit long in the tooth".
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...-new-frozen-production-for-the-disney-wonder/

I can see how the appeal of some shows might wane over the course of platinum status.

Except for the above mentioned show, I still see the shows onboard. I'm a sucker for Disney fluff.

 

[KristiMc]

I love all the shows. I would try to go to all of them. They only run about an hour or so.

 

[Quellman]

I hear you. Scott just posted about a casting call for a new Frozen show (maybe on the Wonder?). I'd support replacing Toy Story with it, even if Frozen is "getting a bit long in the tooth".
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...-new-frozen-production-for-the-disney-wonder/

Except for the above mentioned show, I still see the shows onboard. I'm a sucker for Disney fluff.

We can't stomach believe. It's the only one we can't make it through. For frame of reference, Villians Tonight is our can't miss.

 

[dclpluto]

I love all the shows on DCL except for toy story. Haven't seen tangled yet

 

[JTBE]

Just my opinion, but the shows on the Dream class ships aren't as good as the ones on the Magic class ships.

Agree. Loved the shows on Magic

 

[PHamrick]

Only an hour long? That's perfect! I mean, I would love a much longer show, but getting my kids to sit still...they love going to the theater and are relatively good in faster moving shows. We live near DC so they have been to the Kennedy Center many times, so hopefully the shows will be captivating enough for them not to miss going to other things. Thanks for all the reviews!!!

 

[KristiMc]

Only an hour long? That's perfect! I mean, I would love a much longer show, but getting my kids to sit still...they love going to the theater and are relatively good in faster moving shows. We live near DC so they have been to the Kennedy Center many times, so hopefully the shows will be captivating enough for them not to miss going to other things. Thanks for all the reviews!!!

I think they will find the shows fun. Also like someone else said, there is not much else happening on the ship during the shows because while you are watching the show, others are having dinner and vice versa.