Let us set the all-too familiar scene for you: It’s mid-afternoon at one of Disney World’s four theme parks, and the heat is severe. People are purchasing water bottles everywhere you look and using their portable fans. You dressed correctly for the weather, but it still isn’t enough. You’ve been walking around all day with your family, and you’re just no match for the Florida sunshine.
So what’s the solution? Well, sure, there are splash pads in some areas. You could purchase a Mickey ballcap. Orrrrr you could go sit in front of an entertaining show in the nice and cool A/C.
Disney’s shows at the theme parks, whether live shows or pre-recorded, are stocked full of humor for the whole family, cameos from your favorite characters, and the songs you know every word to! Not every show is musical, however. Disney also has historical, educational, and even interactive shows! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Disney shows, but there’s even more out there! The roster of performances at Disney is constantly changing, so check out our guide below of some of the best indoor options to beat the heat with shows at Disney World.
Table of Contents
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Location: Tomorrowland
Length of Show: Approx 20 minutes.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a classic show in Magic Kingdom. It’s beloved by so many, because of the entertaining way that the show takes the audience on a journey through history, proving that although technology, transportation, and even home appliances change almost every decade, some things (like family dynamics) will always stay the same. The show has a lot of character, featuring the classic song, “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” Plus, it’s almost always very air-conditioned.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Location: Adventureland
Length of Show: 10 minutes
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room has been part of Disney’s Shows since 1963 – although it did take a small break in 2011 following a fire that broke out in the attic. Back then it was called The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management). However after the fire in 2011, it reopened as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. This impressive display allows guests to rest their feet while they are wowed by the audio-animatronic birds that talk and sing throughout the entire performance! Cool off while you’re walking around Adventureland by going to sit in the A/C and sing along with the exotic birds, “…In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room!”
Country Bear Jamboree
Location: Frontierland
Length of Show: Approx 16 minutes
Now sure, Big Thunder Mountain is probably your goal, and you’re passing all the popcorn and soda carts to get there. BUT! You’ve just walked all the way from Tomorrowland to show up right outside of…Country Bear Jamboree! Why not sit down for 16 minutes and enjoy the show?
At Grizzly Hall, the audio-animatronic bears play their hearts out for the audience. Look forward to some country tunes and a few jokes. Country Bear Jamboree is quite the classic, when it comes to Magic Kingdom’s history. Plus, even if country music isn’t your JAM(boree) it’s a great opportunity to sit back and relax in between walking from ride to ride.
The Hall of Presidents
Location: Liberty Square
Length of Show: Approx 25 minutes
History fans, this show is made for you. The Hall of Presidents show includes every President of The United States ever, in audio-animatronic form. The show is a look back into the past, at the Revolutionary War, the Gettysburg address, and more, as the audience is shown an emotion-evoking video of how the U.S. came to be what it is today.
Enchanted Tales With Belle
Location: Fantasyland
Length of Show: Approx 20 minutes
Enchanted Tales with Belle is a delightful experience for any fans of Beauty and The Beast. Guests are led through a series of rooms, including: Belle’s father’s cottage, his workshop, and the Beast’s castle -where the enchanted wardrobe will greet everyone and “actors” are chosen. Finally, the library of the Beast’s castle. Guests are asked to become the characters of Beauty and the Beast for the show. It’s fun to play along, and although there’s some walking and waiting involved, it’s a perfect opportunity for A/C and entertainment all rolled into one! See Belle up close, and take a break from outside.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Location: Fantasyland
Length of Show: 12 minutes
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is awesome. Essentially, it’s a 3D visual production of an “orchestra” in the “concert hall.” PhilharMagic is super fun, because there are smells, there are musical sounds, and your favorite classic Disney songs and characters! For the entire show, you wear 3D glasses! The show is a PERFECT opportunity to take a break, beat the heat, and immerse yourself in an entertaining show starring Mickey and so many friends.
