Get ready to reignite your childhood with Disney’s ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, July 19th, and Saturday, July 20th. Join conductor Sarah Hicks as she leads the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and members of Los Angeles’ DC6 Singers Collective, as well as a host of special guests like Bill Farmer, Susan Egan, Jodi Benson, and Corbin Bleu, in a revisit of two decades worth of Disney movie soundtracks. Tickets start at $15 for the Friday concert and $29 for Saturday’s show. Those who subscribe to our newsletter will be the first to find out about our upcoming ticket giveaway for the concert!
This feature was produced by Sandra Burciaga Olinger, and written by David Sosa
A stroll down memory lane of Disney classics
Whether you were a child, teen, or adult nurturing a brood of fledgling Disney fans, the movies released throughout the ’80s and ’90s led to a whole new generation finding themselves enchanted by the worlds, characters, and music introduced in those films.
Stories like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin” not only expanded the canon of Disney princesses but also added more than a few iconic sing-alongs to its roster like “Under the Sea,” “Be Our Guest,” and “A Whole New World.” You’ll also be treated to classic songs from “The Lion King,” “Mulan,” “Toy Story,” and “A Goofy Movie”—absolutely looking forward to the crowd losing it for “I 2 I”—and so many more!
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Hear the original voice actors of legendary Disney characters
Not only will attendees hear more than a few famous favorites from the Disney archive but they’ll also get the special opportunity to listen to the original voice actors as well. That includes the original voices of both Ariel (Jodi Benson) and Megara (Susan Egan) as well as the current voice of Goofy/Pluto (Bill Farmer). Their presence is only going to double the magic and feels elicited by their performances of “Part of Your World” and “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love).”
Filling out the rest of the night’s cast is a handful of talented singers and actors—some of whom have even taken on the leads for theater productions of Disney films—like Corbin Bleu of “High School Musical” fame, Arielle Jacobs (starred as Jasmine on Broadway), Krysta Rodriguez, Aisha Jackson, and Adam J. Levy.
Affordable fun for the whole family
Let’s be honest—any “family friendly” event is rarely as enjoyable for your kids as it is for your wallet. Sharing or creating memories with your children, younger siblings, or nieces and nephews shouldn’t leave you penniless. With the promise of $15 tickets, you can bring along the entire family and still have money left to grab a bite to eat from one of the many delicious food options at the Bowl.
If the only child you plan on bringing is your inner one, then you find yourself in an ideal position to potentially spend a little extra for seating closer to the stage, where you’ll no doubt find all the die-hard Disney fans gleefully reliving their childhood.
Arrive early for a homemade picnic at the Hollywood Bowl
Any visit to the Bowl is incomplete if you don’t find time to enjoy one of the various picnic spots spread out across the venue’s grounds. Since you can bring in your own food and drinks from home, we recommend filling up the picnic basket with all your kid’s favorite snacks and all your favorite beverages.
If you want to get really into the Disney spirit we recommend taking a look at the Disney Fan Club’s recipe collection for inspiration on some seriously scrumptious entrees and desserts! Or if you’d prefer you can always pre-order a picnic box so you can focus less on meal prep and more on getting there early!
Experience all the Hollywood Bowl has to offer
For both kids and adults, the Hollywood Bowl offers a variety of diversions apart from the performances you’re there to see. Most people only ever experience the beeline path they take from the entrance to their seats—but there’s so much more to enjoy than what’s onstage!
Walk off your picnic with an exploration of the Hollywood Bowl Museum which has free admission all year long and currently has on display two incredible exhibits: Picture Perfect: Photos of the Hollywood Bowl by Otto Rothschild, which features over 100 photographs from the venue’s past, and Hollywood Bowl: Music For Everyone, a nostalgic retrospect of its diverse history.
You can also take a walking tour of the Bowl that will enrich your appreciation of everything from its architecture to its natural beauty—and it also has the added benefit of tuckering out the tikes you’ve maybe brought with you!
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Check out the rest of the family-oriented shows going on during the Hollywood Bowl’s 2024 season. Some of our favorites coming up are: Ballet Folklórico de México, Barbie The Movie: In Concert, Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience, and The Sound of Music.
