Broadway Style Shows Aboard Disney Cruise Line

One of my favourite things to do onboard Disney Cruise Line is to get dressed up, go to our 5:45 dinner reservation, and cap the evening off with a Broadway style show in the Walt Disney Theatre. If you’ve read anything about the cruise line industry, you’ve probably heard that, in general, onboard entertainment is often lacking. The shows you are generally treated to are B or C grade level productions, because the argument goes, if these individuals were really talented, they wouldn’t be on a cruise ship. That is definitely not the case for Disney Cruise Line, as every show I’ve ever seen them put on has been fantastic!

Disney Dream – Believe

One of the more heartwarming tales available on Disney Cruise Line is Disney’s Believe, a story about a father who doesn’t believe in magic, but through a variety of scenes depicting famous Disney films and characters, learns to believe in magic. This is one of my wife’s favorite shows, and although we’ve seen it a number of times already, it’s still enjoyable each and every time. The cast – from the most important members to the background actors and singers – are all putting on their best work; the time and energy spent in Toronto rehersing is evident when the shows hit the stage.

Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant, 1,340-seat palace onboard the Disney Dream that is equipped with advanced theatrical technology and state-of-the-art sound, lighting, staging and set design. Premiering on the Disney Dream and headlining the musical repertoire is Disney’s Believe, an original stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story about a father and daughter with a captivating musical score, a comical and insightful performance by Genie from Disney’s Aladdin and appearances from more than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Disney’s Believe is a musical, and at the least, you will be serenaded by some of your favorite Disney film songs. But if you enjoy all aspects of this art form, this show in particular will not disappoint. From dancing, to singing, and even to acrobatics, the direction and story of this wonderful 50 minute tale is top notch, and definitely an experience you won’t want to miss.

Disney Dream – The Golden Mickeys

The Golden Mickey’s is a bit of a harder sell for me as I’ve seen it so many times across all of Disney’s Cruise ships. For first time cruisers – or if you haven’t seen it in a while – The Golden Mickey’s is also a show you don’t want to miss. The gist: you are at an awards show just for Disney characters, and when the host of the show doesn’t arrive to hand out the trophies, it’s up to a surprise guest to pull of the awards show. The story pushes the theme of believing in oneself, which is great for both kids and adults alike.

Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant, 1,340-seat palace onboard the Disney Dream that is equipped with advanced theatrical technology and state-of-the-art sound, lighting, staging and set design. The Golden Mickeys is a Disney Cruise Line guest favorite and an award-style show celebrating the musical heritage of Disney animated films. This production showcases an extra sprinkle of glitz and glamour on the Disney Dream with new musical numbers, enhanced technology and dazzling special effects. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

While most Disney Cruise Line shows are confined in the Walt Disney Theatre, The Golden Mickeys spills out into the lobby by the shops onboard. A red carpet is laid out for the award nominees, and a reporter is standing by, giving lucky cruisers the opportunity to talk about their favourite Disney movies and characters, all of which is shown on the televisions inside the theatre. It’s a great experience for everyone, but one that will wear thin quickly if you cruise as often as I have. I personally don’t need a dose of the Golden Mickeys every 9 months, but I’m always ready to watch the show when we’ve had a bit of a hiatus from cruising!

When on our cruise, we were in the transition period as the ship began getting ready for the Beauty and the Beast live show. Unfortunately, to make way for this fantastic new show, one of our favourite Disney Cruise Line shows, Villains Tonight, was canned! That being said, I’ve only heard fantastic things about Beauty and the Beast, so if you are on the Disney Dream in the near future, make sure to swing by the Walt Disney Theatre for that wonderful, magical experience!