What are your favorite shows/non-ride attractions?

[Chantelle B]

We are a couple in our 30s with no kids going to WDW and Universal for 6 days from Oct 31-Nov 5.

What have been your favorite shows/attractions (that aren't rides) in any of the parks? Does it matter what day of the week/time we go to see these attractions and why were they your favorite?

Also, do you recommend using FP+ for them (or at this time of the year can you get in anyways without too much of a wait). We will have park hopper passes for at least 4 days.

Really appreciate your opinions

 

[Klayfish]

Never been to Universal, so no comment there.

But at WDW, there are lots of good things. Are we talking fireworks too? If so, there are lots...Wishes, Star Wars, Illuminations are all awesome in their own way. Non-fireworks, my personal favorite is Festival of The Lion King...but that's not a slight on the other shows, most of them are great too.

 

[Sbk1234]

Of course, this is entirely subjective. My favorites may not be yours. For me, my favorite non-ride attraction/shows are American Adventure, Country Bears, Impressions de France, Hall of Presidents, and Tiki Room. I was just there a month or so ago and didn't use fast pass plus for any shows. However, it may be needed for Fantasmic. (We didn't see it) in any case, get there early as shows can fill up.

 

[Chantelle B]

Also...which shows are a let down and not worth the time?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

1) Star Wars fireworks show: It's probably the best fireworks show (taking ALL elements into account including projections, lasers, etc.) that we've seen. I think it would be spectacular even if one wasn't a SW fan. Truly awesome! Would recommend the dessert party -- see @yulilin3's awesome SW thread for tips and reviews.

2) Flights of Wonder in Animal Kingdom. Incredible show if you like birds, and there's a comedic aspect as well. Show is never the same twice since the animals are... unpredictable. We initially went because DS11 has always loved birds. We keep going back because we ALL enjoy the show! No FP on this one -- multiple shows a day.

3) Wishes -- we'd recommend the Ferrytale Wishes cruise. This show is just a classic... it's part of our family traditions at this point. Lovely fireworks timed beautifully with story and music -- must do for us every trip. This was our first time doing the cruise, and we'd do that again. We used to Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert party before they removed reserved seating -- don't personally think it's worth it now. We are just NOT up for staking out spots an hour or more before, so splurge on one of these parties.

I don't think that day of the week matters for any of these, personally -- just a crowd level issue in general as with everything.

And just for some background on us for context, we've seen all the shows at least once: Illuminations, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic!, Nemo, Lion King, you name it. The 3 above are the ones we'll do EVERY trip. Not so with the stage productions and the like.

 

[Chantelle B]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[californiamomofboys]

Fantasmic at HS is my favorite night time show. Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo are not to be missed if at AK. Hall of Presidents was very cool at Magic Kingdom. And at Epcot, the American Experience and Voices of Liberty are really great.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Beauty and the Beast: I always cry when Belle says "I Love You".

Indiana Jones: Ok, I'm a guy. Things Blow up. Nuf said.

Wishes means a lot to me ever since my wife's first bout with cancer. Wishes do come true!
TWICE even!

Hoop-De-Do. Ok, not in a park, but, I do love the Christmas show.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Do not miss Mickey's Philharmagic.

 

[GPC0321]