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Location: Tomorrowland
Length of Show: 10 minutes
The Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is hilarious and perfect for all ages. It’s a great way to cool down and be entertained for at least 10 minutes. Be prepared – the monsters will call you out though! You just might show up on the giant screen, so always be paying attention!
Animal Kingdom
Festival of The Lion King
Location: Africa in Animal Kingdom
Length of Show: 40 minutes
The Festival of the Lion King is a can’t. miss. production. Prepare to be absolutely marveling at the incredible voices, spectacular costumes, and storytelling that this show presents. It’s entertaining for Disney guests of all ages and it is air-conditioned, thankfully! You might have to wait in line to get in, but it’s totally worth it. Also, every seat is a good seat in this theatre, so don’t worry about crowds!
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Location: Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom
Length of Show: 9 minutes
It’s Tough To Be a Bug is the perfect show for anyone who’s a fan of the Disney Pixar film, A Bug’s Life! Keep in mind, it may not be great for younger children, as some may find it slightly scary. This is another 3D show, with large audio-animatronic bugs and even some 4D elements to the show. If you’re not a fan of bugs…steer clear!
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Location: DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Length of Show: 25 minutes
If you love the Disney Pixar classic Finding Nemo, then this show is practically a must-see! The show is a live stage show, complete with songs and puppets. Lasting only about 25 minutes, it’s a super nice option for cooling off for a bit and sitting down. The production is really excellent. We think you’ll be pretty dazzled by the talent of the performers!
Hollywood Studios
Disney Junior Play and Dance!
Location: Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Length of Show: 25 minutes
Do you have little ones? This is the show for you! Filled with so many of your favorite Disney Junior characters, including: Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and even Mickey himself! Your kids will be dancing and singing and you can too! Enjoy the songs and the silliness, but most of all…enjoy the indoors for a little while.
For The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Location: Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios
Length of Show: 60 minutes
Don’t skip this epic performance from Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and more. You know the words! Sing along! That’s exactly what they want you to do at this live stage production. The show is sensational, and really does feel Broadway-level. The performers’ voices are exceptional. Enjoy a comfortable audience seat, watch an amazing show, and be entertained by the magic of Frozen!
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Location: Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios
Length of Show: 10 minutes
Did you know?! There’s a racin’ good time over in Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios. It’s Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy! For any Cars fans out there, this show will teach you how to win the race!
Mater and several other favorite cars can be seen throughout the show. This is a perfect, shorter, indoor activity if you’re just in need of a brief opportunity to rest.
Muppet*Vision 3D
Location: Grand Avenue at Hollywood Studios
Length of Show: 15 minutes
Created by Jim Henson Productions and Walt Disney Imagineering…Disney brings you Muppet Vision 3D. Yes, this is a 3D show and a perfect 15 minute indoor entertainment option. The show is really pretty hilarious and you’ll get to enjoy guest stars from SO many of the most famous Muppet characters including Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Statler and Waldorf in the balcony seating, and many more! Don’t miss this delightful show.
Walt Disney Presents (Gallery Exhibit & Self-Guided Tour)
Location: Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Length of Film: 15 minutes
The gallery is up to you how long you want to spend!
Walt Disney Presents is a great chance to soak in some of the history of Walt Disney’s career and all he built within the Disney company, Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. There are excellent scale models, old costumes, and awesome old photographs that really illustrate how Disney impacted art, media, and families forever. The wonderful 15 minute film is called Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream that you won’t want to skip! Use this opportunity to not only sit down for a second, but also to educate yourself about some of the amazing history of Disney.
Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short With Mickey & Minnie
Location: Echo Lake at Hollywood Studio
Length of Show: 11 minutes
Have you ever watched the original short, Vacation Fun? This adorable animated short can be viewed inside the Mickey Shorts Theatre in Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios. Mickey and Minnie are the stars, of course and you’ll even catch a few scenes from other recent Mickey cartoons!
