Frequently Asked Questions

Disney Performing Arts Performance is a once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity for school and community instrumental, vocal, dance and other qualifying ensembles to perform on Disney stages for audiences from around the world.

To participate in a performance, you must submit an application for your group. Due to limited capacity and increasing popularity, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance of your requested performance date. If selected, all participants are required to purchase a Disney Performing Arts Ticket Package.

Your participation is subject to review and acceptance of your audition materials. If your group is accepted, your teacher/director will then receive an email with written confirmation of your scheduled performance, along with date and venue details. Activate to apply to participate in Disney Performing Arts OnStage performance

Please fill out and submit your application, along with a non-returnable video of your group performing within the last year. You will also need to submit a non-returnable, color photograph of the uniforms or costumes that will be worn by your group if selected to perform. Activate to apply to participate in Disney Performing Arts OnStage performance

All audition submissions are evaluated by Walt Disney Entertainment. Selection for participation in Disney Performing Arts Performance is based on your group's ability to:

• Play music and/or sing in tune.
• Present selections that best exemplify the group's precision and execution.
• Perform with energy and exhibit a confident stage presence.
• Showcase family-friendly music and choreography.



• Please note the following prerequisites:
• Each performing group must have 10 or more performers at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and 15 or more performers at Disneyland Resort in California.
• The youngest performer in your group must be at least 7 years of age.

The youngest performer in your group must be at least 7 years of age.

Each performing group must have 10 or more performers at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and 15 or more performers at Disneyland Resort in California

Your group must arrange its own transportation to and from all programs and events. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort transportation is reserved for transferring Guests to and from the resorts and is not available for rides to and from performances.

• If there is a light rainfall, with no lightning, the group's performance will continue at the director's discretion.
• If the rainfall is heavy—or there are heavy winds—the Disney Performing Arts Stage Manager and Crew Chief will work together to determine if the group can safely perform.
• If there is lightning, we cannot safely put the performers on the stage. We will delay as long as possible in hopes to give your group an opportunity to perform. However, please note there is the possibility that we will have to cancel the performance.
• For more information please contact a Disney Youth Representative at 1-877-WD-Youth / (877) 939-6884.

Festival Disney is a positive and educationally-meaningful music festival experience for talented middle and high school concert performers.

Specially selected, nationally-recognized adjudicators provide detailed, positive feedback to all ensembles through written and recorded comments, as well as individualized, in-person feedback at clinics following concert performances. Directors can choose competitive and non-competitive adjudication options.

Throughout this experience, participants are encouraged to meet other students and attend performances of other ensembles.

• 2, 3, 4 or 5-Day admission to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. (May be limited to one park per day)
• 20-25 minute adjudicated performance with written and recorded feedback
• Personalized educational clinic conducted by a designated adjudicator (for concert ensembles only)
• 2 Festival Disney Director's Packages included per school
• Festival Disney Award for all ensembles
• Exclusive Festival Disney Medal for all performers
• Special Festival Disney Awards Ceremony

Participation is open to middle and high school concert bands, jazz ensembles, marching (parade) bands, orchestras, choral ensembles and show choirs

Please visit Festival Disney Registration for additional details, policies and procedures.

Festival Disney events will take place at a number of venues in and around the Walt Disney World Resort. Venues will be listed as part of the festival schedule and maps/directions will be included in the Festival Disney Handbook approximately 6 weeks prior to the event.

Choral Ensembles

• 20-minute set-up + warm-up
• 20-minute performance window
• 10-minute clinic

Instrumental Ensembles

• 25-minute set-up + warm-up
• 25-minute performance window
• 10-minute clinic

Parade Bands

• Bands are scheduled to step-off in 5-minute intervals to allow separation between bands on the parade route.
• The ensemble must keep forward motion through the adjudication area

Concert Band & Orchestra
Festival Disney is pleased to provide Wenger musician chairs and music stands, as well as the following Ludwig/Musser percussion Instruments: 23" 26" 29" & 32" timpani, concert bass drum, drum set, chimes, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, orchestra bells, (2) concert snare drums, temple blocks and 10" 12" 13" & 14" Concert Toms. Additionally, we provide a set of crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, 13" & 14" timbales, bongos, congas, gong and professional electronic piano. (All mallets, sticks, amp cables and items not mentioned above are the responsibility of the ensemble.)

We are proud to provide the following Glaesel string instruments: 4 4/4-size Scherl & Roth 'Hermann Beyer' cellos (we strongly recommend bringing your own bow) and 4 3/4-size Glaesel basses (we strongly recommend bringing your own bow).

Jazz Bands
Festival Disney provides Wenger musician chairs and music stands, as well as a Ludwig drum set, Musser vibraphone, bass amp, guitar amp, professional electronic piano and up to 6 solo microphones. (All mallets, sticks, amp cables and items not mentioned are the responsibility of the ensemble.)

We are proud to have available one (1) 3/4 size Glaesel String Bass with amp pick-up

Choral Ensembles
Festival Disney provides up to 8 sets of Wenger 3-step choral risers, a sound system with CD playback and up to 6 wireless handheld microphones for show choirs and jazz choirs, as well as a professional electronic piano.

At Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall, we are proud to provide a concert Steinway & Sons Piano.

2 Director Ticket Packages are provided for each school (with 10 or more performers) purchasing Festival Disney Packages.

Friends and family members may purchase the corresponding package at the student price.

Each group must be accompanied by at least one director/chaperone. We recommend at least one chaperone for every 10-15 performers in a group.

• Your school or organization checks may be used only if you purchase tickets by mail order at least 6 weeks in advance.
• Cashier's check or money order may be used for ticket mail orders and for pre-paid tickets picked up at the gate.
• Credit cards are accepted via the online ticket store found at www.festivaldisney.com.
• Cash is accepted for pre-paid tickets picked up at the gate.

Groups must provide their own motorcoach transportation to and from the Festival Disney performance and award ceremony locations. Disney transportation may not be used to attend festival activities due to backstage arrival locations, instrument transport, etc.

In order to provide enriching performance experiences to as many talented performers as possible, the following application guidelines apply:

• If an ensemble would like to participate in Festival Disney and do a Disney Performing Arts Performance, we strongly suggest that the group's travel dates include availability on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for the Disney Performing Arts Performance. (If you book more than 6 weeks out, you cannot hold these weekdays. At the 6-week mark prior to arrival, any add-on stage performances will be determined based on availability.)
• If travel plans will not permit the performance on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, the ensemble's application for an Disney Performing Arts Performance will automatically be placed on a waiting list. 6 weeks prior to the trip, the Disney Performing Arts team will determine availability for an add-on performance and notify the group. (Consideration for openings will be given in the order applications are received.)
• Disney Performing Arts Workshops are not subject to the above guidelines and will be confirmed at the time of application, based on availability.

(If a group has already been accepted for a Disney Performing Arts Performance and registers for Festival Disney afterwards, the scheduled Disney Performing Arts Performance will be suspended. 6 weeks prior to the arrival date, if there is venue availability, the Disney Performing Arts team will work to reschedule the performance. The fee for the add-on Disney Performing Arts Performance is $26 per student. (This amount is in addition to the cost of Festival Disney ticket package.)

Disney Performing Arts Workshops are Disney-designed programs that teach performing arts students concepts in music, dance and theater. These hands-on sessions will enrich the value of your group's visit by providing students with a feel for what it's like to be a professional performance artist—from the preparation and skill-development stages, to rehearsing and performing.

The Disney Performing Arts Workshops require an application. This information will be used to determine your group's level of experience and adjust the content of the workshop accordingly. Due to limited capacity and increasing popularity, we suggest submitting your application early. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance of your requested workshop date.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, most workshops are 2 and a half hours in length, except Young Performer Workshops. The Young Performer Workshops are one and a half hours in length. At Disneyland Resort in California, all workshops are one and a half hours in length.

