If setting sail with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is one of your favorite things to do, or if you’re hoping to experience it for the first time, this post is for you! 

For a first-timer, it might seem that the Disney Cruises would have less to do and experience compared to the parks. While, no, you won’t be soaring at nearly 60 miles per hour on a roller coaster, or taking photos in front of a castle, there are plenty of shows, snacks, character meet and greets, and activities — so many, in fact, that you’ll find that there simply isn’t enough time to complete everything! A fan-favorite experience on these ships is watching the shows that take place aboard. If your idea of fun includes sitting in a crowd and watching a themed show or spectacular be performed in front of you, then keep reading.

This post is going to serve as your ultimate guide to shows on DCL. Typically, there are two different showings of each show or musical per day — one that accommodates guests from each of the two dining times. However, for a brand-new, popular musical, there might also be an additional showing earlier in the day. (Back in the pandemic days, DCL actually limited the number of specific shows playing, with more times added to allow for distancing!)

Schedules are always subject to change, so it’s important to check the Daily Navigator or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for specifics on available shows, dates, and times. Shows are typically around an hour long, so you’ll still have plenty of time to fit in other activities and experiences throughout the evening. Now, without further ado, let’s first talk about the different theaters available aboard DCL.

Walt Disney Theatre

The Walt Disney Theatre is aboard the Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish ships. The theatre decor resembles that of vintage movie houses, yet the shows on stage include modern technology.

The theatre is adorned with Art Deco and Art Nouveau flourishes from the 1930s and 1940s. This luxurious theatre was designed to handle complex, modern productions.

Buena Vista Theatre

The Buena Vista Theatre is inspired by the golden age of cinema — boasting Art Deco-inspired decor throughout. You’ll find it aboard the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy.

The theatre showcases first-run films as well as popular motion-picture releases and classic Disney films!

Wonderland and Neverland Cinema

Specific to the Disney Wish, these cinemas are themed to popular classic Disney films. Wonderland is a woodland-themed theater themed to Alice in Wonderland, while Neverland is inspired by Peter Pan’s flight from London to Neverland.

Combined, these cinemas seat 170 guests and are more intimate theatres. Here, visitors can catch glimpses of modern films.

Now that we’ve gotten to take a look at the theatres aboard Disney Cruise Line, it’s time for the fun part! The shows! Below, you’ll find a list of some of the live shows you can see on your cruise.

Shows Aboard the Disney Magic

Tangled: The Musical

Tangled: The Musical features three new songs not in the original film and includes a beautiful set and costumes. There are even some puppets that help bring the characters to life!

Disney Dreams

Disney Dreams is about a young girl who learns to believe in herself as she is visited by beloved characters like Peter Pan, Mickey, and Minnie. This is a really cute story and it can be fun to see scenes from so many popular musicals in one show.

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story

Twice Charmed is a version of Cinderella that takes place in an alternate world where the glass slipper is destroyed before Cinderella can try it on.

Shows Aboard the Disney Wonder

Frozen: A Musical Spectacular

Frozen: A Musical Spectacular utilizes projectors, puppets, costumes, and more to showcase the kingdom of Arendelle. The musical includes popular songs from the first Frozen movie, including “Let It Go,” as well as snow falling down on the theatre!

The Golden Mickeys

The Golden Mickeys starts out with a shy stage manager having to fill in for a non-show host, so it follows the “believe in yourself” theme woven into many Disney movies and shows. There are awards given for various categories and the show includes performances from popular Disney movies including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, and Mulan. 

Disney Dreams

Disney Dreams is about a young girl who learns to believe in herself as she is visited by beloved characters like Peter Pan, Mickey, and Minnie. This is a really cute story and it can be fun to see scenes from so many popular musicals in one show. Yep, this is the same one that appears aboard the Disney Magic!

Shows Aboard the Disney Fantasy

Frozen: A Musical Spectacular

Frozen: A Musical Spectacular utilizes projectors, puppets, costumes, and more to showcase the kingdom of Arendelle. The musical includes popular songs from the first Frozen movie, including “Let It Go,” as well as snow falling down on the theatre!

Disney’s Believe

Believe Is about a botanist dad who doesn’t believe in magic, while his young daughter does. When he forgets her birthday because he’s focused on growing his plants, she makes a birthday wish for him to believe.

Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular

This musical showing of Aladdin showcases the music, characters, and theming of the original Aladdin movie, while also showcasing some newer technology.

Shows Aboard The Disney Dream

Beauty and the Beast

This take on the classic film includes giant LED walls and projections that help set up the stage. The images on the screen work as the set design and background — helping you to feel as though you’re transformed into the show.

The Golden Mickeys

The Golden Mickeys starts out with a shy stage manager having to fill in for a non-show host, so it follows the “believe in yourself” theme woven into many Disney movies and shows. There are awards given for various categories and the show includes performances from popular Disney movies including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, and Mulan. 

Disney’s Believe

Believe Is about a botanist dad who doesn’t believe in magic, while his young daughter does. When he forgets her birthday because he’s focused on growing his plants, she makes a birthday wish for him to believe.

Shows Aboard the Disney Wish

Disney Seas the Adventure

This live stage show features a procession of characters from some all-time favorite Disney adventurous classics!

The Little Mermaid

This theatrical production of The Little Mermaid includes innovative design and immersive special effects that will transport you into the story.

Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular

This musical showing of Aladdin showcases the music, characters, and theming of the original Aladdin movie, while also showcasing some newer technology.

Well, there you have it! Those are all the theaters and shows that you can check out while aboard your Disney cruise. Don’t forget to also check the Disney Navigator for the times of the Deck Shows during your cruise — which feature some fan-favorite characters as well. Make sure to follow along for more Disney news, reviews, and updates — DCL things included.

What characters can you spot on Disney’s private island? Click here!

Have you ever been on a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments!