Fantasmic to be cut to two shows per week

[crazy4wdw]

The rumor's out that Fantasmic at DHS will be cut to two showings per week starting in January. Rumor is that it will only be shown on Monday's and Thursday's. Wonder what other budget cuts are coming?

[sandym718]

Hmm.. well luckily I have it in the plans for Monday already for our May trip. But wondering just how crowded (and HS in general) it will be now!

[Brer Rabbit]

If this is true, I can't imagine how crowded it will be. Disney must really be anticipating tough times ahead if they are thinking this

[stitchlover]

Don't they usually cut the amount of shows during the slower times (i.e., January and February)?

[Laumau]

The rumor's out that Fantasmic at DHS will be cut to two showings per week starting in January. Rumor is that it will only be shown on Monday's and Thursday's. Wonder what other budget cuts are coming?

Yes, thank you for posting this! I had booked Fantasmic package through the IPO at WL and it was put on a wish list for Jan. 4 which is a Sunday. Just called them and sure enough it isn't being offered. I had her check Monday, Jan. 5 and was able to book. We might have been totally dinked if I wouldn't have had this heads up! :worship:

[crazy4wdw]

It's no longer a rumor:

"We are continually focused on providing the best possible experiences for our Guests who visit the Walt Disney World® Resort. Within the last six months, we have added significant new attractions and shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, including Block Party Bash, Toy Story Midway Mania!, Pixar Place and Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Coming in October 2008 will be the recently announced “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” and later this year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ will host the annual Night of Joy event for the first time and welcome back ABC Super Soap Weekend. At the same time, we have continued to update existing offerings such as Playhouse Disney—Live On Stage! Next year, the park will unveil The American Idol Experience, host the first Grad Nite events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and welcome back ESPN: The Weekend and Star Wars Weekends.

We regularly evaluate and refine our operations. At the same time we unveil The American Idol Experience in January 2009, we will make an adjustment to our operation by offering Fantasmic! on select evenings each week. Fantasmic! will be performed two times weekly –generally Mondays and Thursdays - and more often during our busiest times of the year.

On nights when Fantasmic! is not performed, Guests (with appropriate ticket media) will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy nightly fireworks spectaculars such as Wishes at the Magic Kingdom® Park and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot®.

Showtimes will be published for Guests in the Times Guide, which is available at the theme parks, and online at disneyworld.com."

[bookwormde]

Has anyone been there when it was not crowded?

Hard to believe such a popular show would be cut back to only 2 days. With only 2 days the crowds are going to be terrible. I am going in August so I will have to go a couple of times to get my fill.

This just seems crazy to me.

bookwormde

[CanadianGuy]

The way I would take this information is if you have a trip booked for January 2009 - Congratulations... the parks and resorts should be nearly empty.

:confused3

Knox

[Luv2Roam]

Wow. And hope you don't have inclement weather on the two nights it is showing. :confused3
I am surprised too, as I always thought it was busy. However we have only seen Fantasmic once in the last 5 years or so ourselves.

[ShellyLynn3630]

I bet that Fantasmic dinner package will be get even more popular next year.

[paulh]

. Wonder what other budget cuts are coming?

No spetro parade in mid to end aug,check park hours
Paulh

[disneymath]

No spetro parade in mid to end aug,check park hours
Paulh

That's because they are refurbing the Liberty Bridge or something and the Spectro floats are too big for any of the alternate routes ... they are going to show the regular daytime parade twice a day for the period that Spectro is down ... (the Earth Ball from IllumiNations is also going in for repairs around the same time, but will be gone for longer.) While I wouldn't be surprised to see more cutbacks, this doesn't appear to be one of them.

[zulemara]

That's because they are refurbing the Liberty Bridge or something and the Spectro floats are too big for any of the alternate routes ... they are going to show the regular daytime parade twice a day for the period that Spectro is down ... (the Earth Ball from IllumiNations is also going in for repairs around the same time, but will be gone for longer.) While I wouldn't be surprised to see more cutbacks, this doesn't appear to be one of them.

omg I can't imagine illuminations without the ball!

