Today I have gathered my shirt list of Top 3 Shows at Walt Disney World, my list will not include any strictly fireworks shows however. I am primarily discussing shows that involve sone form of acting and live performance. While Fireworks shows are usually great at WDW, they will not be part of this list.

#3: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Indian Jones has been around for a very long time at the Disney Hollywood Studios park and has for the most part stood the test of time. While now the show is a little dated (especially since it is based on the original 1981 Raiders of the Lost Ark) it continues to entertain with a show that really does what it is trying to accomplish. Opening shortly after the park did in 1989 the show has been one constant in an ever changing landscape. It has shown how real stunts work in the movie business before everything was CGI and done on a computer. Taking classic scenes from the movie real stunts actors go about fight scenes and explosions and the famous boulder scene from the beginning. Viewed in an open air theater the show plays several times a day and usually a show after darknis special when the fire effects light up the sky. It may be old but it is always worth a visit on any Disney vacation.

#2: Fantasmic!

Now I know I said no fireworks shows would be on this list, however Fantasmic! Is slightly different. Yes it is true this is the parks nighttime spectacle like fireworks over Magic Kingdom, however the big difference is the stage show that goes along with the fireworks. Set on a large mountain like structure in a large lagoon, you view from a large open air amphitheatre with a total capacity of over 10,000 people. Generally performed once a night, the show loosely has the story of Mickey Mouse having dreams that start out nice and turn bad when the villains try to take over, only to have Mickey take hold of his imagination and win the day. The show features pyrotechnics and large fountains that have projections and effects. Scenes include a princess boat parade, a Pocahontas scene, A large Jafar as a Snake, and the imposing Maleficent in her dragon form all while breathing fire. It truly is quite spectacular even if the story gets a little murky. It is slightly dated and could use a refurbishment like the California version received, but it still is one of the coolest and best shows on property.

#1: Finding Nemo: The Musical

Sone people may disagree with this choice (or all of my choices), however after seeing this show for the first time back in 2012 it truly is a great show. Disney essentially took a movie that had no music other than background music and made it into a musical, with actors using giant puppets, yes puppets. While we can clearly see the actors who speak and sing, they dress like their character to semi-hide but really do a great job of pretending they don’t exist. The puppeteers really make the fish and other sea creatures appear to be swimming with constant motion and movement just like in the real ocean. The songs performed are very good and the show is also a little longer than the typical Disney show, right around 40 minutes. So some younger kids may have trouble sitting for that long even if it is Nemo. The theater is also completely enclosed and air-conditioned which is a big plus, especially in a park like Animal Kingdom.

Honorable Mention: Work Showcase Performers

World Showcase in Epcot features 11 pavilions each representing a different country. Most of the pavilions try to offer some for of entertainment whether that be a movie, a ride or a show. The shows are mostly small scale street level type performers that range from jugglers, musicians and even acrobats. One of my favorites is the Voices of Liberty singers at the American Adventure pavilion, especially during Christmas time as they sing Acapella Christmas songs before guests view the American Adventure (which is also a good show). Most performers have several appearances each day so they are usually hard to miss.