Does Disney World have scary Live Shows? While many would call Disney’s stage attractions relatively tame, they all certainly pack a punch in their own unique ways. Let’s dive into the specifics – ranking each one by intensity, spookiness, sensory overload, and more.
6 – Turtle Talk with Crush
As a longstanding minor attraction, Turtle Talk with Crush in Epcot has been delighting young audiences for nearly two decades. With its unique premise, this live show projects its main character, Crush, onto a large screen and utilizes live actors as well as cast members to create an interactive experience for the whole audience. By allowing guests to actually talk to our favorite dude, this attraction makes for a very immersive experience and one that has stood the test of time over in Epcot.
How Intense is Turtle Talk with Crush?
Like with all interactive live shows, there is definitely the possibility of being called on to participate. However, this particular attraction relies more on kids raising their hands rather than surprise-attacking its audience members with a microphone.
Aside from this, the entire show takes place in a fairly small and dark theater, though it has the same look and feel of the rest of the aquarium. There is no spooky theming whatsoever or even any sensory overload to speak of.
The only potentially intimidating moment in the show comes with the giant blue whale that Dory and Destiny call over by “speaking whale.” He presses right up onto the screen, pinning Dory (played for laughs), before swimming off again. While not meant to be scary in any way, the character’s huge size could feel a bit imposing to some small children.
How Does Turtle Talk with Crush Compare to other Live Shows?
With its sweet nature and kid-centered antics, I would definitely rank this live show at the bottom of our list in terms of intensity. While potentially posing a problem for those prone to stage fright, this attraction is overall a very pleasant experience and fun for the whole family.
For more specifics on Turtle Talk with Crush, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from AllCentralFlorida:
5 – For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration
For the First Time in Forever: a Frozen Sing Along Celebration in Hollywood Studios is a whimsical, concert-style live show utilizing live actors, practical effects like falling “snow”, and a large screen. It’s a great time for Frozen fans everywhere, introducing them to our favorite characters like Anna, Kristoff, and of course the ice queen herself, Elsa.
How Intense is A Frozen Sing Along?
While the Frozen Sing Along is not intentionally scary whatsoever, it’s important to note that this theater can get very loud – especially with many audience members singing along at the top of their lungs. It’s a bit like a concert in this way, and some sensory sensitive guests could be a bit bothered by the noise level coming not just from the stage but from the people around you.
In addition, some guests may be caught off guard by the falling “snow” that rains down on the audience during Elsa’s big number as well as the concert-like lighting effects throughout the show.
The large screen also plays short clips from the Frozen movie – including the scene where Anna and Elsa’s parents die. The cast briefly acknowledges it, albeit in a light and funny way.
How Does A Frozen Sing Along Compare to other Live Shows?
While perhaps a bit more intense than Turtle Talk with Crush due to its loud music, crowded auditorium setting, and practical effects, this attraction is truly a delight and lacks an overall intensity that you might find in other live shows. The comedic tone and kid-centered scripting add to its lighthearted nature and make it a great choice for even the most sensitive of guests.
For more specifics on the Frozen Sing Along, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from JohnYChen:
4 – Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor
Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor in Magic Kingdom is a unique comedy experience that works by projecting its monster characters onto a large screen and utilizing live actors as well as cast members to create an interactive live show. By relying heavily on its audience members, this attraction keeps its routine fresh with different interactions every time.
How Intense is Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor?
Despite its many monsters, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor is not intentionally scary whatsoever. Its funny tone as well as its large and air conditioned theater make for a pleasant experience for most people.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that if you or anyone in your party is prone to stage fright, there is definitely the possibility of being picked to interact with the comedians. While all good-natured and hilarious, you may want to skip out on this live show altogether if that sounds particularly unpleasant to you. Only a handful of guests are called on, but the possibility of being on-screen could certainly be scary to some people.
A few other things to look out for are the loud noises as well as lighting and smoke effects that go off after the “laugh canister” is full. Roz’s character could also be a bit creepy or intimidating, although she is not meant to be scary at all. There are no animatronics or costumed characters, so all the monsters will be exclusively on-screen.
How Does Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor Compare to other Live Shows?
The surprise element and potential of being called on to participate certainly takes this live show up a notch from others on this list. However, it’s still a super fun and lighthearted experience centered on laughs and good-natured jokes – making it a fantastic show for most guests.
For more specifics on Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
3 – Festival of the Lion King
Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom is a fun-filled, live celebration featuring some of our favorite Lion King characters. With its amazing songs, performances, and acrobatics, this live show can be a blast for even the most sensitive of guests – so why is it ranked so high on this list?