[doubletrouble_vb]

I've seen fantasmic relatively uncrowded....as in normal seating for everyone who didn't want to stand. This occurred in January. I believe they've also cut back on the number of days it was performed in January...but not just to two days and not just midweek days at that.

It wouldn't surprise me if it was just two days once the crowds thin after New Years and then towards the end of January when the conferences and other events start maybe they'll add on a weekend performance (although, for conference attendees weekends wouldn't be particularly useful). Eventually they'd build up to whatever the summer schedule is.

And yes it'll be crowded but that would be good for Disney. Takes some of the load off of the rides and people will spend more money (what else would you do if you are sitting waiting for a show an hour or two in advance...spend money on junk food).

[GrumpyFan]

January thru February are traditionally the slowest times of the year, so if the bookings for that time frame are off significantly, then this is probably just the first of many such cuts. Lets hope it's short lived.

[bennyb98]

Ugh, not too found of this, just makes you wonder what else they will be cutting back on

[dobball23]

The rumor's out that Fantasmic at DHS will be cut to two showings per week starting in January. Rumor is that it will only be shown on Monday's and Thursday's. Wonder what other budget cuts are coming?

How many nights per week has Fantasmic run in January/February in the past? If it is seven, then this is a severe cutback. If it has only been three or four, then it is not a huge cutback.

[PIERCEDRN]

Perhaps if they are so worried about a slump in January, they should publish some rates for Resorts and dining... Still have no clue what we are looking at spending.

[Keyser]

How many nights per week has Fantasmic run in January/February in the past? If it is seven, then this is a severe cutback. If it has only been three or four, then it is not a huge cutback.

Though it's been a year and a half since I was there, I went at a slow time of January (twice), and it was offered every night. It was also pretty full, though not totally packed - probably more than 75% full, though. The main thing I remember being offered only occasionally was Spectromagic (only 2 times a week).

[Eeyores Butterfly]

This is actually extremely common in the off season, not sure why this is being considered news. Every CP (I did three), during the off season there were maybe two or three shows per week. Fantasmic is our most complicated show. The manpower alone is an enormous cost and when you aren't filling up the amphitheater, it makes sense to take it down to a couple of night a week. The same thing with Spectro, during off season Spectro does not run every night. That's how it's always been.

[jade1]

I just dont see how all these cut backs (hours/shows/days parks are open/DVC booking rules) and price increases (DDP/Airfare/ME?) are supposed to help "entice" someone to come visit? We usually go 3 times a year-now it feels like 911 and am losing any desire to even plan a trip. Thought they just had a banner year? This is the thanks we get? :confused3

[raidermatt]

This is actually extremely common in the off season, not sure why this is being considered news. Every CP (I did three), during the off season there were maybe two or three shows per week. Fantasmic is our most complicated show. The manpower alone is an enormous cost and when you aren't filling up the amphitheater, it makes sense to take it down to a couple of night a week. The same thing with Spectro, during off season Spectro does not run every night. That's how it's always been.


So the people who have been in these months and say the show was offered more often are lying?

Cutting it to two nights a week is not common at all. And it's news because Disney is issuing a press release to announce the cut, complete with 2 paragraphs of justification.

Are you seriously suggesting they would issue such a release to simply do what they have been doing every year?

I just dont see how all these cut backs (hours/shows/days parks are open/DVC booking rules) and price increases (DDP/Airfare/ME?) are supposed to help "entice" someone to come visit? We usually go 3 times a year-now it feels like 911 and am losing any desire to even plan a trip. Thought they just had a banner year? This is the thanks we get?

And that's why we can't just say "it's slow so it makes sense".

Yes, Fantasmic is expensive, but it also is a huge draw. Not only does it entice guests to visit the park in the first place, it also entices them to stay later, have dinner, etc.

