Fantasmic! is Getting Dated

[Dwheels]

I have to agree we haven't wasted our time waiting for this show in years!! Def needs an update

 

[dwaters]

Isn't the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular the exact same show that's been running since the park opened? Doesn't seem like one people would want to see over and over again.

 

[disney*mom*82]

We LOVE Fantasmic! It is one of the things we all really look forward to. Its also one of the few things that I hope Disney doesnt update. It is really neat, the shows featured were great shows that I enjoyed and now my children enjoy them too. Ide hate to see it updated with new characters. I love several of the new characters, I just dont want to see them in F!

 

[Simba07]

I would be happy if they just did the DL version at WDW. We lived in LA in the 1990s and fell in love with F! We took our daughter to WDW for the first time a couple of years ago and were surprised by how disappointed we were inF! I was so relieved when I figured out it was a different version, not just my faulty memory. It doesn't seem like it should take much to either align it with DL or update it. The main storyline could stay the same, just re-edit the projections. It seems like that would be an easy gift to fans...

 

[Davey Jones II]

The Disneyland version is definitely superior, although I always enjoy both. The only problem at DL is that the show is only presented on weekends, and locals (who have seen the show a zillion times) stake out the best viewing spots hours in advance. That's not fair to tourists, because we have a limited amount of time to try to do everything at the resort, and certainly can't waste half a day to see one show.

The only option is to catch the second show of the night, which is not always convenient when you got there at rope drop (again, to beat the crowds).

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I was never impressed with the show, and couldn't get my family excited about seeing it last month even though we could have fit in the late show. Now, having seen World of Color, I am waiting for the day when F! is retired and WoC debuts at WDW. (Though I suspect due to its scope, some form of WoC will likely replace Illuminations. The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater isn't really big enough for WoC).

I saw the WDW F! in December and after reading so many raving reviews I thought I must have missed something. Certain parts were really entertaining but I was actually bored by much of it. After already seeing Wishes, Illuminations, and Holiday Wishes earlier that week it was a major letdown. I've seen WoC a half dozen times and it still blows me away every time I see it, I was so let down by F! at WDW I still haven't made it a priority to see the DL version (it's been down my last several trips anyway). I'll have to check it out one of these trips.

Even though I'm not a fan I don't think I'd drastically change F! simply because of how many people do love it. I do think they could easily "plus" it without really changing it by adding a few WoC style fountains and updating the projections to match the ones used in WoC.

Personally I think the Fantasmic stadium would be a better fit for WoC than the Epcot lake, my only complaint with WoC at DCA is you need to be on the rail or one of the few elevated spots for an unobstructed view, I think you'd have the same problem at Epcot since it's so flat, I think stadium seating would be ideal for WoC.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

My biggest gripe with the latest Fantasmic was that they got ride of all the characters on the ferry boat at the end! That was such an amazing surprise for us the first time we saw it. (that, and the water catching on fire). I can't believe they took that out! Now, the characters simply come out and dance on the main stage area at the end. LAME!!! ....at least that is how it was in Sept last year versus the other three previous years. Was this temporary or, is this permanent change?
Dan

This happens when there are technical difficulties or they are refurbishing the boat. Usually, they are on the boat.

 

[andreajanowiak]

In my opinion, I find it ridiculous that people think EVERYTHING must be updated to be worthy to see. We haven't seen Fantasmic in a few trips since the timing hasn't worked out, but last time we saw it, I thought it was great. It's great that they have the older movies in the shows. In the parks, there's no ride or show that's themed for Pocahontas, so I like that it's showcased somewhere. Also, people say that parts of Fantasmic should be updated with the newest Pixar/Disney movies. My objection to that is the fact that it's not like these movies don't make an appearance anywhere. They're on the castle at night, so why have a similar show in a different park? I strongly believe that Disney needs to keep the classics going, and I don't think that Fantasmic is dated whatsoever. It's classic.

 

[CARasnake]

Other than the extended Pocahontas scene, I still love Fantasmic, it feels technically fresh and the content is still fun. I do think the Pocahontas scene does run a bit long though.

 

[North of Mouse]

I recently saw Fantasmic! for the first time in a long time and I have to say that it is becoming dated. Some of the lesser-known characters projected on the water screens need to be switched out with more current characters from Toy Story, Brave, Frozen, etc. Really, I'd like to see a total revamp of the show. The Pocahontas scene falls flat now as it was not one of Disney's biggest hits. Thoughts?

Love it now as much as/more than ever. Does 'everything' have to keep up to date to please some of you people?

Disney has messed with enough, they should just leave some things alone!

 

[EMode]

Love it now as much as/more than ever. Does 'everything' have to keep up to date to please some of you people?

Disney has messed with enough, they should just leave some things alone!

