Fantasmic - Boat Missing, Etc.

[blondeheroine]

I just got back from WDW. Saw Fantasmic on Monday night and noticed that several things were different from usual. First, Mickey's fingers did not sprout the usual sparks. Second, the dragon didn't seem to go quite as high and third and most importantly, there was no character boat at the end of the show. Instead, the characters came out on the rock and did the choreography they do on the boat (to an extent).

I'm not going to lie: for a person very familiar with the show, this was an ODD show. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was disappointed, but I know that things sometimes go awry. I'm hoping that's all there is to it (I'm sure it is).

I talked to a CM after the show and he told me that he *thought* the boat was simply out for repairs.

If anyone has seen the show since Monday, could you post and let us know what the show's currently like? Pictures would be great!

 

[blondeheroine]

Oh! And I almost forgot.

The snake during the Jafar scene didn't move. It was completely stationary.

Anyone have any info?

 

[Robo]

I just got back from WDW. Saw Fantasmic on Monday night and noticed that several things were different from usual. First, Mickey's fingers did not sprout the usual sparks. Second, the dragon didn't seem to go quite as high and third and most importantly, there was no character boat at the end of the show. Instead, the characters came out on the rock and did the choreography they do on the boat (to an extent).

I'm not going to lie: for a person very familiar with the show, this was an ODD show. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was disappointed, but I know that things sometimes go awry. I'm hoping that's all there is to it (I'm sure it is).

I talked to a CM after the show and he told me that he *thought* the boat was simply out for repairs.

If anyone has seen the show since Monday, could you post and let us know what the show's currently like? Pictures would be great!

I've seen Fantasmic! dozens of times and there are times when things just are not quite "right."

Mickey's Fingers/Fireworks can often not fire. I've seen it many times when one or both did not ignite.

The "Steamboat" used for the "character finale" is out for repairs. That's been discussed here lately.

The snake not moving... THAT's an odd one... obviously not enough CM's to carry it.

I've seen shows where the dragon does not even appear, but instead, Mickey "fights" Maleficent at her full height.

Its a BIG show with lots of effects and CMs required.
On some nights they must "make-do" so that the show can still go on in spite of a few "glitches."

 

[alan01]

I read that the boat was being repaired because of rust. If you think about it this show rarely is in rehab so to keep it at 100% is asking alot. I think they do pretty good with it for doing a show every night

 

[blondeheroine]

I read that the boat was being repaired because of rust. If you think about it this show rarely is in rehab so to keep it at 100% is asking alot. I think they do pretty good with it for doing a show every night

Alan01: I think you've misunderstood me. I wasn't asking it to be 100% all the time. I just wanted to make sure none of the changes were permanent.

Robo: Thank you for the information. That was exactly what I was looking for.

 

[alan01]

Alan01: I think you've misunderstood me. I wasn't asking it to be 100% all the time. I just wanted to make sure none of the changes were permanent.

Robo: Thank you for the information. That was exactly what I was looking for.

woops...sorry

 

[melomouse]

We'll be seeing Fantasmic! for the 4th time this trip, and though I'm a tad disappointed about the finale boats - makes me cry! - We wouldn't miss it for the world!

Good to read about some of the variances in production - I had noticed a couple in the past, but now I have more to watch out for!!!

 

[blondeheroine]

No problem, Alan.

I know that Fantasmic has experienced some growing pains in the past as it's tried to catch up to DL's version and was afraid that this was something they were "testing" out. But looks like our boat is just missing at the moment. Yay!

There were just SO many things out of sync on this production that it made me worry. The CM was VERY nice and said he preferred the boat ending as well.

 

[lizanne]

At least you got to see some version of Fantasmic - my favorite show. When I'm there (beginning of Nov) it's closed for refurbishment.

 

[blondeheroine]

At least you got to see some version of Fantasmic - my favorite show. When I'm there (beginning of Nov) it's closed for refurbishment.

I'm sorry, Lizanne. That does stink. I hope it's perfect when you arrive next time.

