One of my family’s favorite things on a Disney Cruise are the live stage shows. Even my husband loves them and looks forward to them. They are spectacular productions and so well done. They would be impressive on land, and when you consider that they perform these things on a cruise ship, it is really amazing. The actors, costumes, sets, sound/lights – everything is first rate. Now that being said, I do enjoy some of the shows more than others. I have only seen 6 out of the 9 shows currently on the ships, but I am going to share my thoughts about the ones I have seen and rate them for you (from 1 to 5 stars). Out of the ones I have seen, there is only 1 that I will skip from now on (keep reading to find out which one!), whereas I will continue to see the others over and over. But first, let me tell you when you can see the shows. The shows are performed twice, in the evening, on 3 different nights during your cruise. The first show is usually at 6:15 and the second one is usually at 8:30. So, you would go to the later show if you have early dining, or the early show if you have late dining. I sailed on one cruise in 2013 on the Magic where they also offered a matinee showing at 3:00, but I haven’t heard of this being done recently.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic
★★★★★
This show is currently on the Magic and Wonder. I rate it a solid 5 stars. If I was forced to pick a favorite, this would be it. The summary from the DCL website:
Enjoy a touching story about a little girl named Anne Marie who can’t seem to find it in her heart to believe. The story begins one night as Anne Marie, almost asleep, is visited by several beloved Disney Characters. Each recounts a tale, complete with rousing renditions of treasured songs.
Delight as Mickey, Minnie, The Blue Fairy, Peter Pan and friends reveal the secret powers of the heroes residing within her own home—and heart.
Journey with Anne Marie as she learns how to believe in herself. You’ll see the strength of positive thinking, and be reminded about the ways that an optimistic and encouraging attitude can have an effect on the whole world!
There are several things I love about this show. The set of Anne Marie’s bedroom is amazing – it’s the bedroom every little girls dreams about. The 2 main characters – Peter Pan and Anne Marie – are likable and captivating. The plot never seems slow, and getting to see live productions of all of my favorite Disney songs is always a treat. The Lion King segment of “Circle of Life” is especially moving. Also, there are a couple of times when the audience gets to feel like they are inside the movie scene being performed. I don’t want to give anything away, so I am just going to leave it at that but rest assured that your kids (and adults too!) will be blown away.
Tangled: The Musical
This is the newest show on DCL and just started in November. It is only on the Magic. Unfortunately I haven’t seen this one yet, but I have only heard good things about it from those who have. I really hope to be able to see this one in 2017. Here is some info from the DCL website:
Tangled: The Musical is a masterpiece of dazzling production numbers and captivating music based on the hit Disney film. Be transported to Rapunzel’s fairytale world as the animated characters from the screen come to life on stage. Sing along with favorite tunes from the film, and delight in brand-new songs created just for this show.
I have heard that the costumes, sets and actors are exceptional and can’t wait to see it myself.
Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story
★★★
This show is only on the Magic. I rate it 3 stars. It is a great show, but in my opinion, not quite up to the level of some of the others. While it may appeal more to young girls than boys, there is still plenty of humor and excitement for young boys to enjoy such a traditionally “girly” story. From the DCL website:
Beginning where the classic Cinderella film ended, this rousing musical is a fresh new take on the original Disney story. In this musical, the story revolves around the premise: What if Cinderella never got a chance to slip on the glass slipper, leaving those nasty stepsisters with another chance to get their claws into Prince Charming? This hilarious, high seas production answers the question.
The dastardly DiFornato makes an evil pact with Cinderella’s stepmother guaranteeing that one of her 2 sniveling stepdaughters will receive a wedding proposal from the prince, instead of Cinderella. So, using his evil powers, the nefarious Fairy Godfather transports the wicked stepmother and her stepdaughters back in time on a mission to destroy the fateful glass slipper before Cinderella can don it. Oh my! One would imagine this shatters Cinderella’s chances of having a happily-ever-after ending with Prince Charming. Or does it?
It is an entertaining show and definitely worth taking the time to see, but it just doesn’t have that shop-stopping quality that a few of the other shows have.
The Golden Mickeys
★★★★★
This show is on the Wonder and Dream. For me, it is a close runner up to Disney Dreams as my favorite show and I give it 5 stars. As you may guess, it has a Golden Globes theme and includes production numbers from some of the most popular Disney Movies of all time. On the day of the show, the area outside of the theater is transformed into a red carpet entrance and they even interview kids on the red carpet. They broadcast these interviews into the large screens in the theatre before the show starts. My daughter was interviewed once and you can see it here in my trip report. Here is more info from the DCL website:
You’re invited to a Hollywood-style awards show with spectacular songs and special appearances by Mickey and friends. Delight in a very special night of Disney’s cinematic magic while celebrating the star in us all.
Enjoy the extravaganza as it unfolds with dazzling song-and-dance numbers that pay homage to the magic and stories of Disney. And then—just like in the movies—see a once unsure stage manager transform into a confident host, realizing that anything is possible and dreams really do come true.
During a night filled with discovery and surprises, find out which Disney movie Character wins “Most Heroic” or “Most Romantic,” and tap along to familiar tunes from some of your favorite Disney films.
I personally love the Tarzan, Mulan, and Lion King segments of the Golden Mickeys. I also like that they include some of the older movies like Snow White and 101 Dalmatians. This is definitely one that you don’t want to miss.
