Fantasmic AND a Galactic Spectacular... is it possible?

[KatLight]

My extended family is visiting WDW on 4-day passes, non park hoppers. The plan is to spend 2 days at MK, one at Epcot, one at Hollywood Studios. Most of the group would really like to see both Fantasmic AND the Galactic Spectacular fireworks on the sole night they have at Hollywood Studios. However, the day we're there (Nov 4) has Fantasmic starting at 7:30 with the fireworks starting at 8. Is it possible to do both (even if not to see ALL the fireworks, to see part of them)? Is there a decent viewing spot anywhere near Fantasmic? And where should we sit at Fantasmic so that we can get out of the show quickly to move on to the fireworks asap? How would you try to arrange this so that everyone can get the most out of both shows?

 

[DBDiz]

Star Wars Spectacular is, if I'm not mistaken, an 8 minute show. We were just there last week and missed the start time by five minutes due to a TSMM FP. We thought no big deal, we'll catch the end of the show. We literally were walking from Pixar Place to the Hollywood Bowl when the finale music fanfare hit. So disappointing.

So basically, if Fantasmic ends with enough time to get to SW, then yes. Otherwise you'll need to leave Fantasmic early, or you'll miss SW.

 

[yulilin3]

SWaGS is a 12 minute show and for a good viewing you need to be on Hollywood blvd close to center stage to be able to see all the Screens and Chinese theatre. If you're doing F! no way you'll make it in time.

 

[pampam]

I found that great viewing for swags is at the entrance to h.s., even before you get to bag check. You might be able to do both.

 

[yulilin3]

I found that great viewing for swags is at the entrance to h.s., even before you get to bag check. You might be able to do both.

the show relies heavily on projections and lasers, you can see the fireworks from outside but that's not the best part of the show. It's an all inclusive thing, so yes you might see the fireworks from outside and even other parts of the park but the best way to view is in front of GMR

 

[Lisa F]

I found that great viewing for swags is at the entrance to h.s., even before you get to bag check. You might be able to do both.

if I'm not mistaken that was the previous show. The new show is more projection and laser heavy and less pyro heavy and you need to be able to see the chinese theater to really have a good view.

 

[KatLight]

the show relies heavily on projections and lasers, you can see the fireworks from outside but that's not the best part of the show. It's an all inclusive thing, so yes you might see the fireworks from outside and even other parts of the park but the best way to view is in front of GMR

That's actually okay with us; we might not get the best view, but at least the younger kids will get to see SOME part of the show before we leave the park. We'll head over to the entrance as fast as we can after the show and see what we can do. Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

Is there a spot we could sit in Fantasmic that normally clears out quickly? Would sitting in the back clear out a lot faster? Would either side (FP or regular) get us out faster and close to a good fireworks viewing area? How important is the last minute or two of the show? Would the kids be missing out on a lot of we ducked out a bit early to beat the rush?

 

[pampam]

I find the best part of any show is the end. Fantasmic finishes with many many characters on a white paddlewheeler waving to us. It's fun for the kiddies to see how many they recognize.

 

[Jennasis]

What about if SWAGS is shown BEFORE Fantasmic? I believe it is that way tomorrow? My cousins want to see SWAGS while there tomorrow but their travel agent booked them a F! dining pkg at Mama Melrose, telling them the meal included FP for the Star Wars fireworks....i know, i know. I told them where to stand to watch SWAGS, which starts at 7:30 and told them when it ends to head over to the Fantasmic theater and hope for the best (F! starts at 8pm).

FWIW I am a firm believer that having the dining pkg or a FP for Fantasmic should mean you can show up 10 minutes prior to the show and still get a seat in that section.

 

[yulilin3]

That's actually okay with us; we might not get the best view, but at least the younger kids will get to see SOME part of the show before we leave the park. We'll head over to the entrance as fast as we can after the show and see what we can do. Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

Is there a spot we could sit in Fantasmic that normally clears out quickly? Would sitting in the back clear out a lot faster? Would either side (FP or regular) get us out faster and close to a good fireworks viewing area? How important is the last minute or two of the show? Would the kids be missing out on a lot of we ducked out a bit early to beat the rush?

If you want to make a quick exit sit toward the top and right side of the theater. I don't recommend leaving the show before it ends for several reasons:
The end of F! is amazing and it ties the entire story together
It's disrespectful to the performers
It's disrespectful to other guests that are trying to enjoy the show in it's totality
It's still dark and it's not safe to walk out fast
Of course it's a personal choice

 

[yulilin3]

What about if SWAGS is shown BEFORE Fantasmic? I believe it is that way tomorrow? My cousins want to see SWAGS while there tomorrow but their travel agent booked them a F! dining pkg at Mama Melrose, telling them the meal included FP for the Star Wars fireworks....i know, i know. I told them where to stand to watch SWAGS, which starts at 7:30 and told them when it ends to head over to the Fantasmic theater and hope for the best (F! starts at 8pm).

FWIW I am a firm believer that having the dining pkg or a FP for Fantasmic should mean you can show up 10 minutes prior to the show and still get a seat in that section.

if they walk fast I think they can make it. The SW show lasts 12 minutes

 

[Robo]

What about if SWAGS is shown BEFORE Fantasmic? I believe it is that way tomorrow? My cousins want to see SWAGS while there tomorrow but their travel agent booked them a F! dining pkg at Mama Melrose, telling them the meal included FP for the Star Wars fireworks....i know, i know. I told them where to stand to watch SWAGS, which starts at 7:30 and

1. told them when it ends to head over to the Fantasmic theater and hope for the best (F! starts at 8pm).