 

[Fourfun]

I just gotta say.. I went to Disney for the first time in 20 years just got back a few weeks ago... Our trip was great... But I hated Fantasmic...
I thought it was a waste of time... No one in my family liked it...
My 10 year old had more fun doing the wave with the crowd before the show started than he did watching the show... I had heard so many things about it being a must see.. cant miss.. well I wont waste my time next trip..
I did not relize there would be so many movie clips in the water.. I thought it would be more character acting ... I guess I thought it would be more like the Lion King... That was Great.. we all loved it... Anyway.. just wanted to throw my 2cents in....

 

[blondeheroine]

I just gotta say.. I went to Disney for the first time in 20 years just got back a few weeks ago... Our trip was great... But I hated Fantasmic...
I thought it was a waste of time... No one in my family liked it...
My 10 year old had more fun doing the wave with the crowd before the show started than he did watching the show... I had heard so many things about it being a must see.. cant miss.. well I wont waste my time next trip..
I did not relize there would be so many movie clips in the water.. I thought it would be more character acting ... I guess I thought it would be more like the Lion King... That was Great.. we all loved it... Anyway.. just wanted to throw my 2cents in....

I understand that. While I am one of the people who believe Fantasmic is a must see, I do believe they rely to much on the water projections. DL's version has a bit more to it. I'd love to get that Peter Pan scene here at MGM.

 

[Robo]

I'd love to get that Peter Pan scene here at MGM.

That scene takes advantage of the fact that there's a full-sized sailing ship in the "Rivers of America" around Tom Sawyer Island in DL.

There are no full-size boats available at the WDW Fantasmic!
Even the "Steamboat" at MGM's version is just a "facsimile" and not the "real deal" like at DL.

 

[blondeheroine]

That scene takes advantage of the fact that there's a full-sized sailing ship in the "Rivers of America" around Tom Sawyer Island in DL.

There are no full-size boats available at the WDW Fantasmic!
Even the "Steamboat" at MGM's version is just a "facsimile" and not the "real deal" like at DL.

Oh I know. I know there's no liklihood of it happening. It's just wishful thinking on my part.

 

[princessarielle]

I LOVE Fantasmic-it's a must see for me. When we were there in January we saw it twice. The first time I didn't notice anything odd, but the second time there was a motor boat pushing the steamboat. My DH and I just looked at each other and said "That's not right". I can't wait to see it again in October. We're doing it the first night there!!
I'm probably in the minority here but I actually like it better than Illuminations.

Lori

 

[blondeheroine]

I LOVE Fantasmic-it's a must see for me. When we were there in January we saw it twice. The first time I didn't notice anything odd, but the second time there was a motor boat pushing the steamboat. My DH and I just looked at each other and said "That's not right". I can't wait to see it again in October. We're doing it the first night there!!
I'm probably in the minority here but I actually like it better than Illuminations.

Lori

I prefer Fantasmic as well. Probably one reason is because the Villains are some of my favorites and I rarely get to see them out and about. I also love the ending with Sorcerer Mickey.

 

[striker3636]

We have noticed variations in the show during the same week. The second time we saw the show we saw more things. When we thought about it we realized that during the first show it was windy. Perhaps higher wind has something to do with Mickey's hand fireworks and how much the snake and dragon move? Perhaps it is all about safety concerns for the CM? Or, maybe there are crews with less experience and the show is modified slightly to accomodate?

 

[PeterPan68]

Ist I'd like to say that I LOVE the Fantasmic at WDW, but...I was lucky enough to see the Fantasmic show at DL last year, and was really blown away!! The Peter Pan segment was awesome!!!

I prefer different parts of both shows... If only I could pick the scenes that I prefer and piece them together to make my own Fantasmic!! LOL!!!

 

[SusanDK]

We've seen Fantasmic many times, and there was also once when the dragon did not move at all. I was worried that it was a permanent change, but next time we saw it, the dragon was back to the usual movement around the stage.

We'll be there in one week and plan to see Fantasmic some time during the last two weeks of September. Anyone know how long the boat will be out for refurbishment?

Susan

 

[golden1]

The only time I've evr seen Fantasmic, there must have been a glitch because the dragon didn't move at all. He didn't even come out of the mountain, there was just a glimpse of one wing.