Ooo, this is my kind of thread. I'm 42, and went with my 70's aged parents. We did some rides, but have just as much fun seeing shows and soaking up the atmosphere.
So I'll just point out some things in each park we enjoyed. Some might be technically "rides", but they're not roller coaster types or anything like that. Just "dark rides" where you go along in the car from room to room immersed in scenes.
Okay. This is going to be fun. *rubs hands together and grins*
Magic Kingdom:
- Main Street, USA:
* Trolley show (very "Disney" and very cool)
* Main St. Philharmonic (really talented musicians and lots of fun)
*Main St. Vehicles (in the morning, you can ride the trolley, a double-decker bus, a firetruck, etc. down Main St.)
*WDW Railroad (you can take a relaxing train ride all the way around the perimeter of Magic Kingdom)
- Tomorrowland:
* Carousel of Progress (revolving theater with animatronic show spanning the decades. Classic attraction.)
* Peoplemover ("2nd story" tram ride that takes you on a tour of Tomorrowland. Great views especially at night.)
- Fantasyland (all three of these might be for kids, but they get points for nostalgia):
* Mickey's Philharmagic (3D film featuring Donald Duck and the famous music of Disney's movies)
* Peter Pan's Flight ("Off to Neverland!" One of the most beloved and oldest rides. Get there early or get a FP+!)
* It's a Small World (because you aren't really at Disney if that song isn't stuck in your head! Another classic.)
- Liberty Square:
* Haunted Mansion (probably the best dark ride on property. So much fun. Might be a good FP+ use too.)
* Hall of Presidents (theater show with animatronics tracing through all U.S. Presidents. Another classic.)
* Liberty Belle riverboat (relaxing riverboat ride around the Rivers of America)
-Frontierland:
*Country Bear Jamboree (another classic that deserves more love, IMO! I adore the show! So cute and funny!)
-Adventureland:
*Jungle Cruise (outdoor boat safari with animatronic animals and corny puns. Also good to do at night.)
*Pirates of the Caribbean (indoor boat dark ride, fantastic animatronics and theming, a lot of fun. Consider FP+)
*Enchanted Tiki Room (you'll swear someone slipped you some recreational drugs at some point. Trippy show.)
-Festival of Fantasy Parade (runs from Frontierland through Liberty Square, past the castle and down Main St. Great!)
-Castle show (new one is called Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire, happens several times throughout the day)
-Wishes fireworks!

EPCOT:
-Future World:
* Spaceship Earth (classic dark ride, pretty cool)
* Listen to the Land (in Land pavillion, educational boat ride, really neat)
* The Seas pavillion aquarium (skip the lame Nemo ride, the aquarium is awesome)
-World Showcase (pretty much everything here is worth seeing, but I'll list some highlights)
* Gran Fiesta boat ride (inside the big pyramid, very neat atmosphere in this place and fun little ride)
* Reflections of China (360-degree film in China pavilion, you stand up through it)
* American Adventure (theater show tracing history of USA with film and animatronics, seated)
* Voices of Liberty (AMAZING vocal group, sometimes inside where above show is, sometimes on outdoor stage)
*Impressions de France (beautiful film in France pavillion, seated)
*IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (EPCOT's fireworks show, has lasers and other stuff, great music, beautiful)

Animal Kingdom:
- Kilimanjaro Safari ("must do" when visiting this park. You'll see tons of animals. FP+ is a good idea)
- Pangani Forest Trail (if you like animals/zoos, take a stroll through this to see more animals)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (another hike to see some animals including tigers)
- Flights of Wonder (covered outdoor amphitheater show with wonderful birds)
- Festival of the Lion King (FANTASTIC! Just do it! Maybe a FP+ option)
- Finding Nemo: The Musical (I haven't seen it, but I hear it's well-done and worth seeing.)
- Jungle Book: Alive with Magic (haven't seen it, but might be worth checking out)

Hollywood Studios (Disclaimer: I'm not sure what's still open and what's closed down due to construction)
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (covered outdoor amphitheater show, exciting and iconic)
- Beauty and the Beast (another covered outdoor amphitheater show, great if you love the movie)
- Great Movie Ride (lengthy dark ride through iconic movie scenes in the Chinese Theater)
- Launch Bay (if you like Star Wars, check it out. Stormtroopers patrolling around, can meet Chewy and Kylo Ren)
- Fantasmic! (nighttime spectacular in a huge open-air amphitheater, Mickey battling evil, fireworks)
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (I saw the earlier version "Symphony in the Stars" and was absolutely gobsmacked at how amazing these fireworks were. This is a new version that is different but supposedly still amazing.)

I'm sure there are many more things, but those are the things we either did or have heard are good. Lots to see and do without ever hitting "headliner" rides at WDW! Have fun!

Edited to add: If you want to see the best show on property and can work it into the budget, the Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba show at Disney Springs is hands down the most amazing live entertainment there. If you've seen Cirque shows before, it may not be as amazing to you, but it was my first and I was AMAZED! Thoroughly enjoyable!

 

[Delirium]

We love all the shows and try and do each one on every trip. That said, my personal favorites are:

1) Mickey's Philharmagic
2) Festival of the Lion King
3) Flights of Wonder

 

[GPC0321]

Beauty and the Beast: I always cry when Belle says "I Love You".