Please view the complete list of workshop prices on the group application form. Activate to apply and check workshop cost

You do not have to perform in order to participate in a workshop. Some groups choose only to perform, others elect just to do a workshop and some groups do both during their visit. All groups performing or participating in a workshop will need to purchase a Disney Performing Arts Ticket Package.

Most of our workshop content is designed to be appropriate for a variety of ages, from 6-year-olds to college students, and every level in between. Content is adjusted by the clinician to match your group's level of proficiency.

Absolutely! Your performing group will purchase specially-priced ticket packages, which include your choice of a single or multi-day Disney Theme Park admission for one park or a Park Hopper option. Your group may also choose to add specially-priced recreation and dining options at Disney Resort to your package. Talk to your Disney Youth Representative.

The workshops are held at various backstage locations within the Disney parks. Specific locations vary due to the workshop type and size.

The workshops are facilitated by accomplished entertainment professionals who are experts in their disciplines and with Disney credits to their names.

Disney Performing Arts Workshops are developed for student participation only. Parents, teachers and band directors who are traveling with students are not allowed to participate.

Disney Youth Education Series is a collection of over 25 field studies that take place within the Disney parks. All programs in science, arts and humanities, and leadership and careers are designed to enhance classroom lessons with an emphasis on developing critical skills. Most programs last from 2 and a half to 3 hours, are accredited and meet National Core Arts Standards. Programs are available to students age 8 through grade 12 and are offered at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort year-round, with the exception of select blackout dates.

Yes, most of the programs have been accredited in travel studies by the Northwest Accreditation Commission and align with National Core Arts Standards. Please review the program materials section for a list of National Core Arts Standards that each program meets.

Programs are offered year-round, with the exception of select blackout dates, at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Consult a Disney Youth Programs Representative for a list of this year's dates.

Groups of 10 or more students, ages 8 through grade 12 from the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico may register. One adult chaperone for every 5 students is permitted to participate in programs held at Walt Disney World Resort, and one adult chaperone per every 10 students is permitted to participate in programs held at Disneyland Resort.

No, Disney Youth Education Series programs are available to any youth organization—including scouts, camps, daycare centers and religious groups that meet the group size requirement of 10 or more students.

Groups are offered special value-priced ticket packages that include one Disney Youth Education Series program and one Disney theme park admission per student. Minimum 10 students to participate. Select the field study you are interested in from the list of available programs and view the pricing for the number of days you intend to visit the Disney theme parks. A Disney Youth Education Series Ticket is required for each program participant.

Group leaders should complete and submit a Program Request Form at least 6 weeks prior to their arrival date. Please note: programs can reach their maximum capacity quickly, so early registration is highly recommended and accepted up to one year in advance. All programs, dates and times are subject to availability.

The group leader will receive an email with written confirmation of scheduled program(s), date(s) and time(s) from a Disney Youth Representative.

No, your group is responsible for their own transportation to and from all Disney Youth Education Series programs. If you have questions regarding ground transportation in and around the Resort, please consult a Disney Youth Representative.

Yes! Many groups choose to experience multiple programs during their visit. There is an additional fee per program, per student. Please refer to the Program Request Form for prices.

Please review the program overview and key learning points. If you have additional questions about what to expect during the field study, or wish to discuss tailoring the experience for your students, please contact a Disney Youth Representative.

Yes, a limited number of chaperones are permitted to attend Disney Youth Education Series programs. One adult for every 5 students is permitted to participate in programs held at Walt Disney World Resort, and one adult per every 10 students is permitted to participate in programs held at Disneyland Resort.

A limited number of friends and family members—such as siblings—are offered the same value-priced Disney Youth Education Series Ticket Packages. The ticket package includes theme park admission, but does not include participation in the Disney Youth Education Series program.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

• Your school or organization's checks may be used only if you purchase tickets at least 6 weeks in advance for all online orders. Organizational checks must be received by our office at least 30 days prior to arrival at the theme park. Credit cards are accepted for tickets purchased online. All youth group tickets must be pre-ordered.
• Groups picking up and paying for tickets at the Guest Services will call window should make personal checks payable to "Disney Destinations, LLC". For credit card payments, the cardholder must be present with proper identification at the will call window. If a group is Florida tax exempt, the group leader must have a copy of their Florida Tax Exempt Certificate with them in order to complete the purchase.

