Best Amusement Park Live Show
After a day of thrill rides, many theme park visitors grab a seat at a live show simply to rest their tired feet, sort through their souvenirs and enjoy the rarest commodity in any park—air-conditioning. These perks aside, some productions will have you talking about them the whole drive home. We've pulled back the curtain to reveal our top amusement park live shows, which feature everything from fiery stunts and moving music to improv comedy and grand fireworks.
These 10 amusement park live shows were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. From the Heart at Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, TN
Love Dolly Parton's music? From classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" to recent hits, the songs in Dollywood's From the Heart performance will have you tapping your toes as you join in the celebration of one of the world's most-loved singer-songwriters. Between the musical numbers, you'll see scenes from Dolly's life that depict her rise from humble roots to the generous superstar she is today.
2. Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, VA
If you're a fan of Riverdance, then jig your way to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg to see Celtic Fyre. This award-winning Irish step-dancing performance tells the story of Celtic culture through movement and music. After taking in 30 minutes of drums, theatrical scenes and high energy, you'll have a spring in your step for the rest of your park visit.
3. Happily Ever After at Disney's Magic Kingdom | Orlando, FL
Part of Disney's famous "kiss goodnight" for guests, the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom sends park-goers home on a magical high note. Light projections transform Cinderella's Castle into an ever-moving storybook that's perfectly timed with fireworks and Disney's legendary songs. The highlight of the show is Tinkerbell, who flies across the night sky sprinkling pixie dust as she goes.
4. Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios | Orlando, FL
When evening falls at Hollywood Studios, crowds flock to Fantasmic! the park's nighttime spectacular that features water projections, laser lights, fireworks, Disney music and of course, Mickey Mouse and his friends. The 30-minute show culminates in a battle between Mickey and a 40-foot-tall animatronic dragon, an impressive feat of imagineering that sparks the magic of Disney in children and adults alike.
5. Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom | Orlando, FL
Celebrate the circle of life at the beloved Festival of the Lion King. This joyful stage show in Disney's Animal Kingdom is a pageant of color, huge puppets and music from the blockbuster movie (you're encouraged to sing along!). You'll be dazzled by acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers and the star of the show, Simba. Get in line early; the 40-minute show is so popular that seats fill up quickly.
6. Rhythm of Nature at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa, FL
The beauty of glowing lanterns hanging over the ice rink sets an enchanting tone for the Rhythm of Nature show at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Skaters take to the ice in animal costumes that reflect the park's zoo theme and perform daring stunts, mesmerizing dances and aerial acts above the rink. At the end of the 25-minute show, look up: paper butterflies flutter from the ceiling into the audience.
7. The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal Studios Florida | Orlando, FL
Enter the spy world of Jason Bourne as he fights his way out of danger in Universal Studios' Bourne Stuntacular live-action stunt show. You'll see pyrotechnics, shootouts and a helicopter chase that blends movie magic with amazing physical feats. It's one of the biggest and best shows of its kind in Orlando thanks to a huge LED screen that immerses you in the action-packed story.
8. Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios | Orlando, FL
Rediscover a tale as old as time at Hollywood Studios' Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage musical. This Broadway-style show features your favorite songs and characters from the hit Disney movie. Whether you were a '90s kid who grew up with the film or your kids love the music, this 30-minute show extends a hearty "Be Our Guest" to everyone.
9. Frontier Follies at Silver Dollar City | Branson, MO
For over 50 years, Frontier Follies at Silver Dollar City has been entertaining audiences with its quirky brand of humor. There's a little bit of everything in this lighthearted show—cancan dancing, magic, sketches, prop comedy and original songs just to name a few. As you're laughing along, be sure to grab a pack of peanuts and a root beer to get the full experience.
10. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Disney's Magic Kingdom | Orlando, FL
Magic Kingdom's Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is more than good; it's scary good. You'll be whisked into a theater for a unique improv show starring everyone's favorite one-eyed green goofball, Mike Wazowski. Behind the scenes, live comedians provide the voices—and quick wit—for the monsters that take the stage. Don't be alarmed if someone hands you a microphone to join the show; it's all part of the frightful fun.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Joelle Machia is a travel writer, photographer and co-owner of the Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. With a mission to inspire wanderlust, Joelle encourages readers to explore the world through authentic, independent travel. The blog offers a mix of storytelling, destination insights, off-the-beaten-path finds, photography and practical travel tips. Joelle aims to help readers turn their travel dreams into a beautiful reality. She is a proud member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.