Indiana Jones: Ok, I'm a guy. Things Blow up. Nuf said.

LOL! A softy for Belle and the Beast, but still loves to blow stuff up! Well-rounded fella!

Wishes means a lot to me ever since my wife's first bout with cancer. Wishes do come true!
TWICE even!

Yes! Kick cancer's butt! Fantastic!

Hoop-De-Do. Ok, not in a park, but, I do love the Christmas show.

Oh, I didn't know they do a special Christmas show! I haven't ever seen it, but we'll be there around Christmas in 2017. Might need to consider doing this!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

MK: Philharmagic, Tiki Room

Ep: Turtle Talk

HS: Indiana Jones, Frozen Sing Along, Launch Bay

AK: Festival of the Lion King

 

[Conan the Librarian]

"LOL! A softy for Belle and the Beast, but still loves to blow stuff up! Well-rounded fella!"

And it get's worse as I get older.

Where's Mythbusters when I need it!

 

[gatorlisa]

Mickey's Philharmagic and the Enchanted Tiki Room are favorites of mine. Also really like the Carousel of Progress. At Hollywood Studios, I love the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. And it is showing it's age, but I still enjoy Muppet Vision 3D.

 

[Disneymom1126]

Festival of the Lion King
Celebrate the Magic (projection show at MK before Wishes)
Fantasmic
Illuminations
Festival of Fantasy Parade

We've never used a FP+ for any of these and have no issues seeing them - there are tips throughout the DIS on how to best see all of these

 

[jlnten17]

My absolute favorite is Celebrate the Magic before Wishes (I don't think they do wishes FP anymore but it was not worth it imo). In MK I also like to try and catch the Dapper Dans, Mainstreet Philharmonic, and pianist at Casey's. Also the flag ceremony (at 5pm I believe). I usually try to schedule MK for any day other than a Monday! Epcots Illuminations is worth the Fast Pass at least once (yes there are several places to get a good view but the FP area is the best). AK Festival of the Lion King is another favorite (no FP needed). Also check out the entertainment and atmosphere at the monorail resorts for drinks appetizers. Trader Sam's at The Polynesian and the pianist at GF and a stop at Mizner's Lounge are great.

 

[Kittyoko]

We are a couple in our 30s with no kids going to WDW and Universal for 6 days from Oct 31-Nov 5.

What have been your favorite shows/attractions (that aren't rides) in any of the parks? Does it matter what day of the week/time we go to see these attractions and why were they your favorite?

Also, do you recommend using FP+ for them (or at this time of the year can you get in anyways without too much of a wait). We will have park hopper passes for at least 4 days.

Really appreciate your opinions

Are you attending MNSSHP? If not, then I wouldn't do MK on Halloween because you get kicked out early unless you have party tix.

MK: Philarmagic. Really cute must see cartoon show if you're ok with wearing 3D glasses. No FP needed.
AK: Nemo. No FP needed. Wonderful broadway style puppet musical. I haven't seen Festival of the Lion King or Flights of Wonder, but many people have recommended those.
All Parks: The fireworks shows. I would check if Fantasmic's available on all nights you're there. I remember when we last went the tram driver CM told us it wasn't every night.

I'm not a big frozen fan, so I personally wasn't into the frozen sing along. It was a new thing when we went and the line was really long. I didn't realize it was basically karaoke and not so much a show. I would've skipped it if I had known.

At Universal, I enjoyed the Shrek 4D show.

 

[Chantelle B]