Disneyland Resort in California:

• To receive tickets by mail, tickets must be purchased 3 weeks in advance via organizational check, money order, cashier's check or credit card. No PO (purchase orders) or personal checks will be accepted. Checks should be made out to "Disneyland Resort".
• To pick up tickets onsite at a Guest Service window, main gate, you may pay via a check. Organizational check, money order, cashier's check, credit card or cash are accepted forms of payment at the window. Checks should be made out to the Disneyland Resort. Credit cardholder must be present with proper Identification when paying at the Guest Service window. Groups of 75 or more must purchase their tickets through mail order.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida: Your cancellation must be received in writing at least one week prior to your scheduled Resort arrival date.

Disneyland Resort in California: Your cancellation must be received in writing at least 3 weeks prior to your scheduled Resort arrival date.

College Edition: Disney Youth Education Series is a collection of 3 college-level adventures designed to help students explore career opportunities and practice their critical thinking, leadership and collaboration skills. Using the backdrop of the Walt Disney World Resort, students are immersed into our parks operation for a demonstration of how valuable principles learned in their college classrooms are applicable in a real-world business setting. Programs are offered year-round, with the exception of select blackout dates, only at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Yes, most of the programs have been accredited in Travel Studies by the Northwest Accreditation Commission.

Programs are offered year-round, with the exception of select blackout dates, at Walt Disney World Resort. Consult a Disney Youth Programs Representative for a list of this year's dates.

Groups of 10 or more college students from the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico may register.

No, Disney Youth Education Series programs are available to any youth organization—including scouts, camps, daycare centers and religious groups that meet the group size requirement of 10 or more students.

Groups are offered special value-priced ticket packages that include one Disney Youth Education Series program and one Disney theme park admission per student. Select the field study you are interested in from the list of available programs and view the pricing for the number of days you intend to visit the Disney parks. A Disney Youth Education Series Ticket is required for each program participant.

Group leaders should complete and submit a Program Request Form at least 6 weeks prior to their arrival date. Please note: programs can reach their maximum capacity quickly, so early registration is highly recommended and accepted up to one year in advance. All programs, dates and times are subject to availability.

The group leader will receive an email with written confirmation of scheduled program(s), date(s) and time(s) from a Disney Youth Representative.

No, your group is responsible for their own transportation to and from all College Edition: Disney Youth Education Series programs. If you have questions regarding ground transportation in and around the Resort, please consult a Disney Youth Representative.

Yes! Many groups choose to experience multiple programs during their visit. There is an additional fee per program, per student. Please refer to the Program Request Form for prices.

Please review the program overview and key learning points provided on the website. If you have additional questions about what to expect during the field study, or wish to discuss tailoring the experience for your students, please contact a Disney Youth Representative.

A limited number of friends and family members—like siblings—are offered the same value-priced College Edition: Disney Youth Education Series Ticket Packages. The ticket package includes theme park admission, but does not include participation in the Disney Youth Education Series program.

• Your school or organization checks may be used only if you purchase tickets at least 6 weeks in advance for all online orders. Organizational checks must be received by our office at least 30 days prior to arrival at the Resort. Credit cards are accepted for tickets purchased online. All youth program tickets must be pre-ordered.
• Groups picking up and paying for tickets at the Guest Services will call window should make checks payable to "Disney Destinations, LLC". For credit card payments, the cardholder must be present with proper identification at the will call window. If a group is Florida tax exempt, the group leader must have a copy of their Florida Tax Exempt Certificate with them in order to complete the purchase.

Your cancellation must be received in writing at least one week prior to your scheduled arrival date at the Resort.