Fantasmic for toddlers

[BobbiG]

Will my 2 1/2 yo DD be frightened by Fantasmic? She loves the characters and fireworks...but is not thrilled with loud noises. I've read where some toddlers are scared by it. Anyone have any experiences they can share?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

My dd had seen the show twice, once when she was 1 1/2, and once when she was 3. She loves it! We explained that the show was about Mickey's dream and how he beats the bad guys, and she wasn't bothered by it at all. She now asks to see it every trip. We will be back in Aug. and she is now 4.

 

[Luv2trav]

My DS was 20 months when we saw it and it scared him. My mom had to take him out because it was too much for him... I think it was because it was so loud. We are going back when he is 3 and I think he will do much better this time around but who knows..

 

[GONETODISNEY]

Last May we saw Fantasmic for the first time. My then 3 year old loved it. He was not the least bit scared- although he did cover his years quite a bit as the volume is extremely loud. That said, it was one of our all time favorites and has been requested for our trip this year. Good luck!

 

[dcgrumpy]

My 2yo did not like it at all. He sat DH's lap hiding his face, it was too loud for him.

 

[jl3614]

We were also considering Fantasmic with young kids. Besides the possible fear factor, we were wondering how do you possibly keep the kids entertained for the long time you need to sit and wait before the show. Our DD (3 1/2) gets very antsy after 15 minutes of waiting. Any thoughts?

Jeff

 

[Lollipop Mom]

we're wondering about this too. My 3½ year old REALLY doesn't like loud noises. He did OK with Wishes in January b/c we brought him ear plugs. I go back and forth on if we should do a Fantasmic dinner package or not. If we're going to attempt to see it (DH and I both really want to but we are worried about his reaction to it) then we want the dinner package to reduce our wait time but if we AREN'T going to attempt it, I'd rather save one of our "expensive dinners" for some of the non-park restaurants.

 

[#1hockeymom]

When we went in January there were MANY screaming toddlers being quickly taken out of Fantasmic by their parents. We didn't see this many in June, but we also went to the last showing of Fantasmic in June so I am sure there were a lot less toddlers in the group. Only you know your children best, and their tolerances for loud noises and evil villains. My best advice is to be prepared to leave early, and have a great night no matter what happens!

 

[bratus913]

We went in May, 2003 with my DD5 and DD2 (she was about 2 months shy of 3yo). They both loved it and wanted to see it again in the same trip. We did explain how it was all a dream and Mickey ALWAYS wins, etc - I think that helped. We also had those glow bracelets and glowing ice cubes for them. By the way - those glow ice cubes are great - expensive, but GREAT! It really made the girls feel better holding onto those.

I think it really depends on your child and how they handle things (DD2 is a toughie!!).

 

[Synonymous]

We had multiple failed attempts at Fantasmic with our daughter. It wasn't until she was 5 that she made it all the way through (and she was VERY proud of herself.)

In addition to being very loud, the villains can be pretty intense, especially when Jafar turns into the snake and the dragon comes out on stage, breathing fire. But Mickey being in danger seemed to be the biggest concern for our daughter.

I agree with one of the posters above- give it a try, but be prepared to make a hasty exit.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We've seen it three times when my DD's were 2 1/2 & 4, 3 & 5 and 4 &6. They weren't scared by it but you need to prep them it could be loud.

It may be late in the evening for some toddlers, at 3 my DD fell asleep.

As for entertainment, it is so crowded and bustling before a show. Watching all of the people go by is entertainment and they've always done the wave. My DD's have always struck up a "friendship" with children nearby. They also walk around selling glow in the dark and lighted merchandise. I've always brought stuff I've picked up at dollar store.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

We tell my dd's that the good guys always win at WDW. Just prepare you child that there will be bad guys (and girls) fighting in Mickeys dream but Mickey will beat them. I would definately bring earplugs for those children sensitive to sound. It is very loud. When my dd was 2, she was very sensitive to sounds she liked knowing that she had a pair of earplugs... just in case she needed them. I don't remember her actually using the earplugs, I think she just held them in her pockets. Maybe it was a control thing, just knowing she had the power to quiet the noise? My girls love Fantasmic and look forward to it each trip.

 

[BobbiG]

Thank you for all the advice....Earplugs and ready to dash...we'll be there.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

My daughter was 18 months when we last saw Fantasmic. She absolutely loved it!! It was just so fascinating to watch. The noise didn't bother either of my children at all.

I, also, didn't have any problems keeping them entertained for the long wait. We just brought snacks and drinks along. We talked about things we wanted to do the following day etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing it again soon!!!!