Cuts like this perpetuate a vicious circle. Bookings slow, so Disney makes cuts to try to save money. Then more guests cancel or don't book because of the cuts, and Disney cuts further, and on and on.

You're right, its the same thing that happend after 9/11 and it left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of guests. That's why it took Disney 5 years to get back to setting attendance records while most other tourist destinations were fully back on track in less than 3.

What's more, it's a good bet that another similarity to post 9/11 is that when things do turn around and start trending up, some of the cuts will remain permanent. Disney touted this to investors in the post 9/11 environment and they followed through.

[Sk8Leigh]

Wishes, and especially Illuminations, are not a good substitute for Fantasmic! :sad2: Fantasmic is a whole show with characters! I'm glad I'm going in October, and hope that this will be back on track by the time I make my next trip. It's bad enough that Spectro isn't every night, but it's not a good precedent to do it with Fantasmic, too. :mad:

[Luv2Roam]

I don't understand this either.
Sure the two remaining nights the Studios will be packed. But now we will be reading where guests think once again this is a half a day park.
And shuttering Fantasmic for all but two nights will really increase the evening crowd levels at MK and Epcot.
I can't imagine Fantasmic was a money loss considering the food, meals (including Fantasmic dinner pricing), shopping, etc. The park will clear out by dinner time on non Fantasmic nights. So I can only assume for whatever reason that is the game plan.
Maybe they hope guests will go to DTD to make up for the ones who will rarely return to DTD once the PI clubs are shuttered. ;) :rotfl2:
Makes one wonder why night time attractions and facilities are closing up. I think instead guests will just head back to their rooms for the night. Esp at this close up the night time entertainment pace.

[Goofy4]

Wow. And hope you don't have inclement weather on the two nights it is showing.

Yep... A little lightning anywhere in the area and there goes perhaps your only chance to see the show. And/or, the next showing could be packed as a result.

[Donald&Tinkerbell]

We will be there 1/23-30/09 and Spectro & Fantasmic are both scheduled for Monday & Thursday nights. If you're trying to save money on CMs, wouldn't it make more sense to have them on different nights?

[Sk8Leigh]

Not really, because they'd have to bring people in for each job for each show/parade, no matter what night it was.

But I think it is stupid to have them on the same nights, just for people who want to see both shows.

[DisOrBust]

We have gone in January early Feb at least 5 years and Fantasmic was on every night as well as Illuminations. ???Maybe MGM will be closed during the other days....just a thought....

[Condorman]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I never saw the appeal of Fantasmic. I waited for years to go, did the dinner package, had a great seat, was all excited, and then sat through the most disorganized, no-narrative, sloppy presentation I have ever seen in any Disney park, and I've been to all of them. I just didn't get it and I definitely didn't like it. Until they come up with Fantasmic 2.0, this isn't heartbreaking news to me.

[chartle]

When we went the week before Labor Day 1999. I had to carefully pick what days we were in what park. MK fireworks and the Main Street Elec parade were only on the first Saturday of our trip.

[DisneyFanatic1072]

I have to say i'm not quite sure what to make of all the "concern" over Fantasmic. Yes it is a very good show, hwever i would never think of canceling a trip to WDW because of not being able to see a show, or a parade. I guess i get more of a kick out of actually being in WDW than just the glitz and glamor.

[mitros]

Personally....WAY too crowded of a show, and that stupid "wave" thing they do. Mass hypnosis if you ask me. ;) Can't stand when huge mobs of people all do the same ridiculous thing. Close it down, we could care less........:confused3 {IMHO, of course}

[yitbos96bb]

Wow. And hope you don't have inclement weather on the two nights it is showing. :confused3
I am surprised too, as I always thought it was busy. However we have only seen Fantasmic once in the last 5 years or so ourselves.

I went Dec 16 of 2007, which is a slow time at Disney and it was packed at Fantasmic.

