Compare Fantasmic to Illuminations

[sanibelover]

How does Fantasmic compare to Illuminations in terms of being a "must-see"? We finally saw Illuminations for the first time in September and I must say we were less than impressed. After that (and Tarzan Rocks) I wasn't really in the mood for anymore "Magical" shows. (Oh yeah, I forgot the new stunt show which is almost a complete waste of time.)

On the other hand, I would hate to not go to Fantasmic if it is a must-see just because of the other not so stellar shows.

 

[KayakDaddy]

I list Fantasmic on my "must see" list. It is not just a fireworks show. There are laser images projected on screens of spayed water and mist. There is a plot that involves well known characters. There are even parts that some people think are scary. You won't find that at Illuminations. The grand finale included the triumphant Mickey piloting some of his friends out under a shower of spectacular fireworks and goose bump inspiring music.

This is no knock against Illuminations, I like it too. I do rank it behind both Fantasmic and Wishes however. I think if the Illuminations globe screen that is floating out in the middle of the lake was about three times bigger, it would be easier to see and more impressive. Some of the images are lost on those without the best seat in the house. At Fantasmic there is not a bad seat in the house - unless you are standing - but even then you have a good view.

Some have said that Fantasmic is worth the price of admission to MGM. I'm not sure about that, but if you have a park hopper, it is worth a special trip over and a long wait in a packed theater just to see it.

 

[maxaroni]

While we like Illuminations, we LOVE Fantasmic.

We just saw it again in 8/05 and we said that we could skip it the next time. Fantasmic, is a must see. You really should put that on your list to see.

I agree about the stunt show, did it once, won't do it again. I feel the same way about Tarzan Rocks but dh and ds like it. Although, it won't be there the next time we go!

 

[dpic]

Illuminations is an incredible, themed fireworks display. Fantasmic, though, is the most imaginative piece of entertainment I've ever seen. It's pure Disney, and something you will not see anywhere else on earth.

 

[jann1033]

lol !well we are less than impressed with fantasmic but love ill. and wishes. hubby &i thought fantasmic was way to intense for young preschool age kids ( mostly due to all the tiny screamers around me) and just didn't think it was all that "fantasmic" but to each his own. we wouldn't knock ourselves out to go again but if we were there and it was starting might go again

 

[DisneyObsessive]

i dunno. illuminations has me pretty good. ive seen both fantasmic and illuminations once. they are different moods though. fantasmic is exciting. illuminations brought me to tears. i love them both for their different experiences.

 

[Rella Bella]

I agree! I think Fantasmic is a must see... it is ultimate Disney BUT:
Don't sit too far toward the front... you can't see and you get soaked!
If your kids are frightened by the 'scary' Disney characters save it until they are a little older... there is a pretty long sequence of one right after another and it even gives me chills.
I recommend the dinner package... since your seat is saved, you don't have to waste time standing in line and waiting in the ampitheater... and you really can see better toward the back. We always wait until the last minute to go in!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

While we like Illuminations, we LOVE Fantasmic.

We just saw it again in 8/05 and we said that we could skip it the next time. Fantasmic, is a must see. You really should put that on your list to see.

This is exactly how i feel about the 2.

 

[sanibelover]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like we are going to have to see Fantasmic. I just got a little underwhelmed the last time we were there and didn't want to stand in line, etc. for the whole Fantasmic experience if it was anything like Illuminations. I agree with the globe being about 3 times bigger. I'm getting older now (I'm officially in my 40's )and I can't see as well as I used to.... Thankfully, we were able to walk up to a good viewing spot for Illuminations 10 minutes before the show.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Do the Fantasmic dinner package. I've had too many pushing, rude incidents at Illuminations. I don't relish sitting somewhere with small children for a couple of hours to get a good seat.

I'd vote for Fantasmic over Illuminations any day. It is a bigger, longer more involved show.

 

[scrump]

i dunno. illuminations has me pretty good. ive seen both fantasmic and illuminations once. they are different moods though. fantasmic is exciting. illuminations brought me to tears. i love them both for their different experiences.

I agree with this.

 

[VSL]

I think the key is to not let your expectations get too high (hard to do when coming on here every day though!)

 

[DVCJEN]

We love Illuminations and were very underwhelmed with Fantasmic--especially with a 45 to 60 minute wait in the stadium. It is worth doing once but was not nearly as enjoyable as Wishes or Illuminations.

 

[ScoJo15]

Fantasmic is on our "do not miss at any cost" list now. It combines water, fire, lasers, pyro with live action and a storyline. It blows away Illuminations in my opinion.

We were disappointed with Illuminations last time we were there. The fireworks aren't nearly as good as Wishes, and it's hard to make out what is being shown on that globe. It is on our "only do if there is nothing else going on" list now.

 

[cindyfan]

fantasmic is exciting. illuminations brought me to tears. i love them both for their different experiences.

I think that sums it up pretty good!!!
Two entirely different shows....but both must sees in my book.
But... If I had to pick a favorite..... it would be Illuminations... hands-down!
We were one of the first to see it back in 1999, when it was for the Millenium Celebration. I can't describe how it touched our hearts back then and how we still feel every time we see it!
That first visit we purchased the CD for the Tapestry of Nations/Illuminations and it is the most played CD in our house!!
My 14 yr old DD knows the music by heart and can play along with her trumpet.
There is so much emotion and meaning in the music, that a trip to WDW would not be the same without seeing Illuminations!

I would suggest to go see Illuminations again and really listen to the music and try to understand what it is trying to say and make you feel.
It is not just fireworks! It is a unique experience!

As for Fantasmic..... WOW... it is true Disney with all the characters, etc.
Make the time for that too!

 

[Simba's Mom]

We love Illuminations and were very underwhelmed with Fantasmic--especially with a 45 to 60 minute wait in the stadium. It is worth doing once but was not nearly as enjoyable as Wishes or Illuminations.

That's my feeling too. We've seen Fantasmic twice now (went back because we were with family members who hadn't seen it). Now it's kind of a "Been there, done that" thing for us.