How do you see all the shows in each park?

[DestinationDisney]

Its come to my attention that I missed out on quite a few really great shows while I was in WDW this past February. I was on the "picture a day" post and saw pictures of all the different shows in all of the Disney parks. Apparently, I've missed out on all of them!!

I have yet to see the Festival of the Lion King show, Little Mermaid show, Pocahantas and Friends show, and the Beauty and the Beast show!! Oh, I also haven't seen the Lights Motors Action show either!

I guess we didn't plan our days very well when we were there 7 months ago, so I'd like to be better prepared when we are there this time around. I think part of it had to do with the fact that when we were in MGM, it downpoured and we were only there for 1/2 a day. We only had time to do the Backlot Tour and Great Movie Ride before we had our dinner reservations and Fantasmic show which took up the bulk of our time.

Can you let me in on your little secrets of how you best plan out your day? I don't think there is a way to find out show times for December, so I won't be able to plan EVERYTHING out.

Thanks!!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

this is easy if you have time. every time we goto WDW we plan for 2 days at each park with 1 day as a extra (bad weather day) see shows on day and do rides and next day rides and if there is a show we missed. no commando style here. did commando in 2003 and 2004. needed a vacation afterwards. 2005 we ralxed even got time at hotel room to relax in pool/hot tub. plan more time if you can.

 

[lbarnes]

I have yet to get Beauty & the Beast worked in, and it's a show I really want to see ... just hasn't worked out. Festival of the Lion King is not to be missed as it is absolutely my favorite. I think the best way is to get a schedule when you get to WDW (available at resorts or park entrances), and check to see the times that the shows run. When we were there a year ago, I believe Lights, Motor, Action only ran a couple times a day, so we picked what time we were going, and then worked other things around it. And, Steve Soares has a page (can't remember the URL) and he posts a lot of times for everything in the parks. This might give you a better idea before you get to WDW. Anybody out there remember the URL? Seems like it's a prodigy site????

 

[dlaushey]

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

Definitely use Steve’s site!

 

[DestinationDisney]

See, this time around we'll be there from Dec 25-30th. So it will be really busy and I don't know what our chances are of seeing everything. I think we'll skip some of the rides this time and try to see some of the shows instead...although I really do like the rides .

We usually only do 4 or 5 day trips to WDW bc we can't afford to stay any longer so 2 days for each park is out for us. Here is our schedule for this time around:

Dec 25 - Magic Kingdom
Dec 26 - Epcot
Dec 27 - MGM
Dec 28 - Magic Kingdom
Dec 29 - Free Day

We weren't thinking of going to AK at all this trip, but now that I really want to see the 2 shows there...I'm considering trying to fit it in.

 

[DestinationDisney]

Thanks so much for the advice and the link to Steve's site. I can't believe how stressful planning a vacation can be! I really give the first-timers a lot of credit...I can hardly do it and I've been to WDW quite a few times!

 

[erinch]

AT AK, Festival of the Lion is worth the trip. I don't know that I'd personally make the time to see Pocohontas; it was rather lacklust IMO. But the Flights of Wonder show is wonderful and also a must see.

 

[DestinationDisney]

Can you give me a little reasoning why you weren't crazy over Pocahantas? Just curious, as I've never seen it before!

 

[tmt martins]

We work our days and rides around the shows if we are doing them. Some are not to be missed but some if you've seen them then a few skips are no big deal.

 

[Ltl Mermaid]

I personally thought Pocahontas was rather borning unless you have very young children. I do not have kids so I saw it once (I try to do everything at least once) and decided I would never do it again!

 

[DestinationDisney]

I'm thinking we might skip Pocahantas...it does seem more geared towards children and considering we don't have much time, I think we'll just pop in for the FOTLK.

Also...can you get fast passes for shows? Or is this only for rides?

Oh, and does anyone know what "Mulch, Sweat, and Shears" is over at MGM??

 

[DestinationDisney]

Also, are there any "shows" at the Magic Kingdom other than the new Dream Along With Mickey show that has replaced Cinderellabration?

 

[snowwhite84]

I would agree to skipping Pocahontas, but FOTLK is great! Also, what is Dream Along with Mickey? I've never heard of it, it replaced Cinderellabrartion?

 

[Becky521]

AT AK, Festival of the Lion is worth the trip. I don't know that I'd personally make the time to see Pocohontas; it was rather lacklust IMO. But the Flights of Wonder show is wonderful and also a must see.

My thoughts exactly. My kids were 4,7,and 10 when we saw Pocahontas and they didn't even like it. This was 9 years ago so maybe it has changed but she showed a skunk and I think a squirrel. WE didn't like it but I am sure there are people who love it.

We will be at the MK on Christmas too. Us and about a zillion others

 

[DestinationDisney]

Also, what is Dream Along with Mickey? I've never heard of it, it replaced Cinderellabrartion?

Yes, it did...its more of a Mickey & Friends theme, rather than just the princesses.

We will be at the MK on Christmas too. Us and about a zillion others

I know! I'm excited to be there on Christmas, yet I'm dreading the crowds!

 

[johnvree]

this is easy if you have time. every time we goto WDW we plan for 2 days at each park with 1 day as a extra (bad weather day) see shows on day and do rides and next day rides and if there is a show we missed. no commando style here. did commando in 2003 and 2004. needed a vacation afterwards. 2005 we ralxed even got time at hotel room to relax in pool/hot tub. plan more time if you can.

This is what we do too. If you have the time, spend two days in each park. We even do two days (close to half days) at DAK.

 

[erinch]

Pocahontas reminded me of a kindergarten teacher running a show and tell with live pets. Very slow moving....again in my opinion. My DD was 8 at the time and wanted to leave very soon after it started.