[yitbos96bb]

Personally....WAY too crowded of a show, and that stupid "wave" thing they do. Mass hypnosis if you ask me. ;) Can't stand when huge mobs of people all do the same ridiculous thing. Close it down, we could care less........:confused3 {IMHO, of course}

Yeah, I want to shoot the wave people... I'm from Chicago... While its a little more lax than it was in the past, the wave is generally frowned upon in this city. I've seen people get harassed at Bears games for trying to start it...

[summergrlshs]

From the rumors I have heard the reason they are cutting Fantasmic back to two nights a week in Jan. is because of the opening of American Idol attraction and how much money they have put into it.

[justright6]

When I was looking on the events calendar for our trip dates 1-21-1-27Fantasmic was only scheduled for Thursday and Monday.

[tednvon]

We are there for 3 months in Jan, Feb, and March and probably go 3-4 times if friends are visiting and it was always pretty full. I have always been amazed at the number of cast members in full costume who appear for a very short period of time. How they put all those folks on the boat at the end for just 5 minutes is quite a trick.
Maybe they all come from other parks where they have been characters, but maybe it just a very expensive show for a less than an hour.

I agree, dinner package will be a big deal. I would not be surprised to see many more seats assigned to dinner.

Peace...Ted

[Sk8Leigh]

Well, for one thing, the CMs play multiple characters, in different scenes. And they're hourly, so it doesn't matter where else they've worked during the day.

It's a lot of people, but I bet the effects they do during each show cost more.

[KMovies]

Here's the logic to why both Fantasmic and Spectromagic would be on Monday and Thursdays, and not split up.

It forces people to choose between the two. If Fantasmic was Monday, and Spectromagic Tuesday, you would go to Fantasmic on Monday and Spectromagic on Tuesday. That would be way too many people trying the same thing.

This way, you can only do one, but that makes more sense from a crowd control aspect.

But gosh, Fantasmic is so popular and always full. At least they should start back up the fireworks at Hollywood Studios on Fantasmic's off nights.

[Jessfrogger88]

1. First of all I love Fantasmic it's by far my favorite show, parade, firework spectacular in all of WDW.





2. This is actually extremely common in the off season, not sure why this is being considered news. Every CP (I did three), during the off season there were maybe two or three shows per week. Fantasmic is our most complicated show. The manpower alone is an enormous cost and when you aren't filling up the amphitheater, it makes sense to take it down to a couple of night a week. The same thing with Spectro, during off season Spectro does not run every night. That's how it's always been.

This is simply incorrect.... I know for a fact that it ran every night in January of 07 and 08 weather permitting. It defiantly has to do with the changing economy and probably low bookings im sure by mid feb there will be nightly shows.... so it looks like Epcot and AK are the places to be Mon and Thur in January.

[King Triton]

This is not good. The Fantasmic Dinner package will sell out five years before your trip. :eek: :scared1:

[Dznefreek]

This is simply incorrect.... I know for a fact that it ran every night in January of 07 and 08 weather permittingbut what about all the other months and years . . . . . . . .It was run on selected nights in the past.

[DancingBear]

From the rumors I have heard the reason they are cutting Fantasmic back to two nights a week in Jan. is because of the opening of American Idol attraction and how much money they have put into it.Boy, that's rich. Their funds have been depleted by the cost of opening a karaoke show (in an existing venue that's been empty for years)? Sure, they may have paid a bundle for the rights, but who asked 'em to?

But I'm sure that "guest surveys showed....."

[DancingBear]

but what about all the other months and years . . . . . . . .It was run on selected nights in the past.When?

[DancingBear]

This is not good. The Fantasmic Dinner package will sell out five years before your trip. :eek: :scared1:And you'll be eating that dinner at 10:30 a.m.

[DancingBear]

Personally....WAY too crowded of a show....But I thought they "aren't filling up the ampitheater"?