FWIW

2. I am a firm believer that having the dining pkg or a FP for Fantasmic should mean you can show up 10 minutes prior to the show and still get a seat in that section.

1. Yup.

2. If the theater is busy and almost full by 10-15 min. before show-time, no Pass ("Fast" or Dining") will guarantee seating (standing room is there for a reason) or even admittance, if the waiting line is too long.

I don't think that tomorrow will be specifically overly busy, but it is nearly unpredictable, as nobody knows how many guests would choose to hop to DHS for that combination of evening shows.
Buyer Beware.

And, don't get me started on uninformed TAs!

 

[bellrae]

This has been helpful! i just rearranged my schedule to see them on different nights (the joys of an Epcot resort).

 

[KatLight]

What about if SWAGS is shown BEFORE Fantasmic? I believe it is that way tomorrow?

We'll be there on November 4th. The schedule currently shows Fantasmic at 7:30, SWGS at 8. Is there a chance that could still change?

If you want to make a quick exit sit toward the top and right side of the theater. I don't recommend leaving the show before it ends for several reasons:
The end of F! is amazing and it ties the entire story together
It's disrespectful to the performers
It's disrespectful to other guests that are trying to enjoy the show in it's totality
It's still dark and it's not safe to walk out fast
Of course it's a personal choice

Thank you for this! I've never seen Fantasmic, so wasn't sure of the layout, how disruptive it would be to leave (especially with a larger group), how important the last few minutes were, etc. The info helps; we'll stay for the last few minutes so I think the kids (and adults!) would rather see a well-done-finale of a show than a few extra minutes of fireworks. But we'll definitely go for seats as close to the top right of the theatre as possible! That's regular seating, not the FP section, correct? Are those seats usually in high demand, or do most people try to sit closer to the stage? Trying to figure out how far ahead of time we'll need to arrive; we've got special needs kiddos in the group who don't do well with longer waits. Or perhaps they could just claim a spot with coats, etc, and then walk around outside with their parents while the rest of the group stays? Is that kind of thing acceptable at a show like this?

 

[Robo]

- we'll definitely go for seats as close to the top right of the theatre as possible!
1. That's regular seating, not the FP section, correct?
2. Are those seats usually in high demand, or do most people try to sit closer to the stage? 2. 3. Trying to figure out how far ahead of time we'll need to arrive; we've got special needs kiddos in the group who don't do well with longer waits.
4. Or perhaps they could just claim a spot with coats, etc, and then walk around outside with their parents while the rest of the group stays?
5. Is that kind of thing acceptable at a show like this?

1. Yes.
2. Depends on unknown factors, that night. They can be seated pretty early. Plan on arriving early.
3. No later than 45-60 min. early.
4. Not "outside." Stay near the seating, if you decide to walk.
5. Very risky to leave the seating area. If the line backs up, it is possible to not get re-admitted.

 

[yulilin3]

We'll be there on November 4th. The schedule currently shows Fantasmic at 7:30, SWGS at 8. Is there a chance that could still change?


Thank you for this! I've never seen Fantasmic, so wasn't sure of the layout, how disruptive it would be to leave (especially with a larger group), how important the last few minutes were, etc. The info helps; we'll stay for the last few minutes so I think the kids (and adults!) would rather see a well-done-finale of a show than a few extra minutes of fireworks. But we'll definitely go for seats as close to the top right of the theatre as possible! That's regular seating, not the FP section, correct? Are those seats usually in high demand, or do most people try to sit closer to the stage? Trying to figure out how far ahead of time we'll need to arrive; we've got special needs kiddos in the group who don't do well with longer waits. Or perhaps they could just claim a spot with coats, etc, and then walk around outside with their parents while the rest of the group stays? Is that kind of thing acceptable at a show like this?

no way of watching SWaGS after F! you just won't wave time. F! lasts almost 30 minutes then you need at least 10 to make it out
As for standby seating in F! I'm not 100% sure where that is now, maybe check the Robo maps thread. A couple of people in your party can hold spots with coat and bags while the kids walk on the upper deck

 

[Robo]

As for standby seating in F!
1. I'm not 100% sure where that is now...
A couple of people in your party can hold spots with coat and bags while
2. the kids walk on the upper deck

1. (First or Only F! performance of the evening)
Cyan= Standby (walk-in) seating
Red= Dining Package Reserved
Blue= FP+ Reserved
Purple= Can be either FP+ or Dining Plan Reserved, depending on needs.

(Second or Third F! performance of the evening)
Cyan= Standby (walk-in) seating
Red, Purple, Blue= FP+ Reserved
(Although much of the outer Blue will likely be used for Standby.)

2. Yes. Stay inside the theater seating area. If you must "walk," do so along the upper deck.

 

[CAS239]

I find the best part of any show is the end. Fantasmic finishes with many many characters on a white paddlewheeler waving to us. It's fun for the kiddies to see how many they recognize.

That's still a few minutes before the end. The end of fantasmic is with Mickey down below then he pops out up top and a few fireworks

 

[Robo]

That's still a few minutes before the end. The end of fantasmic is with Mickey down below then he pops out up top and a few fireworks

He's on the paddle wheeler, then up-top w/fireworks.

He ENDS elsewhere.

(Trying not to spoil too much.)


Missing the finale scenes in F! would be very disappointing!

 

[yulilin3]

He's on the paddle wheeler, then up-top w/fireworks.

He ENDS elsewhere.

(Trying not to spoil too much.)


Missing the finale scenes in F! would be very disappointing!

plus all 3 costume changes it's a terrific show