Disney Junior-Live on Stage! is found on the Hollywood Pictures Backlot |
I love seeing family movies in a theater crowded with children. The comedic moments just get funnier and better because suddenly you’re seeing them through a child’s eyes.
For that reason, I love seeing Disney Junior-Live on Stage!. It’s a real treat. There’s something enchanting about hearing the collective gasp of children as they see their favorite characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins come to life. My children and I were both wide-eyed the first time we saw the show.
Through puppetry and an enthusiastic host named Casey, guests follow their favorite Disney Junior characters as Mickey and his friends learn lessons that can help them accomplish tasks they need to finish for Minnie’s birthday party.
Stroller parking is to the left of the theater and often as we’ve been disembarking the stroller, a friendly Cast Member will offer to roll our ride to the correct spot.
It is recommended to get to the show at least 15 minutes before showtime, however, it typically does not fill to capacity and getting a seat right at showtime is rarely difficult. I prefer sitting in the middle center of the theater. If you sit too close to the stage, you might have to crane your neck a bit, and if you are too far back, the magic of the stage lessens. Guests sit on the floor, with the exception of the interactive times when kids are encouraged to jump up and join the action of the show. Because there are no seats, the children tend to try to creep closer and closer toward the stage, making the the front of the sitting area crowded. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you may want to sit a little further back. Pregnant moms and those who find it difficult to get up and down off the floor may prefer to sit on the benches along the theater’s perimeter. If you are a mom traveling with small children and a child who is still nursing, this show can be a great opportunity to nurse the baby while your other children are entertained.
It is important to note that shows run in the morning and afternoon, with the last performance typically at or before dinner time. Don’t wait too late in the day to catch a show!
Tips for families with special needs children: In order to make it easier on our son, we opt to not wait in line prior to show time. We keep our eye on the theater while hanging out in the Animation Academy building until five minutes or so before showtime (whatever you think your little guy can handle). We then park our stroller to the right and walk in and find our seats. We have shown our guest assistance card to Cast Members prior to the show and we were given a small waiting area as well as priority seating (we were the first to be let the theater).
The noise can pretty loud and there’s a lot of visual stimulation. While it is nice to see your favorite Disney Junior characters, that may not be enough to overcome the sensory issues. Dash was terribly excited to see Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but became distressed when other characters took center stage, as he isn’t familiar with the other characters. Children who aren’t familiar with or don’t love all of the particular story lines in the show, may become bored or disinterested before the end of the show. There are many exits so if you can’t stay for the whole show, you can make a quick and easy getaway.
SPOILERS AHEAD: There are some special effects. Bubbles, golden paper “doubloons”, and ribbon streamers fall from the ceiling. While there is no noise that accompanies the special effects, the sudden appearance of the bubbles or ribbon might catch your kiddo off guard.
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