[DancingBear]

I have to say i'm not quite sure what to make of all the "concern" over Fantasmic. Yes it is a very good show, hwever i would never think of canceling a trip to WDW because of not being able to see a show, or a parade. I guess i get more of a kick out of actually being in WDW than just the glitz and glamor.I don't understand how Fantasmic! is "just the glitz and glamor" of WDW. I thought it was part of the Show. Isn't the quality of the Show why you get a kick out of being in WDW? Or do you just like the central Florida heat, humidity and lack of topography?

[Dznefreek]

When?Forgive me if I do not have week by week recall of the schedule since it has been opened, but I have been going since it debuted and distintcly remeber it not being shown every night in the beginning.

Remember Spectro and fireworks were not shown every night until the year long celebration for the 25th anniversary.

[Fantasmiss]

:eek: WHY would they cut back on such a POPULAR attraction as Fantasmic that's close to FULL pretty much every single day of the year?

I know, many performers, economy etc, but still.. FANTASMIC?? :scared1: It's the best thing in the whole WDW by far and and.... Speechless!!!! :confused3

Cut down on Illumination instead, fireworks ain't cheap either.. or do less of stupid Idol.. Or cut back on pretty much anything else!

Fantasmic is THE ONLY ATTRACTION in WDW, that would make me not wanting to go to WDW at all if it wasn't on. 2 days a week is faaaar from enough and just imagine how busy it'll be and how early you'll have to be there to get a good space or even get in! :mad:

In fact I love it so much that my husband has tried to avoid me finding out about the cut back, I only found out now.

Ok, brainless rant over. For now!!

[Fantasmiss]

Oh no, you.. I hate :mad: the wave, LOVE :lovestruc Fantasmic. Just make the stupid wave illegal and pirate: arrest all the wave makers and it'll be pleeeenty of space for the rest of us and no noisy cheesy stupid wave! :wizard:

(Sorry about my excessive use of smileys tonight, dunno what's wrong with me..)

Personally....WAY too crowded of a show, and that stupid "wave" thing they do. Mass hypnosis if you ask me. ;) Can't stand when huge mobs of people all do the same ridiculous thing. Close it down, we could care less........:confused3 {IMHO, of course}

[bookwormde]

Just a little perspective, there were 10 shows last week. And the one I went to was full

bookwormde

[mitros]

Oh no, you.. I hate :mad: the wave, LOVE :lovestruc Fantasmic. Just make the stupid wave illegal and pirate: arrest all the wave makers and it'll be pleeeenty of space for the rest of us and no noisy cheesy stupid wave! :wizard:

(Sorry about my excessive use of smileys tonight, dunno what's wrong with me..)

Wow, I thought we were the only ones that hated that stupid wave thing! :scared:

[c4a]

I got a private e about this thread asking what I am hearing from Disney (Directily)...and to reply.

Okay-here's the scoop. Yes, Fantasmic is going to Monday & Thursday nights starting in Sept. 2008.
Disney is stating that to produce one show costs almost $30 THOUSAND dollars-that is for staff, fireworks, saftety personnel, etc. They are recommending that all TA's "suggest the "New!American Idol" show as an alternative."
Disney may/may not have extra shows during "peak" season. At this point, they are not speculating either way...only saying that "It is a possibility."
As for the dinner/show preferred seating, Disney is offering "No Comment" at this time: however, they do not foresee this being an issue, either.
<Sidebar note: Disney truly believes that guests ARE wanting American Idol vs. Fantasmic. >:confused3

As for posts on room rates/DDPs-there really wasn't that big of a jump this year or a lot of changes. The addition of the new Counter Service Plan is children:$8.99 per night/per child, adult-$29.99 per night/per adult. Same rules apply as the other DDPs. Includes:2 meals (combo or entree), 2 snacks, refillable resort mug. The rest of the DDPs stayed the same. On rooms-in Jan. 2009-the Pirate Rooms are scheduled to open at Caribbean Beach Resort (Trinidad South-384 rooms-went up in price $25. standard/ $50 increase on a water view. Hoppers went up from $45 flat fee to $50 flat fee.

