fantasmic confusion to DL 1st timer

[mowsearz]

Help???
We are very familiar with Fantasmic at DW however I have been reading that things are done a little different at DL.

We are headed to DL for our first time on July 15-18...and will
be a party of one 6 yr old, a 50ish yr old, a 70 ish yr old and
my husband and I. Please fill me in on what to do so that
great grandma can see the show. She is not in a wheelchair or
anything.

If I am understanding correctly it seems that we may need to camp-out for a good seat like at Epcot for Illuminations????
How early before the show should we stake out a place? are
there any recommendations for a great spot??? Is there a que
outside of the show area to wait in first and then a mad dash
for seats or what????
Thanks in advance for your help....And any other tips would be
appreciated.

Can't wait for our 1st trip to CA...
mowsearz

 

[daannzzz]

Fantasmic is quite different at DL in that it is presented on the Rivers of America!!! Imagine people crowding i around at the MK from the Liberty bell Riverboat station all the around the river to Splash Mountain. The show takes palce on the end of Tom Sawyer's Island and on the river. At Disneyland the walkways around the river in that area have been terraced to some degree so those farther back ar higher up.
Seating is on the ground! Or standing at the back of the crowds. There are no chairs or walls to sit on. It is first come first serve so people camp out a couple hours early for spots in the front and center. If you go on a night when there are two Fantasmic try going to the second show. Just make sure you are near Splash Mountian when the first Fantasmic is finishing. When it is over the crowds will mostly disperse away from you and you can follow them in and grab a nice spot. The next show will probably be about an hour later.
If there is only one showing of Fantasmic you can camp out in front for a good spot or wait until aboutt 45 minutes and get a spot on the side near the Haunted Mansin. (The haunted Mansion is located in a different spot at Disneyland...where Splash Mountain is at the MK).

 

[WDW2002]

I have seen people stack out their spot for Fantasmic as much as 3-5 hours before for the first show. My recommendation is if there are two shows get to the New Orleans Sq. area by 15 mins into the first show and then be a salmon when the first show lets out. AS SOON as they crowd starts moving from the first show, go grab your seats. I like to try to get front and center.

If there is only one show you will likely have to have at least one person stake out your spot about 90 mins before hand and I woudl recommend that your entire party be at this spot no later then 30 mins before the start of the show.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would talk to guest relations.....with a 70 yo I bet they might do something to accomadate ! You might need to rent a WC though, just for the show.

 

[Planogirl]

Is the show that much different from the one at WDW? It seems like showtime might be a great time to hit some of the more popular rides particularly if there's just one show. I guess that I just hate to wait!

 

[Judy from Boise]

if you discount the lack of seating, most people will tell you they enjoy DL's version better. It is on a grander scale, and has a great Peter Pan scene.