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It’s no secret that Walt Disney World Resort is a most entertaining place to come out and explore. There are just so many fun things to take in, from those world-renowned rides and attractions that grace the four major theme parks and two water parks to all the recreational extras and alternate endeavors here.
And with stellar Resorts that stand out as contested attractions in and of themselves, not to mention the always buzzing social scene to be enjoyed at affiliated venues and districts, there’s plenty in the way of premium entertainment. In fact, many such options for the latter can even be experienced independently from the Parks and therefore require no paid Park admission. Here are seven sensational examples of where to find entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort well beyond the limits of the Parks.
Related: Making the Most of Walt Disney World Resort Recreations
7. Disney Resort Hotels
That’s right, you can find live musical entertainment happening right onsite at several well-known Disney World Resort accommodations, taking place at specific times and dates. Visit the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa most days between 3 p.m. and the 5 o’clock hour, for instance, and you can enjoy the elegance of classical piano music filling the lavish lobby, courtesy of the resort’s own resident maestro.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 8:30 p.m. up until midnight you can enjoy the comedic piano works and fun-loving antics of the one and only Yehaa Bob Jackson happening at River Roost Lounge, onsite at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside. Another great entertainment-laden lounge to check out in this vicinity is Scat Cat’s Club, featuring live musical performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 7:30 p.m.
While there are currently no fixed schedules in place for such happenings, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has also been known to at times feature live guitarists onsite.
And while there are several past Resort-based entertainment experiences many folks still look back to with fond memories—like Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness and Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian, Guests do have the long-awaited return of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to look forward to this June at Fort Wilderness.
Related: Breaking: Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Announces Return!
6. Jellyrolls
We could technically include the live entertainment happenings at Jellyrolls under the Resort Entertainment category, but seeing as Disney’s BoardWalk scene, in general, is its own entity as an entertainment district, we feel it’s worthy to call it out separately.
Thursdays through Mondays, between the evening hours of 7 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., this is the bar you want to be at. And while nightly drink specials are always great, what really steals the scene at this venue is their renowned dueling piano performances. What’s more, you can even make personal requests as well. And singing along is always both welcome and strongly encouraged.
Related: Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar Reopens Tonight at Disney’s Boardwalk
5. Atlantic Dance Hall
As you’re making your way down Disney’s World BoardWalk scene, you won’t want to miss this ultimate nightclubbing spot. A treat for anyone who loves nostalgic dance hits, predominantly of the 1990s and a decade earlier, Guests who loved these tunes back in the day will discover the ultimate blast to the past. But younger clubbers aged 21 and up are still sure to appreciate the experience in its entirety.
Related: Disney’s Boardwalk 101 – Fabulous Fun Without A Park Ticket!
4. Live Concerts Around Disney Springs
Disney’s other mega social hub, Disney Springs, is your one-stop go-to for shopping, dining, and taking in a wealth of interactive extras. It also happens to be another great place to find awesome live entertainment happenings. And for those seeking out free, low-key outdoor options showcasing live bands, DJs, and versatile musical performances, do take note of their many external stage setups.
Perfect for folks to just drop by for while on the go, or to stop and stay awhile to enjoy, you’ll find diverse around-the-clock happenings taking place at various dates and times, always changing things up with something new and interesting. The places to find these complimentary enticements include AdventHealth Waterside Stage, Exposition Park, Riverboat Square, Sunshine Highline, and WaterView Park.
Related: 15 Reasons Why Disney Springs Is Now One Of Our Favorite Places To Visit!
3. Restaurants and Bars at Disney Springs
Because the food and drink scene at Disney Springs is so big, it should come as no surprise to find that many such venues host live entertainment at slated time intervals as well. And while some performances come complimentary as part of the overall experience, such as those that accompany a restaurant brunch or dinnertime offering, many of the exclusive bars include their featured entertainment lineup as part of the cover charge upon entering.
Entertainment schedules are forever changing, but in general, you will find featured live musical performances at certain times happening at the following venues:
- House of Blues (known for weekend brunch offerings and various free concerted events in their Courtyard)
- Raglan Road (Entertainment on the Main Stage daily as well as at their outdoor Patio Stage)
- Stargazers Bar (Live music from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and karaoke on Wednesdays between 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- BOATHOUSE (Live music, nightly and a special Captain’s Sing-Along Brunch on weekends)
- The Edison (Live musical performances nightly, beginning at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
- Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas (Regular entertainment schedule includes live music during the 5 p.m. Happy Hour until closing time)
Related: 8 Things You Won’t Want to Miss at Disney Springs
2. Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Known for being just about the most outstanding bowling alley around, Splitsville is the ultimate go-to for the whole family, laden with entertaining extras in addition to their number one pastime. From arcade amusements, flat-screen television diversions, live musical entertainment performances daily, and even onsite dining, there are no split decisions when you choose to come out to Splitsville.
1. Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
While there is so much live entertainment to enjoy at Disney Springs, perhaps one of the most unique offerings to be had comes in the form of their renowned Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life acrobatic stage show. Inspired by the feat of bringing classic Disney Animation to life via the impressive talents of Cirque du Soleil performers, this stunning spectacular takes the audience on an awe-inspiring transcendent journey from theater into the boundless limits of imagination and Disney’s most inspirational animated workings. Combining flashy costumes and set pieces, synchronized choreography, and impressive stunts and gymnastics, to say that this show is entertaining would be an absolute understatement!
Related: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Drawn to Life’ Currently Paused at Disney Springs
Entertaining extras at Disney World, whether such offerings come in the form of an added cost or as part of a complimentary package deal, are entirely doable, even when you opt to forgo visiting the Parks in favor of such options. While it is true that the live entertainment happenings around Walt Disney World Resort are always subject to certain changes, what is also true is the fact that you can always expect exceptional experiences from Disney, sure to make magical memories to last you a lifetime.