In the GRAND scheme of "doing Disney", it could have been worse.;)

[DisneyFanGuy]

I've seen Fantasmic on almost every trip for years. Sometimes multiple times. The theater has always been full, or almost full, so that argument doesn't really hold water. I'm convinced that Disney has a finite budget for evening entertainment, and that AI is the big push, and that leaves Fantasmic out in the dark. Pun intended.

Disneyland has often tried to cut back on Fantasmic over the years to reduce cost, and attendance has always suffered, and it has always come back. In fact they have added enhanced effects recently and are rumored to be ready to upgrade the mist projectors to a digital system that will be even better for the crowd. But they never really had an alternative.

AI will be new and it will be way cheaper to do. But the thing is, that I cannot imagine anything replacing Fantasmic in terms of spectacle, effects, and that Wow end of the day feeling. For this mousefanatic, I won't spend any time in the studios past about 5:00 PM anymore. My family loves the TOT, the GMR, RRC, and Fantasmic. Now probably TSM. But it will be like the AK.........in and out for us. None of us really have any desire to stay for the AI finale, although we may try out the show during the day.

Seriously, some of the biggest reasons that we love Disney are the end of the day spectaculars. ROE at epcot, Wishes at the MK, and Fantasmic. If those types of things begin to falter, then we will honestly go less and spend less. I can't predict how many people feel the same way, but you combine bone headed decisions like this with the new HP land at IOA, and our 10 year patterns of visits may change. It's like when we go camping. The day stuff is fun, but what we really love is the ending hours around the campfire. We don't visit campgrounds that don't allow campfires. Disney will lose some of our business. Unless they replace Fantasmic with something even better. I don't know what that would be, but I can tell you that AI, as good as it may be, won't be it for us.

I predict that within 12 months, Fantasmic will be back in full force. Disney DOES listen to guests, and they DO pay attention to attendance figures. But until then, I will sorely miss it on my visits. I'm looking at it like Early Entry. They took it away, and 18 months later it was back bigger and better than every. That's what will happen with Fantasmic. I hope.

[DisneyMom14]

I'm disappointed to hear of this decision. We've always gone to WDW during the slow season and have always seen Fantasmic in a full ampitheater. Fantasmic is definitely a must see for us and IMHO the best "show" at WDW. Showing Fantasmic only two nights a week will definitely dictate which days we will visit DHS and I cringe at what time I will have to get in line with my young children just to get a seat. I hated the wait time as it was. When I did get a seat, I had to entertain and keep my 3 year old from falling down the steps. I hope this decision doesn't last long and Disney realizes how important of a show Fantasmic is. Then again, full ampitheaters would have tipped me off. ;)

[manning]

ya yes the old pay more get less is finding its way back in Disney's game plan. We own DVC and more and more other non-disney attractions are becoming the norm for us.

[KCmike]

for all the money we throw at disney parks you would think they would do more than just two shows per week. What an insult.

[LuluLovesDisney]

I was a CM at Fantasmic several years ago and I am so sad to hear this. For the record, Fantasmic never ran on selected nights only- there may have been a few nights it couldn't run due to weather or was cancelled if they were running the special fireworks instead, but there's never been a night they didn't have a nighttime spectacular scheduled.

When I worked (August-January) there were some nights we only had one show- sometimes it didn't go into standing room, but those were very rare. On busier nights we had two or even THREE shows a night!! To cut back to two shows a week, when I remember three in a night, just boggles my mind!!

OTOH, on busy nights, that theatre can get crazy and (dare I say) violent. For example, the first show would start at (say) 7 pm- we would have ten or so people in line when we arrived there for our pre-show meeting at 4. Three hours in advance. I've seen fights, pushing, arguments, etc. all to get a seat. I've had people climb into the potted plants to get a seat. I can't imagine how much this all will increase if it's only twice a week. I can't imagine this working long term- maybe during very low attendance times, but otherwise, I'm honestly scared. It just seems like a bad idea.

