Walt Disney World offers such renowned entertainment, which really sets it apart as a world-class experience. From musical performances to interactive experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
While the four theme parks feature incredible entertainment, there are also plenty of options that don't require a theme park ticket. Disney Springs, Disney's BoardWalk and the resort hotels all offer high-quality entertainment to enjoy on your non-park day. Hearing the beautiful keys of the Grand Floridian piano in the lobby to the awe-dropping skills of Cirque du Soleil, you won't want to miss the extra entertainment the resort has to offer. Our froggy favorite? Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort!
Looks like that's our cue to hop into our guide for live entertainment at Disney World outside of the theme parks!
Live Entertainment at Disney Springs
Disney Springs has the most options and a variety of entertainment — and it's free to park and enter! Make it a whole day with shopping and dining.
Cirque de Soleil
For high-quality entertainment at Disney Springs, you won't want to miss Cirque du Soleil. The newest show, "Drawn to Life," is the first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation and Walt Disney Imagineering. The show brings an animator's desk alive with incredible costumes, choreography and acrobatics — all pulled together with beloved Disney music and animation. The whimsical 90-minute show has a talent-packed cast that delivers jaw-dropping performances. Plus, catch lots of your Disney animated favorites literally drawn to life! Undercover Tourist now offers discount tickets to "Drawn to Life" Cirque du Soleil as well!
House of Blues
Located next to Cirque du Soleil on the West Side is House of Blues. This popular restaurant and bar has an amazing Music Hall that hosts renowned and up-and-coming artists. Enjoy all sorts of genres at this convenient location. Check out the upcoming schedule and more information on the House of Blues Orlando website.
Outdoor Live Performances
There are various free outdoor performances throughout Disney Springs. The Marketplace Waterside Stage is the largest stage that hosts a variety of performances and has plenty of seating. There is also a smaller stage in The Landing by Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.
Musicians will often perform at select times (mostly the evenings) and places such as:
- Dockside Margaritas
- Outside Splitsville
- The Boathouse restaurant
- Paradiso 37 restaurant
- Town Center near the Welcome Center
- West Side near Disney Style and AMC Theatres
- Roaming strolling piano
- During the holiday season, special roaming entertainment such as toy soldier stilt walkers and snowflake skaters
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious Irish meal and then various live entertainment seven nights a week at Raglan Road! There are multiple stages with performances every night, varying from singers to the impressive Raglan Road Dancers. Some shows even allow kids to come up and learn some Irish dance moves. Time for an Irish jig!
Live Entertainment at Disney World Resort Hotels
Yehaa Bob Jackson — Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Settle in at the River Roost Lounge at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside to see Yehaa Bob Jackson perform his funny piano playing and singing, with classic Disney songs and storybook tunes frogs of all ages will enjoy. He typically plays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Live Jazz Band — Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quater
At Scat Cat's Club in Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, you can enjoy live jazz on select nights, usually Thursday to Sunday. Relax with a drink, like the iconic Hurricane, and soak in the smooth New Orleans vibes after a day at the parks.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue — Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
It's a double whammy — experience a hilarious show and a delicious all-you-can-eat feast full of American comfort food all at once in Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Enjoy singing, dancing and laugh-out-loud comedy with this classic show you won't forget. Advanced reservations are available for booking.
Lobby Pianist — Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Is there anything classier than walking into the exquisite lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and being serenaded by a grand piano? The lobby pianist performs at select times throughout the day, and the classical music really helps to immerse you in this elegant location.
Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks From the Monorail Resorts
You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the monorail resorts: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Contemporary Resort. The resorts pipe in the music at locations like the Polynesian beach, Grand Floridian Marina and the fourth-floor observation deck at the Contemporary. If you dine at the California Grill and time it just right you can view the fireworks right from your table. If you didn't have luck booking a California Grill reservation during the fireworks, don’t worry. Just keep your receipt from your meal. You can show it to the cast members at check-in before the fireworks, and they’ll let you back in to watch from the terrace.
Electrical Water Pageant
The Electric Water Pageant is a floating light show that takes place on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom. It features glowing sea creatures, classic Disney tunes and patriotic music. And fun fact — the Electrical Water Pageant is one of the few original opening year shows to still be running at Walt Disney World! You can watch it from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort. The show usually starts around 9:00 PM, but times can vary based on location. You can find the showtimes listed on the Walt Disney World website and in the My Disney Experience app.
Live Entertainment at Disney's BoardWalk
Jellyrolls Dueling Pianos
For those frogs age 21 and older, head to Jellyrolls at Disney's BoardWalk for a unique bar experience with dueling grand pianos. With audience sing-alongs and song requests, Jellyrolls is a popular nightspot for adult frogs. It is recommended you arrive early to get a table, and there is a nightly admission fee to enter.
Street Performers
Various outdoor performers can be found throughout Disney's BoardWalk. We love a relaxing evening at the BoardWalk with dining and taking in the ambiance, so you never know what you could find. Plus, did you know you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from there? Talk about free live entertainment!
What's your favorite Disney entertainment outside of the parks? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Everything to Know About Mini-Golf at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
