Evening Shows

[magickate]

I'm getting a little confused with evening shows and would like some advice please.

We have 1 night in each park, what should we not miss? What needs a reservation/fastpass? Are there any dining packages which are worth it (as in for the view not value wise)? Do they all run every night at peak times?

And is Fantasmic any different to the WDW version?

Thank you

 

[dieumeye]

In DCA, World of Color runs every night, it’s awesome, and the dessert party package is the best way to see it!

In DL, Fantasmic doesn’t run every day necessarily. The Blue Bayou package definitely has the best seating, but Hungry Bear dining package seating is also good.

 

[ImDMous]

Fantasmic is different and I think it's much better in Disneyland. We don't usually do any dining packages are able to get space in the walk up section for the second show most times we go.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

F! at DL is the original show, so it really is special. If you see the first show with a dining package, you'll be invited to stay in your viewing area to see the fireworks from the ROA. The music will be piped in and the projections will be shown on the water screens. The dining packages have the best viewing with the least wait (centered viewing, right up at the waterfront, seated on the ground -- no shoulder kids, no one standing in front of you).
WOC is a fantastic show -- totally unique to DCA. A FP (free, dining package, or Dessert Party) is necessary to view from the Paradise Bay viewing area. The Dessert Party is the only viewing that gives you a chair. All other viewing is standing. Read the first post here and ask all questions in this superthread: World of Color Superthread.
When are your trip dates? Check the entertainment schedule to make sure that the shows are running during your visit. WOC should run every night. F! and fireworks don't run every night during low season.

 

[Jason2015]

Never done any dinner party or fast pass for either show. If there are two showings the later usually has so decent walk up viewing.

Last summer my family was able to get a spot right behind the dessert party section for Fantasmic (2nd show) about 15 minutes before it starts. Though beware they don’t allow spot saving so if one of your party is in the bathroom the rest are going to have to “ make themselves big” to hold that one spot and the returning party member is going to have to squeeze through a crowd to get back to the spot.

If you don’t mind getting wet WOC has a splash zone the puts you down front and center for the show. On 12/31 my party of 3 was able to walk up and get close to center stage right behind the splash zone and those down in the zone didn’t get wet as the wind was light and blowing in from behind the crowd. Now in July when we sat in the splash zone we got drenched as it seemed one of the water canons was pointed right at us during the Lion King scene.

With a little Disney magic you can enjoy F and WOC without paying top dollar and waiting for hours.