Fantasmic is a night time show on a huge set with over 50 performers, projections, water and fireworks which is found at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. The show itself in our opinion is a must see show and it is like no other show you will see at Disney World.
You take a trip through the dreams of Mickey Mouse where he starts out as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice only for a variety of Disney Villains to invade his dreams and turn them into nightmares. Mickey must win the battle with the power of his imagination.
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The Fantasmic Show
During the show you will see a variety of Disney characters as well as clips that are projected on to large jets of water that spray over the water in front of the audience and act as projection screens.
A huge set with over 50 performers, projections, water and fireworks this is a show that is on a grand scale and is like no other night time show that you will see at Walt Disney World.
During the show you will see characters and clips from a variety of Classic Disney Films including:
- Fantasia
- Aladdin
- The Lion King
- Sleeping Beauty
- Beauty and the Beast
- Pinocchio
- The Little Mermaid
- Pocahontas
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- And a host of different characters in the shows finale.
A Brief History of Fantasmic
Originally Fantasmic opened at Disneyland in 1992, it would open at Disney World in 1998 and then at Tokyo DisneySea in 2011. The Disneyland and Disney World versions of the show are very similar with the newer version at Tokyo DisneySea having new scenes and a different plot along with it being the only version of the show not to have a permanent stage as it is performed on the water in the parks Harbour using boats and barges.
Where Can You Find Fantasmic at Disney World?
You will find Fantasmic at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater located at the end of Sunset Boulevard inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There is enough capacity to sit around 7,500 guests with additional standing room for around another 2,000 guests if needed.
Is Fantasmic Worth Watching?
Fantasmic is absolutely worth watching (we always watch it once during a Disney World Vacation). The combination of fireworks, Disney characters, water and pyro technics make it such a fun spectacle that it never fails to entertain. All of our family enjoy watching this show each year.
What Time is Fantasmic?
Fantasmic usually has two shows each night at Hollywood Studios but this can change so do check before you go. Times can vary also so check for show times using the My Disney Experience App. Roughly speaking there is usually a Fantasmic show at around 8pm -8.30pm. Do check for times though before you go.
What Happens if the Weather is Bad?
If it is very wet Fantasmic can get cancelled. If you have a dining package your ticket can be used for up to 5 days or if the show is cancelled just prior to the performance time you can get a replacement ticket to return within 5 days.
Sometimes you will find if the weather has been a bit wet prior to the show that the characters that appear on the boats during the show may not move around like they normally would for the obvious health and safety reasons.
How Long is Fantasmic?
The show itself runs for about 28 minutes. Prior to the show starting when guests are taking their seats music is played and cast members sell lots of flashing/glowing merchandise such as wands and ears for the kids to enjoy when the lights go down for the show. You can also grab snacks and drinks at the back of the Amphitheater.
Take a look at our Hollywood Studios Disney Genie Guide
Fantasmic Dining Packages
Disney offer some Fantasmic Dining Packages at the following restaurants at Hollywood Studios:
- Hollywood Brown Derby
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
- Hollywood and Vine
If you book one of the above dining packages you will get given tickets that reserves each member of your dining party a seat in the reserved seating area of the Amphitheater.
You find out more about all the dining options at Hollywood Studios here.
Fantasmic Dessert Party
Disney also offer a Dessert Party option for Fantasmic where you can enjoy an assortment of desserts and specialty drinks whilst also benefiting from reserved seating.
How is Fantasmic for Small Children?
Now this always depends on what your children are like which of course you will know best but do be aware of the following points:
- At times during the show it can be fairly dark in the Amphitheater.
- You are not close to any of the characters so if your kids aren’t too eager to get too close to them don’t worry.
- There are quite a few Disney Villains featured.
- The plot of the show is good vs evil so there are some darker parts featuring the Disney Villains.
- You may have to take your seat quite sometime before the show starts so do be prepared if your children can get bored easily. Have some pre show games/distractions ready.
- It can get quite crowded when you leave the Amphitheater so don’t let go of any little ones. In the past we have had a meeting point planned should the adults looking after certain kids get split up.
- If the wind is blowing in a certain direction you can get a little wet from the mist produced by all the water effects.
- Always be prepared to move your party around if someone tall sits in front of one of your little ones. It has happened to us before.
Our Tips for Fantasmic
The best seats are front right and centre in the reserved area for dining guests.
We recommend getting a dining package if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. We always book for Mama Melrose’s as we always enjoy the food there.
If you can watch the first show you can usually leave and catch the evening fireworks in the park. It can be a great way to end a trip to Hollywood Studios.
On the flip side of the above tip the second show can be less popular so may not be as busy as the first.
If you would like to find out more about all the attractions at Hollywood Studios, then take a look at this article.
So, there you go our guide to Fantasmic at Disney Worlds. Thanks for reading this article, if you would like to take a look at our previous post you can find it here.
Darren
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