Best Disneyland Shows and Entertainment

We all know Disneyland is magical any time of year. But what are the Disneyland shows and entertainment you can experience year-round? Disneyland Resort has parades, parties and fireworks that occur regularly, no matter the season.

With the help of the travel experts at Get Away Today, I’ve compiled the events you can typically find in Disneyland Park and California Adventure throughout the year.

The Disneyland app is extremely helpful when it comes to locating shows and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort. Use the “Entertainment” tab to find a map and list showing when and where your favorite shows and experiences take place.

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Shows and Entertainment at Disneyland Park

• Darth Vader and Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay. In Tomorrowland you can meet both Darth Vader and Chewbacca in the Launch Bay. Sometimes you’ll come across Boba Fett outside as well.
• Disney Princesses at Royal Hall. Meet Disney Princesses in Royal Hall in Fantasyland, located to the left of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle before you walk over the drawbridge. Up to three Princesses are available at a time to say hello, sign autographs and pose for photos.
• Flag Retreat Ceremony. Each afternoon on Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland conducts a flag retreat ceremony for guests to celebrate America and the Armed Forces. Be in front of the Disneyland Railroad by 4:30pm to experience it.
• Mickey and the Magical Map. Fantasyland hosts Mickey and the Magical Map each afternoon for a number of showings. This live production features Mickey, who gets in a little over his head trying to be more than a Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Follow along on Mickey’s journey and be taken through a number of classic Disney films.
• Storytelling at Royal Theater. Head to the Royal Theater in Fantasyland for one of the daily showings of this production. Live shows retell the beloved Disney stories you love.
• Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow. Pixie Hollow is a hidden gem between Matterhorn and Tomorrowland. Meet Tinker Bell and other fairies, and explore their lush home with oversized plants and “Lost Things.”

Music Performances in Disneyland

• The Dapper Dans. This Barbershop quartet performs on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park multiple times per day. The Dapper Dans typically begin their vaudeville-style performances mid-morning and occur every hour until about 5pm.
• Disneyland Band. In both Frontierland and on Main Street, U.S.A., the Disneyland Band delights guests with music, fancy footwork and Disney Characters. The Band does roughly six performances per day.
• Pearly Band. In Disneyland Park, the Pearly Band makes appearances in Fantasyland. You’ll most likely see them on King Arthur’s Carousel! They’re also occasionally joined by Mary Poppins and Burt near Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Fantasmic! – My Favorite Disneyland Show

Twice nightly in Frontierland, at 9pm and 10:30pm, you can view this spectacular nighttime show that features music, projections and fireworks. Witness the battle between Disney Heroes and Disney Villains, and be sure to request a FastPass in person at the Rivers of America kiosk. You can also snag it on the Disneyland app using your phone. You can have a FastPass for a show and a FastPass for a ride at the same time.

RELATED POST: Disneyland MaxPass, FastPass and PhotoPass

Shows at Disney California Adventure Park

• Disney Junior Dance Party. Guests of all ages can dance and sing along with classic Disney Junior Characters including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey and Minnie. Shows usually begin at 10:30am and run every hour or so until late-afternoon. The Disney Junior Dance Party is located in Hollywood Land.
• Five and Dime. This jazzy quintet performs in Disney California Adventure Park multiple times per day. You’ll catch them cruising through the Park, sometimes with Goofy in tow.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! Do you think you have what it takes to win a dance off with the Guardians of the Galaxy? Outside their ride in Disney California Adventure Park, you can move and groove to Peter Quill’s favorite tunes. Gamora and Groot have been known to make appearances as well.
• Heroic Encounters. Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel and Spider-Man can be found in Hollywood Land for photos and autographs. Always check the Disneyland app for appearance times. Rest assured that although the Characters sometimes take a quick five-minute break, they often return to the waiting guests.
• Paradise Gardens Bandstand. Each afternoon in Disney California Adventure Park, the Paradise Gardens Bandstand entertains guests as they dine in the Park.
• Pixar Pals at Pixar Pier. You can meet some of your favorite Pixar Pals such as the Incredibles, Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sulley or characters from UP. Look for Pixar Characters near the Incredicoaster.
• Residents of Radiator Springs Meet and Greet. Cars fans can say hello to Lightning, Mater and even Red in Radiator Springs. Outside the Cozy Cone Motel, the stars of Cars stop for photos, and they can also be seen cruising Route 66.

My Favorite Shows at California Adventure

• Frozen – Live at the Hyperion – This Broadway caliber performance is hosted in the Hyperion Theater at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Experience the story of Frozen in a new way with this live performance. I promise you – it’s worth watching!
• World of Color – This nighttime spectacular wows guests with beautiful imagery, music, water fountains, lasers and lights. This show does feature holiday-themed overlays depending on the time of year. You can make FastPass requests in person near Ariel’s Undersea Adventure or via the Disneyland app on your phone.

Book Now to Experience the Magic

With five kids and two adults, a family vacation to The Happiest Place on Earth can get expensive. Read my tips on ways to make a family vacation to Disneyland more affordable.

No matter when you plan to visit Disneyland, you’ll save big when you book with my friends at Get Away Today. You can save an additional $10 when you book a vacation package that includes your hotel accommodations. Mention Carltonaut’s Travel Tips and use promo code Carltonaut10 for those extra savings. You can book at www.getawaytoday.com or call a travel expert at 855-GET-AWAY.

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