Fantasmic FP on early magic morning

[spiderann]

So I've only been to DLR once before a few years back and Fastmasic was closed that day. I'll be going again in a couple weeks and wanted some clarification on the Fantasmic FP distribution.

My main questions is, if we are going to DL on a day they have the Early Magic Morning but we are not able to get in early since we are only going that one day and staying off property, will we still be able to get FP for Fantasmic or will they be all gone? And secondarily, can someone clarify where exactly the FP distribution is? Is it a machine or is it a person handing out the FP? Thanks!

 

[gottalovepluto]

You will be able to get a FP. They are distributed by machine, just scan your ticket/s. Not sure where exactly it’s located these days though.

 

[Cal-Pie]

They don't start distribution until regular opening, the machines are near the Mark Twain loading docks.

 

[spiderann]

They don't start distribution until regular opening, the machines are near the Mark Twain loading docks.

thank you. that's what i was hoping for!

 

[spiderann]

Follow up question. I just noticed that the day we are going, there are two Fantasmic performances (9 & 10:30). Is one preferred over the other? Is there ever an issue where if we don’t go to the first one the second one might be canceled? And fast passes are usually only for the first performance correct?

 

[MrInfinity]

I may be out of the loop on my Disneyland stuff... But... You need a FastPass for Fantasmic now? This is a huge show where you just sit or stand anywhere along the river... no?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Follow up question. I just noticed that the day we are going, there are two Fantasmic performances (9 & 10:30). Is one preferred over the other? Is there ever an issue where if we don’t go to the first one the second one might be canceled? And fast passes are usually only for the first performance correct?

The first one is way more crowded IME. They give out FPs for both shows, not just the first one.

I may be out of the loop on my Disneyland stuff... But... You need a FastPass for Fantasmic now? This is a huge show where you just sit or stand anywhere along the river... no?

If you want to see the first show, you need to have a FP, a dining package, or wait 2+ hours for a “standby” spot if you want it to be decent (like on top of the Pirates bridge).

A FP will get you standing-room space, a dining package will put you front and center, seated on the ground, and standby will be lucky to give you any view at all.

The second show is often less busy - I’ve walked up to that one, alone or in a group of two, and gotten very nice viewing on several occasions.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I may be out of the loop on my Disneyland stuff... But... You need a FastPass for Fantasmic now? This is a huge show where you just sit or stand anywhere along the river... no?

Camping out for a F! spot along the riverfront has not been allowed since the show returned from hiatus in the summer of 2017. As stated above, there is reserved dining package viewing, free FP viewing, and some standby viewing. The best views are in the reserved dining package areas. The second show is usually less crowded -- agree that this is the better show to try for standby.

 

[ChrissyLou]

While it is true that you can no longer camp out the way people used to (prior to the show being re-opened and the fastpass system implemented), you must still show up early to ensure good viewing using standby fastpasses - much earlier than what a CM will tell you - people start lining up near the Mark Twain before the CM's open up that queue. Once the queue is opened they hold you there a bit longer and then they open the gate (not sure of my Disneyland Park directions - but there's a smaller gate facing the direction of New Orleans Square). You want to be up front near that gate so when they open that you are at the front of the pack to go find your viewing area. We were there in December the last two years at the busy holiday time, but we ate dinner at Rancho and kept on eye on when we saw a line forming near the Mark Twain. When we saw it we jumped in. We like to be front and as close to center (of the island) as possible and have managed this both times by being early to line up and getting up to the front of that small gate. I know we waited at least an hour once we got to our viewing spot, so I am guessing we started lining up a minimum of 90 minutes prior to show time. Maybe that isn't necessary at all times, depending on crowd level, but since we've seen the show twice with great viewing with a little effort we will keep doing it that way so we don't have to pay for overpriced dining options for very average food.

And, yes, depending on crowd levels when you are in the parks, you can miss out on being able to secure fastpasses. I would head straight to the distribution site to get them if getting to the parks later and if they are done giving them out for the early show you can get them for the later one (which is much less crowded) or if you specifically want the 10:30 showing, but they are still distributing 9:30 just go do something else and come back.