Toy Story – The Musical
★
This show was on the Wonder when I first wrote this post, but was replaced with the new Frozen, A Musical Spectacular show in November of 2016. I have seen it once and skipped it once, and I give it 1 star. This is the only show where I have actually checked my watch to see how much more I had to endure. This seems to be one of those shows that people either love or hate. I know there are people out there that love this show, but I am willing to bet that they are the minority. However, you may be one of those people, so please watch the show and judge for yourself. Don’t let my review keep you from trying it. From the DCL website:
True to the original Disney·Pixar film, this musical rendition revisits the touching story of 2 toys and their journey to friendship. As the story goes, it’s Andy’s 6th birthday and he receives a present—Buzz Lightyear—an exciting new action figure who is not exactly welcomed by Andy’s favorite pal Woody, a traditional wooden toy cowboy. The plot unfolds as they compete for the attention of Andy, eventually becoming friends along the way.
Delight as the world of Buzz and Woody comes alive before your eyes through amazing set design and costumes.
The show features 10 larger-than-life sets that will make you feel as if you’ve shrunken down to the size of a toy in Andy’s room. Production designer Sibyl Wickersheimer uses scale and perspective secrets to create the illusion of size, and everything from rear-projection screens to gigantic props assist in the astonishing transformation between the worlds of toys and humans.
For some reason, the plot just seems to move extremely slow in this show. Unlike the other shows, there are no great moments, no surprises, no awe-inspiring sets or costumes. I find it odd how Sid is played by a female, and I find his/her screeching voice very annoying. I will say, however, that my kids do not dislike it. It is definitely not one of their favorites, but they liked it more than I did. Give this one a chance, but don’t have high expectations.
Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
This show is only on the Fantasy and since I have never been on the Fantasy, I have never seen this one. From the DCL website:
This mythical Arabian story of boy meets girl raises the bar with special effects and advanced technology. The action often spills out into the aisles or above the audience, such as when Jafar transforms into a gigantic snake and then shrinks into the magic lamp, or in the fantastical flying carpet scene that takes place high overhead.
Many of the songs from the movie are reprised, including “Friend Like Me,” which is transformed into a lavish production number complete with magical illusions and a troupe of dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, added a brand new song for this production: “To Be Free.”
I have only heard good things about this show. I love Aladdin so I hope to see it soon.
Villains Tonight!
★★★★
This show is now only on the Dream, but will be wrapping up in November 2017 to be replaced with Beauty and the Beast. It used to be on the Magic as well, but was replaced by Tangled: The Musical in November 2015. I rate it 4 stars. I have heard that some people don’t care for this show, but we are big Hercules fans in our family so we love it. It is not quite on the same level as Disney Dreams or Golden Mickeys, but I still really like it. I think the quality of the show varies based on the performance of Hades, who plays a big role in the show and does quite a bit of ad-lib humor. The 4 times I have seen it, Hades’ performance has ranged from great to just okay. The better the Hades, the more I enjoyed the show. From the DCL website:
Disney’s most beloved villains sing, dance and scheme in this fun-filled, family-friendly Broadway-style show. Enjoy the antics of Hades and his sidekicks Pain and Panic, as they set out on a wickedly funny quest.
It all begins when Hades finds out he might lose his position as Underworld top dog after seeing that his Evil-O-Meter has hit an all-time low. So he enlists the help of Disney’s most awesomely loathsome villains in an attempt to raise the Underworld’s evil factor.
Come along for an extraordinary peek into several famously evil haunts, including Ursula‘s sea witch lair and Cruella De Vil’s spotted-doggie dungeon. But, keep an eye out for Captain Hook’s sleight-of-hand and never ever accept a scepter from an Evil Queen!
I do appreciate that they update Hades’ jokes to go along with current events, and that keeps it fresh and interesting no matter how many times you see it. The plot is also fast paced enough to hold your attention and there are some great special effects as well. This is also one you don’t want to miss.
Disney Wishes
Once again, this show is only on the Fantasy so I have never seen it. From the DCL website:
Discover a song-and-dance show about joining the grown-up world without giving up the joyful child inside us all.
The story begins with 3 teens—Kayla, Nicole and Brandon—heading off for a visit to Disneyland Resort in celebration of their high school graduation. Unsure of what the future holds, they make a wish to go on the “Rides of Our Lives” and an exhilarating journey ensues!
Watch as the young trio’s adventure unfolds, guided by such beloved Disney Characters as Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio, Timon and Pumbaa. And, with help from their fantastic new friends, the teens realize the meaning of being “young at heart” and the importance of play—no matter your age!
Just as with Aladdin, I have never heard anything negative about this show and hope to see it someday.
Disney’s Believe
★★★★
This show is on both the Dream and Fantasy and I have seen it three times. It is a great show and I rate it 4 stars. While I think the plot is kind of hokey, it is still interesting enough to be enjoyable and has great music. From the DCL website:
Discover a heartfelt tale of a loving daughter determined to make her studious father see life beyond work. All it takes is a bit of faith and a dash of magic.
The story begins in the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist captivated with cultivating his precious plants. The good doctor is so passionate about his garden that he forgets what day it is—his daughter’s birthday!
That night, Sophia, his daughter makes an emotional wish—and something incredible happens: Genie from Disney’s Aladdin comes to the rescue!
Joined by a host of Characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on a magical ride into the world of Disney stories. Along the way, the doctor makes a personal discovery—magic isn’t fantasy, but a remarkable reality that has touched both him and his daughter.
The Genie is funny and likable and does a great job carrying the show. The sets and costumes are incredible, as are the special effects. While not my favorite show, it is really good and you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
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If you haven’t yet seen a show on Disney Cruise Line, you are in for a treat! Please make the time to see each one on your sailing at least once – I hate it when I hear people say that they skipped it for some reason or another. They really are exceptional productions and one of my very favorites parts of a Disney Cruise.
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