Do you want to know what the BEST Magic Kingdom shows are for your upcoming trip to Disney World?
Well ThemeParkHipster, you already know when it comes to the title of “The Most Happiest on Earth” – Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL takes the cake.
And that’s not just because the Disney Parks and Resorts in Orlando, FL are the biggest in the world – it’s also because of the endless choices when it comes to Magic Kingdom entertainment.
Truly, if you wanted to spend an entire park day at Magic Kingdom just watching shows – you could!
And that’s why today I’m going to rank the BEST shows at Magic Kingdom just for you.
So on your next park day, you’ll know which ones are first class, and which are a HARD PASS!
So without further ado, let’s get to it!
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#10 Enchanted Tiki Room
Starting off this BEST Magic Kingdom shows list is the Enchanted Tiki Room! Built in 1971, this classic animatronic show shouldn’t be missed by any true Walt Disney fan. Why?
Well, because the first version of it was imagineered in Disneyland, California in 1963 under Walt Disney’s personal supervision, and was the first audio-animatronic ride EVER!
At any rate, if you’re one for those #ClassicDisneyFeels types (like the die-hard Disney fan who just can’t pass up Carousel of Progress), then this Polynesian inspired musical theatre in the round experience can’t be missed!
You are seated on benches surrounding a stage where over 150 animatronic birds, totem poles, flowers, and the like sing a collection of energetic, tropical songs...and tell some corny jokes too!
- Show Duration: About 11 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No, but the wait time for this show is never too long, since over 100 people can be seated per show.
- Showings per Day: Non-stop from park open to close!
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#9 Country Bear Jamboree
Next up on this Magic Kingdom guide is another audio-animatronic style show – Country Bear Jamboree!
Located in Frontierland, this show is very similar to Enchanted Tiki Room, except swap out birds for bears, and tropical music for country music!
- Show Duration: About 10 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No, but chances are you won’t wait long to see this Bear Band play in “Pandavision!”
- Showings per Day: Every 15 minutes or so from park open to close!
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#8 Hall of Presidents
Next up on our Magic Kingdom shows ranking is yet another indoor theater style show – Hall of Presidents.
This animatronic show can be found in Liberty Square and was Walt Disney’s personal idea, to honor all the optimistic leaders of America.
With a mix of projections, narrations, and animatronic US Presidents, this show quite literally takes you through the history of America.
It starts way back in 1773 and ends in present day, spotlighting each President of the United States – so YUP look out for President Joe Biden’s appearance!
- Show Duration: About 22 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No, but luckily the wait for this attraction is in an indoor White House inspired Amphitheatre that’s air conditioned, spacious, and full of cool décor to explore!
- Showings per Day: Every half hour from park open to park close!
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#7 Mickey’s PhilHarmagic
I’m SO excited to talk about this next show on this list, because Magic Kingdom Entertainment updated this show to include Disney Pixar’s Coco back in November of 2021!
The new scene follows the “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” segment of the “Lion King.”
Honestly, this update makes perfect sense because the premise of this 3D virtual show is that Donald Duck is conducting a magical orchestra.
This adventure transports him through the classic music scenes of your favorite Disney movies, like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Aladdin.
And not only will you find yourself laughing, singing, and dancing in your seat, but odds are you’ll be impressed by the WORLD’S BIGGEST 3D movie screen – at 150 feet wide!
- Show Duration: About 12 minutes
- Genie+ Available: Yes! Although given the size of the theater and how many people the theater can seat, I’d recommend saving your limited Genie+ selection for something else.
- Showings per Day: Every 15 minutes or so from park open to park close!
#6 Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Next up on this BEST Magic Kingdom shows list is an ACTUAL live show – making it one of the most magical!
In this musical show, you’ll watch Mickey, Minnie, Rapunzel, Flynn, Tiana, Naveen, Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends sing, dance, and learn about friendship all up on the castle stage!
You’ll also get to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy in their sparkling Disney fashions.
And just to give you a sneak peak of why it shouldn’t be missed: the costumes are on point, the music is catchy, and if you stick around till the end, you might even see some heart melting fireworks!
- Show Duration: About 22 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No – this is an outdoor show on the Magic Kingdom Castle Stage with no seating available. So, to ensure a spot with a good view, grab your favorite Magic Kingdom snack and claim your spot in front of Cinderella Castle at least 20 minutes before show time.