Honorable Mention: (Outdoor Shows at Hollywood Studios)
So far, we’ve only been listing indoor shows for you to sit back and enjoy the A/C for a bit. BUT we think the following two shows (although outdoors) deserve to be mentioned because they’re ICONIC Hollywood Studios performances. (And a nice way to sit down for a while!)
Beauty & The Beast Live On Stage
Location: Theatre of the Stars (Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios)
Length of Show: 30 minutes
This production is absolutely just phenomenal. Take it from us, you don’t want to leave this one off your list. The show feels like you’re seeing a Broadway show. The songs are performed fantastically, and the dancing is flawless. The chorus of characters, including your favorites from Beauty and The Beast like Cogsworth, Lumiere, Chip, (and more!) will all be in the show. When they sing “Tale As Old As Time,” it might just bring a tear to your eye. (Reminder! This show is held at an outside theatre, so not only will it still be somewhat hot, but there’s also always the possibility of rain causing a closure to performances.)
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Location: Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios
Length of Show: 60 minutes
Calling all the adventures and amazing stuntmen! The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is…AMAZING. And, okay we’ll say it, it’s truly spectacular. Be prepared to be impressed and surprised by thrilling and gripping stunts, cool effects, and some fascinating educational facts about the way that stunts are pulled off in Hollywood.
Don’t try these at home though!
EPCOT
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
Location: Canada in EPCOT’s World Showcase
Length of Show: 12 minutes
This neat attraction is at the beginning of EPCOT’s World Showcase in Canada. It’s a 360-degree visual experience where guests are utterly surrounded by the beauty of Canada, while the speaker narrates. Look forward to stunning vistas and nice, cool A/C.
The American Adventure
Location: America in EPCOT’s World Showcase
Length of Show: 29 minutes
The American Adventure is a historical show, complete with audio animatronics, moving visuals, and countless iconic, crucial moments in America’s history will be discussed. Important American leaders will be referenced, and overall, the storytelling is top-notch.
Guests love returning to this show, because of the impressive style of presenting the visuals on a HUGE screen (over 70 feet!)
Awesome Planet
Location: EPCOT’s World Nature
Length of Show: 10 minutes
This awesome short film attraction opened up right before the pandemic! It’s somewhat new, so you may not have heard of it yet. The show takes you on a visual journey of planet Earth, displaying gorgeous scenery from different parts of the world. All the while, you’ll feel a little like you’re actually there, with wind and various smells being applied to the room for guests to have the full experience. It’s really a unique show! The best part, is that it’s also co-presented by the Disney Conservation Fund which is always aimed towards more awareness for the planet! Check it out!
Impressions de France
Location: France, in EPCOT’s World Showcase
Length of Show: 18 minutes
Ah, “La France est belle.” And you’ll get to appreciate just how beautiful France is, when you step inside the air-conditioned Impressions de France! Enjoy beautiful images of different parts of France including Versailles, and the Loire. The music is also composed by French musicians! Be sure to step inside!
Turtle Talk With Crush
Location: EPCOT’s World Nature
Length of Show: Approx 15 minutes
Lastly, one of Disney World guests’ all-time favorites, Turtle Talk with Crush is a perfect opportunity to take a seat and be entertained at the same time. Crush will interact and chat with your kids, and it’s all happening live! This show is not pre-recorded.
The kids’ comments and Crush’s responses often end up being hilarious, causing laughter throughout the room. Crush uses all his typical lingo, like “dudeeeeee.” Sometimes, other Finding Nemo characters show up too!
Conclusion
We hope that this extensive list equips you with lots of ideas for how to beat the heat at Disney World’s theme parks! Everyone needs some downtime throughout the day, and what better way, but to also have a fun, sometimes educational experience at the same time! Of course, the parades and fireworks are not to be missed. Who doesn’t love a good showing of Fantasmic! But, these options are best for when you’re tired, hot, or need to run inside because it’s raining! The awesome part of the above mentioned shows at WDW, is that all but two are indoor, so you know they typically won’t be cancelld due to weather.
We hope you have a fun, air-conditioned time on your next Disney World trip!
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