Ooo, this is my kind of thread. I'm 42, and went with my 70's aged parents. We did some rides, but have just as much fun seeing shows and soaking up the atmosphere.
So I'll just point out some things in each park we enjoyed. Some might be technically "rides", but they're not roller coaster types or anything like that. Just "dark rides" where you go along in the car from room to room immersed in scenes.
Okay. This is going to be fun. *rubs hands together and grins*
Magic Kingdom:
- Main Street, USA:
* Trolley show (very "Disney" and very cool)
* Main St. Philharmonic (really talented musicians and lots of fun)
*Main St. Vehicles (in the morning, you can ride the trolley, a double-decker bus, a firetruck, etc. down Main St.)
*WDW Railroad (you can take a relaxing train ride all the way around the perimeter of Magic Kingdom)
- Tomorrowland:
* Carousel of Progress (revolving theater with animatronic show spanning the decades. Classic attraction.)
* Peoplemover ("2nd story" tram ride that takes you on a tour of Tomorrowland. Great views especially at night.)
- Fantasyland (all three of these might be for kids, but they get points for nostalgia):
* Mickey's Philharmagic (3D film featuring Donald Duck and the famous music of Disney's movies)
* Peter Pan's Flight ("Off to Neverland!" One of the most beloved and oldest rides. Get there early or get a FP+!)
* It's a Small World (because you aren't really at Disney if that song isn't stuck in your head! Another classic.)
- Liberty Square:
* Haunted Mansion (probably the best dark ride on property. So much fun. Might be a good FP+ use too.)
* Hall of Presidents (theater show with animatronics tracing through all U.S. Presidents. Another classic.)
* Liberty Belle riverboat (relaxing riverboat ride around the Rivers of America)
-Frontierland:
*Country Bear Jamboree (another classic that deserves more love, IMO! I adore the show! So cute and funny!)
-Adventureland:
*Jungle Cruise (outdoor boat safari with animatronic animals and corny puns. Also good to do at night.)
*Pirates of the Caribbean (indoor boat dark ride, fantastic animatronics and theming, a lot of fun. Consider FP+)
*Enchanted Tiki Room (you'll swear someone slipped you some recreational drugs at some point. Trippy show.)
-Festival of Fantasy Parade (runs from Frontierland through Liberty Square, past the castle and down Main St. Great!)
-Castle show (new one is called Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire, happens several times throughout the day)
-Wishes fireworks!

EPCOT:
-Future World:
* Spaceship Earth (classic dark ride, pretty cool)
* Listen to the Land (in Land pavillion, educational boat ride, really neat)
* The Seas pavillion aquarium (skip the lame Nemo ride, the aquarium is awesome)
-World Showcase (pretty much everything here is worth seeing, but I'll list some highlights)
* Gran Fiesta boat ride (inside the big pyramid, very neat atmosphere in this place and fun little ride)
* Reflections of China (360-degree film in China pavilion, you stand up through it)
* American Adventure (theater show tracing history of USA with film and animatronics, seated)
* Voices of Liberty (AMAZING vocal group, sometimes inside where above show is, sometimes on outdoor stage)
*Impressions de France (beautiful film in France pavillion, seated)
*IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (EPCOT's fireworks show, has lasers and other stuff, great music, beautiful)

Animal Kingdom:
- Kilimanjaro Safari ("must do" when visiting this park. You'll see tons of animals. FP+ is a good idea)
- Pangani Forest Trail (if you like animals/zoos, take a stroll through this to see more animals)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (another hike to see some animals including tigers)
- Flights of Wonder (covered outdoor amphitheater show with wonderful birds)
- Festival of the Lion King (FANTASTIC! Just do it! Maybe a FP+ option)
- Finding Nemo: The Musical (I haven't seen it, but I hear it's well-done and worth seeing.)
- Jungle Book: Alive with Magic (haven't seen it, but might be worth checking out)

Hollywood Studios (Disclaimer: I'm not sure what's still open and what's closed down due to construction)
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (covered outdoor amphitheater show, exciting and iconic)
- Beauty and the Beast (another covered outdoor amphitheater show, great if you love the movie)
- Great Movie Ride (lengthy dark ride through iconic movie scenes in the Chinese Theater)
- Launch Bay (if you like Star Wars, check it out. Stormtroopers patrolling around, can meet Chewy and Kylo Ren)
- Fantasmic! (nighttime spectacular in a huge open-air amphitheater, Mickey battling evil, fireworks)
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (I saw the earlier version "Symphony in the Stars" and was absolutely gobsmacked at how amazing these fireworks were. This is a new version that is different but supposedly still amazing.)

I'm sure there are many more things, but those are the things we either did or have heard are good. Lots to see and do without ever hitting "headliner" rides at WDW! Have fun!

Edited to add: If you want to see the best show on property and can work it into the budget, the Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba show at Disney Springs is hands down the most amazing live entertainment there. If you've seen Cirque shows before, it may not be as amazing to you, but it was my first and I was AMAZED! Thoroughly enjoyable!

Wow! Thanks for all the details!! Really helpful

 

[Chantelle B]

Thanks Everyone!