How Intense is Festival of the Lion King?
Festival of the Lion King is not intentionally scary, but it could be a bit intense for some guests. While this live show lacks any actual Disney villains, it still pays tribute to the Lion King’s titular baddie with the song “Be Prepared,” originally sung by Scar.
This particular scene does include some flashing lights and thunder as well as a brief “evil laugh” and some menacing-looking choreography. The fire dancer really steals the show and is really incredible to watch – though the “dangerous” routine could be distressing to some. This, combined with the loud drumming, light effects, and villain-vibe, could definitely be a bit intense for the sensory sensitive among us.
The rest of the show also involves some loud noises/music and lighting effects, but is all portrayed in a very friendly and joyous way. Personally, I adore this attraction, and would recommend it to most people – as long as everyone in your party is comfortable what I described above.
How Does Festival of the Lion King Compare to other Live Shows?
While this one musical number is enough to set it apart from the previous entries on this list, I would still consider this live show to be fairly tame and family-friendly. As I mentioned before, it technically lacks any real villains – instead choosing to pay homage with a Scar-inspired song – and while it’s not meant to be scary in any way, I would still be sure to know what to expect if anyone in your party is a sensitive rider.
For more specifics on Festival of the Lion King, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from laughingplace:
2 – Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage in Hollywood Studios is an outdoor theatrical production telling the classic tale as old as time. Utilizing live actors, practical set pieces, and some mild smoke effects, this live show creates an immersive experience – plunging you into the whimsical world of Beauty and the Beast.
How Intense is Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage?
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage could be scary to some guests. Aside from the intense story elements and villainous characters that you would expect from seeing the movie, it’s actually a pretty tame retelling of the tale. The show skips over large sections of the movie but does include some scary scenes like the Beast’s temper tantrums, the “Kill the Beast” number, and most notably, the castle siege and the Beast’s stabbing.
If you and your family are totally fine with the intense storyline, the only other thing I’d look out for would be the mild smoke effects (nothing too crazy like It’s Tough to be a Bug), and the loud roaring you’ll hear throughout the show. While being out in the audience in an open-air theater certainly helps take the edge off, this live show still might be worth reconsidering for those especially prone to sensory sensitivity.
How Does Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage Compare to other Live Shows?
The actual inclusion of villains, peril, and combat choreography certainly sets this attraction apart for obvious reasons. While I would still recommend this show to fans of the original movie and even some younger guests, I would just be sure to look out for the more intense elements listed in the previous section. As a pretty faithful retelling of the story, you can expect to experience the tension, conflict, and beastly tantrums found in the film – but don’t let it deter you from experiencing this magical show if you feel that you can handle it.
For more specifics on Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
1 – Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is an exciting live show featuring everyone’s favorite adventurer (or at least the stunt man who plays him.) Utilizing live actors and stunt performers as well as large-scale practical effects, pyrotechnics, and even entire vehicles on stage, this stunt performance will certainly get your adrenalin pumping.
How Intense is Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular?
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular could be a bit scary to some people. While not intentionally frightening, the high-charged stunt performances and story elements could feel a bit overwhelming.
If you or anyone in your party is especially sensitive to spooky theming, the first scene in the temple is probably the most creepy – involving some ominous music, “booby traps,” the classic giant boulder, and huge set pieces fashioned like skulls and other “Temple of Doom” props.
The rest of the show is more adrenalin-pumping than scary, but still includes some sinister characters, real explosions, gunfire (fake, of course, but loud), and even some suspenseful chase scenes involving large vehicles with loud revving engines. There are also dangerous-looking falls as well as simulated fistfights and other hand-to-hand combat.
NOTE: If you or anyone in your party is particularly sensitive to loud “gunfire,” explosions, realistic combat, or war-time settings – this may be an attraction to skip. The whole cast does a great job of taking the edge off with comedy and behind-the-scenes segments, but anyone with combat-related PTSD or sensory sensitivity of any kind could find this attraction very intense.
How Does Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Compare to other Live Shows?
Due to its combat-centered nature, high octane stunts, explosions, and war-time setting, this attraction takes my top spot for the most intense live show in Disney World. While certainly a fun and exciting attraction, I’d just be aware of what I listed above before jumping into this show – especially if anyone in your party is prone to sensory sensitivity or could be frightened by the war-time elements.
For more specifics on Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
What do you think? Do you agree with my Top 6 Scary Live Shows at Disney World? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know!