[Sk8Leigh]

This is planned for January, I think, and I kind of don't think it will last very long. Either because it's planned that way, or because they just discover that they need to change it back.

[Zspa<3ariel]

I got a private e about this thread asking what I am hearing from Disney (Directily)...and to reply.

Okay-here's the scoop. Yes, Fantasmic is going to Monday & Thursday nights starting in Sept. 2008.
Disney is stating that to produce one show costs almost $30 THOUSAND dollars-that is for staff, fireworks, saftety personnel, etc. They are recommending that all TA's "suggest the "New!American Idol" show as an alternative."
Disney may/may not have extra shows during "peak" season. At this point, they are not speculating either way...only saying that "It is a possibility."
As for the dinner/show preferred seating, Disney is offering "No Comment" at this time: however, they do not foresee this being an issue, either.
<Sidebar note: Disney truly believes that guests ARE wanting American Idol vs. Fantasmic. >:confused3

As for posts on room rates/DDPs-there really wasn't that big of a jump this year or a lot of changes. The addition of the new Counter Service Plan is children:$8.99 per night/per child, adult-$29.99 per night/per adult. Same rules apply as the other DDPs. Includes:2 meals (combo or entree), 2 snacks, refillable resort mug. The rest of the DDPs stayed the same. On rooms-in Jan. 2009-the Pirate Rooms are scheduled to open at Caribbean Beach Resort (Trinidad South-384 rooms-went up in price $25. standard/ $50 increase on a water view. Hoppers went up from $45 flat fee to $50 flat fee.

In the GRAND scheme of "doing Disney", it could have been worse.;)


Sept 2008? That can't be possible the offical calander on WDW.com states fantasmic is running weekly at 7pm all nights I believe or most nights rather. I believe its Jan 09 when this starts and I dont see it lasting past May 09 I have a feeling once spring/summer hits it'll be up to 5-7 shows a week

[SandraVB79]

I Love Fantasmic at DL, hate it at WDW but regardless of that, I don't get it completely. It draws people in to the park! It occupies a large part of the park (not as in DL, where it doesn't have a dediacted theatre)
I know that in DL, it is sometimes not offered every day of the week, but only twice a week... woow.

Maybe I should book a trip in January, seems I will be virtually alone then, if they do such cutbacks, bookings should be really really bad??

[Elana]

I think it is a good idea to check the calendar for park events. We are going in Feb., and it is scheduled on Sun., Weds. and Thursday that week.

[Villainess]

I'm disappointed at Disney's decision. I am not an AI fan; have never seen the show, never will so I won't be visiting this attraction (frees up a seat for someone else I guess!).

DHS is my least favorite park but has so much potential; I hope Disney will realize the mistake they are making and bythe spring will bring back Fantasmic every night. I, too, believe that the Fantasmic dining pkg (if they continue to offer it) will fill up quite quickly. We did this for our last trip and when we arrived at our seats - 50 minutes before start time, the theater was already filled.

[Fantasmiss]

Hehe, I hate it too...:headache: But I love Fantasmic even more:wizard:

Wow, I thought we were the only ones that hated that stupid wave thing! :scared:

[mitros]

But I thought they "aren't filling up the ampitheater"?

It was filled to overflowing every time we went.

[gymnastgirlflips]

Yes, I agree. I dont think it was a very smart decision. It does bring alot of people in, and every time all the seats are filled an hour early. Why would they cut back when that is bringing in all those people every night? I dont think Hollywood Studios is the best park either, but it does have potential. I hope they realize their mistake soon, as well as try putting in some new attractions and things to make the park just as good as the others.

