Welcome, Alexis!
Thank you for visiting planDisney! It is super exciting to hear you are planning your family's first vacation to Walt Disney World Resort this summer. I hope you are having a wonderful time making practically perfect plans for your upcoming adventure.
I adore the shows and think they are often overlooked in favor of attractions. They are so good and often times a great place to get out of the heat and off of your feet for a while. I found that my little ones would either get their wiggles out by dancing in their seats or enjoy a peaceful nap depending on the time of day. Here are my must-do shows or performances in each Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park:
Magic Kingdom Park-
Mickey's PhilharMagic - This 3D theater show is adorable! Mickey and pals perform classic Disney songs while that crazy Donald Duck finds himself getting into mischief. It's only 12 minutes long, but the perfect place to rest your feet and get out of a rainstorm or enjoy an air-conditioned break.
-Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade - This parade is one of my favorites and definitely worth seeing on your first visit. So many Disney friends make appearances from all the classic Disney movies and my kids love naming each movie as the float goes by. I usually try to find a spot at least 45 minutes before the parade starts in Frontierland. If you're lucky, you can find a spot in the shade in front of the shops, where you can sit and enjoy a Mickey ice cream bar as you watch the floats go by.
EPCOT
Turtle Talk with Crush - My kids could spend hours at SeaBase looking at all the sea life, learning about manatees and watching the daily fish feedings. No visit would be complete, however, without a trip to see our favorite sea turtle, Crush! Your little one may be able to ask a question and Crush will be sure to have you all laughing by the end!
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy - If your kiddo is a fan of Cars, they'll love this show. Lightning McQueen, Mater and friends share tips and show his new high-tech racing simulator, but he needs your help to be a champion! Outside you can take pictures with several of the cars.
Disney Junior Play and Dance! - This is one of those perfect experiences to let your little ones shake, move and get those wiggles out. Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Timon and Mickey teach their favorite dance moves to music from their shows. There are lights, laughs and even bubbles!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme ParkFinding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! - This might be my favorite show in all of Walt Disney World Resort. It's incredible! The performers are truly amazing and the show is so colorful and inviting.
Festival of the Lion King - Another favorite, this vibrant show is filled with performers dancing, singing and celebrating
The Lion King!While these are all incredible, don't feel like you have to fit them all in on your first visit. What we love about Disney is that there is always something we can come back and do that we haven't done before. Have an amazing vacation, Alexis, and please let us know if there is anything else we can help you plan.
Magical Wishes,
Lauren