- Showings per Day: Usually there are 5 showings spread throughout the day – check the actual showtimes for your desired Magic Kingdom date on the My Disney Experience App!
#5 Enchanted Tales with Belle
Now over 10 years old, this is probably one of the most unique experiences when it comes to Magic Kingdom entertainment; because it’s half interactive show, half meet and greet.
What do I mean by that? Well, you are guided throughout the Beast’s Castle, only to find Belle herself in the library in her classic golden ball gown.
From there, Belle calls on audience volunteers to play different “parts” in a live retelling of how she met, and fell in love with, the Beast.
Finally, at the end, you even have a chance to take a posed photo with Belle, making this a pretty productive use of park time…
Can you say magical show and photo-op in one?!
- Show Duration: About 20 minutes
- Genie+ Available: Yes! And since this interactive show experience usually has a long wait, this attraction makes a great Genie+ selection if you’re a big Beauty and the Beast fan.
- Showings per Day: All day from park open to park close
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#4 Dapper Dans
A truly magical live musical experience, the Dapper Dans shouldn’t be missed!
This barbershop quartet roams Main Street U.S.A. in their coordinated pinstripe suits singing classic Disney songs in harmony.
…Definitely one of the BEST Magic Kingdom shows available in the park, especially if you love acapella!
- Show Duration: About 20 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No – this is considered one of those “surprise” Magic Kingdom entertainment opportunities since the performers appear periodically throughout the day, unannounced, without a super specific location.
- Showings per Day: The Dapper Dans sing 9 roaming sets per day near the front of Magic Kingdom – between the park entrance and Cinderella Castle.
#3 Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Is your aesthetic dad jokes and live interactive comedy? Then Monsters Inc. Laugh floor is the Magic Kingdom entertainment pick for you!
In this show, guests are led into a theatre with 400 seats and a larger than life movie theatre screen where Mike Wazowski, Roz, and friends tell jokes in real time too!
However, the jokes are told at the expense of the audience members to fill up as many laugh canisters as possible!
- Show Duration: About 10 minutes
- Genie+ Available: Yes! Although you might want to save it for a slower loading ride.
- Showings per Day: Every 15 minutes or so throughout the day, no set times!
#2 Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and Cavalcades
Ok #2 on the BEST Magic Kingdom shows list really is a must-do, at least once!
And that’s because Magic Kingdom’s whimsical Festival of Fantasy Parade really is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous!
From regal, royal dancers, to a fire-breathing dragon, to Mickey, Minnie, and friends, this parade has plenty of magic to go around!
The Festival of the Fantasy Parade now ventures through the park twice daily, offering you the opportunity to see the majestic fire-breathing Maleficent dragon.
Do keep in mind though, the full parade is weather permitting and the Magic Kingdom entertainment team will do everything in their power to run the full parade.
However, dangerous, wet conditions sometimes lead to a more limited version of the parade, where floats are replaced by cars and carriages.
Cavalcades at the Magic Kingdom
In addition to Disney Festival of the Fantasy Parade, you also enjoy the smaller versions of this type of entertainment in the Magic Kingdom called cavalcades.
At the Magic Kingdom, you can enjoy the following cavalcades:
- Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade! which stars nearly 30 favorite Disney and Pixar friends such as Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, Pocahontas and more.
What to Know About the Magic Kingdom Parade
- Show Duration: It takes about 15 minutes to view the full parade from start to finish
- Genie+ Available: Yes, you can get a reserve seating area with a Festival of Fantasy reservation!
- Showings per Day: Two per day in the busy season at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. (or perhaps a few minutes earlier or later depending on weather conditions AND on slower days just one show at 3 p.m.)
#1 Disney’s Happily Ever After Fireworks Show
Topping off this BEST of the BEST Magic Kingdom nighttime shows list is actually one of the newest Magic Kingdom entertainment offering!
Since Happily Ever After’s debut, it has been wowing guests with incredible imagery and storytelling!
Classic Disney songs, gorgeous castle projections, and of course, fireworks light up the sky and your heart at this nightly entertainment offering.
Beware though – this is one of those Magic Kingdom shows that will give you GUARANTEED chills! So pack some Kleenex!