[Cassie Dean]

We went to Disney World in January of 2008 and Fantasmic was only offered one day a week, at least the week we were there. I was so mad, it was something I had really been looking forward to. This year we going in January (2009) and they say that it is being offered Monday & Thursday. Do you think trying to book the dinner package is the way to go?

[LuluLovesDisney]

Cassie, I think booking the package is good, (double check the restaurants that offer it) but I'd still get there a little on the earlier side. At least when I worked there, they "filled in" the section about 10 minutes before showtime and all the seats were gone. Also, the reserved seating isn't necessarily "the best", try to be aware of where the 3 water screens are going to unfold so you can get a somewhat central view of at least one of them. If you are in the last seat all the way on the left or the right of the theater you really can't see everything 100%. Also sitting really really close isn't the best idea either, those first few rows can get wet and you can miss some of the effects. The Mickey section is "the best" (It's where the VIP section is locates as well) but truly 90% of seats are great seats. (The standing room, on the other hand . . . ;) ) Best of luck to you, it really is a great show, still full of lots of magic for me . . .

[King Triton]

It's just insane to cut back to only two Fantasmic shows. That's the "must see" going to Disney. :sad2: Very bad decision by Disney. :scared:

[NMW]

But I thought they "aren't filling up the ampitheater"?

We have never gone when it wasn't filled to capacity. I'm talking late show, early show, slower months of the year like Oct, early Dec, mid May.

Last May we did the 10:30 (I think it was 10:30 anyway) show the night they had extra PM hours. It was a zoo. We stood in line for 40 minutes just to be ushered into the theater in this slow moving people packed group. As we moved past the stroller parking area, CMs were yelling that anyone with a stroller needed to park it here. Well, people with strollers started panicking in our slow moving procession. You could tell they didn't want to get out of the moving line to leave their strollers. I heard wives yelling at their husbands to run, saw people trying to ignore the CM's...it was crazy. No one wanted to get out of that line after waiting for so long. This was the 2nd show of the night!! We thought it would be less crowded. We were terribly wrong.

I can't imagine what the shows are like now that it is only offered 2x's per week. I would do the dinner plan, if I planned to do it. This May, DH and I already have decided to skip it.

[Jessfrogger88]

This is going to get so ugly... I have seen it get ugly when there is at least one show every night... people become viscious... and they are only going to do this twice a week??? It's going to be a masacre... can you imagine making the special trip to HS to wait in line for for Fantasmic for an hour and not get in... and not have the option to come back and see it a different day? It's going to be a madhouse!

[zulemara]

This is going to get so ugly... I have seen it get ugly when there is at least one show every night... people become viscious... and they are only going to do this twice a week??? It's going to be a masacre... can you imagine making the special trip to HS to wait in line for for Fantasmic for an hour and not get in... and not have the option to come back and see it a different day? It's going to be a madhouse!

agreed entirely

[Mouseaholic!!!]

We were there a week ago for Fantasmic on Sunday......it was half-full.

In any event, the cutbacks at WDW are sad and are easy to spot. I doubt if ANYTHING will be back to normal until the economy resolves itself.

Last year when the US economy was soft WDW was filled with foreign guests....remember the unhappy postings about Brazilian tourists? Disney blanketed their airwaves with commercials and promotions in early 2008 and the results were many foreign guests.

Who are they going to entice in 2009 now that Europe has joined us in a recession?

When they are offering 4 for 7 discounts or 40% discounts to re-book while you are a current guest, Disney will do as little as they can to get by.

WDW is going to be "holding on" through this....don't kid yourselves. It will get better....but not until the economy gets better.


We had a very interesting observation while waiting for the ferry to the Magic Kingdom one afternoon. There were hardly any Disney shopping bags in the hands of guests returning to the parking lot. People were getting off the boat empty handed. The gift shops were full....but we were told later that sales $$$ is down in the gift shops.

Simply another sign of the times.

[Stone4321]

Disney has been through this before and everything will eventually bounce back, but it does take time. Darn the economy.