Ranking the top 5 Disneyland shows

Disneyland is known for having amazing shows to entertain guests. From their various fireworks spectaculars to World of Color, each show has touched the hearts of the people who watch them. However, in terms of the different variations of shows, some rank higher than others in entertainment value. Here is a ranking of Disneyland’s Nighttime Spectaculars as of the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration.

5. World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney

World of Color–Celebrate! is Disney California Adventure’s newest version of World of Color. I decided to rank it 5th in this list because although it does have a lot of color, it just doesn’t bring what the original World of Color brought when it first premiered a little more than five years ago. Of course I love learning about the history and life of Walt Disney don’t get me wrong, I just think the original is better: the transitions from each scene were smoother than in Celebrate, and it was more heartwarming.

4. Mickey and the Magical Map

Mickey and The Magical Map is a great show to watch during the day. It provides excellent shade to keep you away from the heat and the music is amazing. I decided to rank this 4th because its definitely a good show, but it pales in comparison to the next three shows in terms of being attention–grabbing. Its heart and soul lies in the breathtaking singing and choreography with characters such as Mulan and Rapunzel hitting incredibly high notes – plus who doesn’t love seeing Lilo and Stitch dancing to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”?

3. Disneyland Forever Fireworks

Disneyland Forever has taken fireworks to a new level. Using projection screens to enhance the experience, Disneyland Forever is a show that must be seen. I’ve ranked it 3rd because the soundtrack is amazing. “Live the Magic,” which is composed by Richard Sherman and sung by Ashley Brown, is a fresh theme song that guests will be singing way after the show is over. The several sections are perfectly synchronized with fireworks to provide breathtaking scenes. Even if you’re over the whole Frozen thing, the “Let it Go” section of the fireworks is definitely worth watching.

2. Paint the Night Parade

Paint the Night is a nighttime parade that originally came from Hong Kong Disneyland, and I’m very excited they brought it here for the 60th Anniversary. The floats are incredible and incorporate over a million LED light–bulbs. The score is a brilliantly mastered remix of Owl City’s “When Can I See You Again”. I’ve ranked this 2nd because whether watching the parade or just listening to it while walking to your destination, it’s pure fun. The song is so catchy it makes you want to just dance.

1. Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is by far the best show to watch out of the five in my opinion. It’s a classic story of good versus evil with Mickey Mouse fending off villains who try to take over his imagination. This show has everything – love, action, terror, and adventure. It’s the perfect thing to watch at night when you’re in need of a break from enjoying the rides, and the finale of the show is an explosive display of pyrotechnics as well as special effects.

There you have it, our ranking of the 5 best shows at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Whether you disagree with these opinions or not, it’s definitely worth it to see all the shows. Maybe you’ll find something about one of the shows that you like more than the others. Let us know how you would rank your top five shows!

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