- Show Duration: About 15 minutes
- Genie+ Available: No, this Magic Kingdom night show show viewing is first come first serve, and I’m not going to lie, things can get pretty crowded. By the time the show starts, usually the entirety of Magic Kingdom, from Cinderella Castle to the park entrance, is FILLED with guests elbow to elbow, looking to the sky. Luckily though, you can reserve seating with a Fireworks Dessert Party, offered in Tomorrowland Terrace.
- Showings per Day: Just one every night! Check the My Disney Experience App to see what time (usually 8 p.m., 9 p.m., or 10 p.m.) the Disney Enchantment Fireworks Show will begin on your park visit day!
Tips for Making the Most of Magic Kingdom Shows
Now that you know what the best shows at the Magic Kingdom are, let’s go over a few tips to make you have a wonderful day.
1. Map Out Your Magic Kingdom Entertainment Viewing Experience
Remember ThemeParkHipster, I ranked the Magic Kingdom shows by quality, not location. So when deciding which shows to go to, do it based on proximity.
This will save you LOTS of time and steps in the long run – trust me. So what’s my recommended plan of attack?
Start your day at the ride you want to go on the MOST, and then continue your way around the park in a circle, rotating around Cinderella Castle.
Cuz theme park amateurs start their day caught up on Main Street U.S.A., but ThemeParkHipsters start smart at the park’s busiest places!
2. Get Seating Ahead of Time, When Possible
This tip goes for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, and Disney Happily Ever Fireworks Show specifically, since these are the BEST Magic Kingdom shows that draw a big crowd and have no official seating.
Basically, I’d recommend scoping out a seat/spot for any of these outdoor shows 30 to 40 minutes before they begin.
Grab a snack, find a curb in the shade, and be thankful when you see guests fighting for a spot two minutes before the show starts!
Hipster Power Tip: Oh, and bonus pro-tip for Festival of Fantasy Parade: Watch it from Frontierland. This is where the parade starts, so you’ll see the entirety of the parade by 3:20 p.m., and can go right back to park hopping while others further down the parade route won’t even start seeing the parade until 3:30-ish p.m.!
3. Sit Smart!
Ok Hipster, this is an INSIDER tip, so listen close!
Before choosing your seat at any indoor show, like the Enchanted Tiki Room, Enchanted Tales with Belle, or The Hall of Presidents, I HIGHLY recommend sitting next to the exit.
Why? Because when the show comes to an end, you’ll be one of the first ones out, saving precious theme park time and aggravation!
Cuz let’s be honest, those theme park crowds can be brutal – and any time saved is time earned!
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What to Know Before You Go to the Magic Kingdom
Now I’m going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to spending a day at the Magic Kingdom.
Is Magic Kingdom the only park with entertainment offerings?
Absolutely not! Disney Parks and Resorts pride themselves on their amazing entertainment offerings, both in and outside of the parks!
Some other shows you won’t want to miss on Disney World, Orlando FL property are:
- The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Dinner Show at Fort Wilderness
- Fantasmic! in Hollywood Studios
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! in Animal Kingdom
- Indiana Jone Epic Stunt Spectacular! in Hollywood Studios
Can I take photos or videos during Magic Kingdom shows?
Absolutely! Photos and videos are definitely permitted during Magic Kingdom shows, as long as the flash is off and you’re not being otherwise loud or disruptive.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
Is there time to get EVERYTHING done at Magic Kingdom in just one day?
With over 10 shows, 40 rides, and 25 character meet and greet opportunities…no, you can’t exactly get 100% of Magic Kingdom done in one day, but you can definitely do A LOT!
If you arrive at park open and plan your day out right, odds are you’ll get all of your MUST – DOs crossed off your list, and THEN some!
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Wrapping Up…
Well ThemeParkHipster, hopefully my ranking of the BEST Magic Kingdom shows helps you better plan out your next Magic Kingdom park day!
But now, YOU’VE GOT to let us know in the comments below: Which of the Magic Kingdom shows is your favorite? Did I leave out any awesome Magic Kingdom entertainment offerings?
Let us know in the comments below; because ThemeParkHipsters plan better, together!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
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- Tale as old as time: Beast’s Castle at Walt Disney World
- Magic Kingdom Secrets and Tips You Didn’t Know
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- Hollywood Studios for Adults (Definitive Guide)
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
(Original Article Date: July 26, 2021/Updated by Editor on April 22, 2024)