4.  The British Invasion 

Though most of the entrants on this list were unceremoniously kicked out by Walt Disney World, tribute band The British Invasion is one that actually left by choice (at least, officially). In a note published to the band’s Facebook page back in 2011, they informed their fans that they had “given notice” to Walt Disney World that they would no longer be playing at the UK pavilion past April 30th, 2011. And sure enough, they performed one last ultra-long goodbye set on that date, playing all the way until Illuminations began to a cheering audience.

5. Candy Miyuki 

One of the “best kept secrets” of the Japan pavilion over the years has been the Candy Miyuki show, which was performed daily in front of the Mitsikoshi store at Epcot for over a decade. This show was unique as it featured one of the last remaining Ame Zaiku (Japanese candy art making) artists in the world (it is estimated that there are only about 15 left). The show was very short and featured a few quick demonstrations of Miyuki’s ability to make elaborate animal shapes, many of which were requested by guests, out of heated blobs of corn starch-based candy.

This show debuted in 1996, but was inexplicably closed in 2013, after running for over 15 years. While it was rumored that the closure was due to Miyuki’s retirement, this was never confirmed, and many still ask about this show to this day.

6. The Spirit of America: Fife and Drum Corps

One of the most interesting things about the World Showcase as a whole is how it manages to present both a modern and historical view of its various countries. However, it can be argued that the American pavilion has a little bit more of a historical slant, with the whole area recalling America’s storied past. Though the Voices of Liberty are still the de-facto historical entertainment in this pavilion, nothing recalled the drama and feeling of the revolution quite like The Spirit of America: Fife and Drum Corps, which marched through the America pavilion several times daily. 

However, even though this live entertainment scored high marks for patriotism, Walt Disney World didn’t think they were worth keeping around, canceling them in fall 2014. You can check out their final performance above. Though no immediate replacement was introduced, The Voices of Liberty now share their time with an a capella group that performs modern pop hits, which might show where Disney is looking to focus their entertainment efforts in the future…

Though attractions and stage shows are often remembered fondly by guests when they are thinking about bygone experiences at Walt Disney World, street entertainment has always been a big part of the parks over the years, and losing these six entertainers over the years has been pretty tough for fans. Did we miss any of your favorite former entertainers at Walt Disney World? Which one do you miss the most?