My concern for the future of Disneyland Resort stage shows – DePaoli on DeParks
I love live entertainment and stage shows in Disney parks. These days, it’s often my priority when visiting the parks. That is why it concerns me that both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure now have their largest performance venues sitting empty with nothing announced for the future.
Live entertainment included with theme park admission has always been one of the factors setting Disney apart from other theme park competitors. Live entertainment is now a staple for theme parks, but Disney is arguably the best at it. There’s still plenty to experience including the Disneyland Band, the Dapper Dans, and parades. But with Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre and Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater stages sitting empty, something feels missing.
These two venues represent the largest performance spaces (nighttime spectaculars aside) available at Disneyland Resort. Given that fact, these spaces typically offer the largest productions you’ll find in the parks.
“Tale of the Lion King” closed this past January 7th at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre. The production opened there on May 28, 2022, meaning it only ran for a bit over a year and a half. I personally loved this production and wished it could have run longer, but change is inevitable in live entertainment. Its closure would be an easier pill to swallow if we knew what was coming next. But we don’t.
Before “Tale of the Lion King,” “Mickey and the Magical Map” was performed at the Fantasyland Theatre from May 25, 2013, through March 12, 2020. This production ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic resort closure. When the parks reopened, live entertainment was the last to return. This resulted in an over two year gap since Disneyland reopening and a production being mounted at Fantasyland Theatre.
Similarly, “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” opened at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater on May 27, 2016, to be closed on March 13, 2020, due to the pandemic. We didn’t see another production in there until a short run of “Rogers: The Musical” from June 30, 2023, through August 31, 2023.
As of now, both venues are empty with no future productions announced. I fear they will be sitting empty for a long time. I certainly have made some wrong predictions in the past when it comes to Disney theatre productions, and I hope I’m wrong this time as well.
To be fair, “Rogers: The Musical” announced its opening only two and a half months before the curtain rose. Perhaps another fast turnaround announcement could be in the future. I sure hope so.
Admittedly, I’m a theatre fan and therefore yearn for stage shows in the parks. But aside from being a fan, I think it’s more important now than ever for Disney to continue their tradition of live stage shows.
The introduction of Genie+ and Lightning Lane has completely changed the way parks are enjoyed. These upcharge options have made standby wait times considerably longer than they ever were. Even for smaller attractions.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve been able to walk on Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! with little wait. For me personally, I’m not willing to wait 45 minutes for such a ride. With live entertainment options in the park, I’m always happy to have that opportunity where I typically don’t need to deal with any Lightning Lane interference.
Live shows that can accommodate a large audience are also great for taking folks out of long lines (often created by Lightning Lane) and spreading out the crowds. I sense a theme here.
I previously wrote how I believe Disney’s live shows are what set them apart from the competition. I believe that’s truer than ever as theme park competition is tougher than ever. Other companies are making rides just as good, and in some cases better, than Disney. Where I believe the competition typically lacks is live entertainment. Disney would be smart to continue their tight grip on this asset.
What do you think? Do you care that these venues are now sitting empty? Do you typically stop to see a show when visiting Disneyland Resort? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Jeff DePaoli is a producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast,” the ultimate, unofficial Disney fan podcast. Get your FREE gifts of “America’s Hidden Mickeys,” “On the Rohde Again,” “Theme Park Comfort Kit” and more at DizneyCoastToCoast.com. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
I fully agree and have this on my mind so much lately as I am planning my next Disneyland trip. There is also another big “venue”, the Tomorrowland theater. This venue used to be an outdoor stage home to live concerts. Then it became an enclosed theater for 4D shows like Captain EO and Honey I shrunk the Audience. I have a friend that had a contract with the Tale Lion King, he said he thought he would be working there for years. I have no idea why they closed that show so quickly.
Thanks for keeping this subject at the forefront. Fingers crossed the times will change and we will have a parade in both parks all year again, a show in every live performance space along with all the spontaneous entertainment we love so much.
Always happy to advocate for live entertainment. You’re right about the Tomorrowland Theater. It has been empty for WAY too long. Whether it’s something live or another attraction, I just want to see that space used again. Thanks for reading.
I would see Aladdin 2-3 times when I visited CaAdv. Not the same with Frozen, but I never thought that there would be nothing! I agree with you.
I’ll be curious to see whether or not that building survives once Avatar construction begins.