Mickey & the Magical Map

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

In the corner of the park there's this little oddly-named show called "Mickey & the Magical Map" that plays at the Fantasyland Theatre.  I don't generally make it to shows there since they're typically geared for young kids to the extent that adults are bored, but on the suggestion of a friend I decided to check it out and was pleasantly surprised.

Atmosphere: 2 Stars

If you've ever been to a show at the Fantasyland Theatre, you know what I'm talking about.  The exterior looks like a medieval festival tent but the interior is simply a large covered amphitheatre with the typical uncomfortable metal benches.  The stage, however, is intriguing.  It's covered with a large screen which the performers interact with throughout the show.  If you can keep your attention focused to merely what's on the stage, occasionally not difficult, then you can forget your immediate surroundings and get into it!

Entertainment Quality: 3 Stars

The title of this show is very misleading.  It sounds lame and cheesy, but it actually isn't.  The story follows an apprentice map maker (Mickey) who has to learn the hard way what it means to be a master map maker.  His journeys take him to every corner of the "magical" map (the screen), even inside it, and he visits the jungle, under the sea, the Deep South, and more along the way.  Pretty much it's an excuse to perform these very disconnected songs together.

The music is well done, the prop work is amazing and the dancers are extremely talented and engaging.  I wish they would do more during the "Under the Sea" scenes among other things, but you still get your toes tappin' and can't help but sing along!

Time Commitment: 4 Stars

The whole show lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, so about average for a short stage show in Disneyland.  It's entirely worth it, though.  Every time I watch it I find myself slightly disappointed that it's over.  If this is something you want to see then the time is definitely worth it.