I don't think there is anything wrong with incorporating what is current. I don't think it F! has to be completely changed, but it would be nice to see some of the new fresh faces of Disney in the show.
I think the show is definitely worth seeing once, but if you do miss it its not like you'd regret it.

 

[EMode]

In my opinion, I find it ridiculous that people think EVERYTHING must be updated to be worthy to see. We haven't seen Fantasmic in a few trips since the timing hasn't worked out, but last time we saw it, I thought it was great. It's great that they have the older movies in the shows. In the parks, there's no ride or show that's themed for Pocahontas, so I like that it's showcased somewhere. Also, people say that parts of Fantasmic should be updated with the newest Pixar/Disney movies. My objection to that is the fact that it's not like these movies don't make an appearance anywhere. They're on the castle at night, so why have a similar show in a different park? I strongly believe that Disney needs to keep the classics going, and I don't think that Fantasmic is dated whatsoever. It's classic.

That is a nice way of putting it, but there are tons of things at WDW that are classic. Its time for WDW to re-vamp some things to appeal to up and coming fanatics. Our "classics" aren't going to be my kids classics, its time for WDW to get with the program.

 

[Retro Magic]

While I do still like the show, I find it extremely dated and in definite need of a change. I think some new villains should be added and the whole villain "fight" is waaaay too rushed.

Fantasmic has so much more potential than it currently showcases and could be a lot better. HS probably has the worst version of it.

 

[dledger]

Throw my hat into the "bring WoC to WDW" ring...I saw WoC this past fourth of july and it was amazing. I was blown away. I agree with the PP that said HS would be a better fit for it because of the stadium style seating. I like Fantasmic! but sometimes change is a good thing

 

[jon18uk]

I loved World of Colour, but I don't think it would feel right in the Ampitheatre, you need the "mountain" at the back to give more focus. But I would love to see some of the tech added into Fantasmic and some new footage to the video sequences (although I like the fact it is only Disney films & characters, no Pixar). Pocahontas could be replaced but the cannon must be kept!

 

[Moonwolf]

Saw it for the first time last year. The only part I would change would be the Pocahontas part. It is rather glaring in the fact that it was a sizable time spent on just Pocahontas. I think if they included other character in the act or broke it up to multiple smaller acts that focus on different movies it wouldn't seem so out of place. I think on of the magic of Disney and Fantasmic! is being able to see all the characters from the different movies in one place.

I don't mind the water projections as long as they update them with clips from the newer movies (I can't remember if they do that).

 

[DisneyFive]

Its time for WDW to re-vamp some things to appeal to up and coming fanatics. Our "classics" aren't going to be my kids classics, its time for WDW to get with the program.

I like how you put that. Our classics aren't going to be my kids classics.

Dan

 

[wareagle57]

I haven't seen the Orlando Fantasmic! since I was a small child so I remembered absolutely nothing about it until I went to Disneyland in January.

I had no idea wht you were talking about he Pocahontas scene, so I decided to watch it on youtube. It's truly awful, and soooo long. And the fact that it replaces the Peter Pan sequence make it even worse. Peter Pan was probably one of the most impressive parts of the show to me.

It's great that HS has their own theater and all, but there was just something so magical about just walking up to Tom Sawyer Island and watching it from there. We only had to wait about 15 minutes, and were on the front row over on the far left side in front of the Haunted Mansion. I was truly blown away and couldn't wait to get back to HS to see their version. Now i"m not sure if it's even worth it.

 

[michelleiada]

We still love Fantasmic.

It is definately skewed more towards the classics, and I do agree about updating the scenes on the water fans.

Pocahontas was never one of our favorite Disney films, and it would be nice to see a new skit in place of that section. Was Pocahontas a recent film when Fantasmic was created? I was surprised to see it highlighed in the show so much.

My biggest gripe with the latest Fantasmic was that they got ride of all the characters on the ferry boat at the end! That was such an amazing surprise for us the first time we saw it. (that, and the water catching on fire). I can't believe they took that out! Now, the characters simply come out and dance on the main stage area at the end. LAME!!! ....at least that is how it was in Sept last year versus the other three previous years. Was this temporary or, is this permanent change?

Dan

Seen Fantasmic at least 10 times and most recently in December and prior to that June. Never saw the version you are describing....that would be terribly disappointing! Must have been something wrong with the boat that night!

 

[michelleiada]

Fantasmic is one of my must see attractions. I have loved Sorcerer Mickey from long before my first visit to WDW. I swear when I saw it eleven years ago Steamboat Willie Mickey went from B&W to color as the boat traveled around. But on my latest viewing that did not happen so now I'm wondering if I didn't hallucinate that bit because I'm not sure how they would pull it off. But I'm not an imagineer. Maybe they could try that!

Steamboat Willie Mickey is black and white and then turns to color as the boat rounds the corner and all the characters come out.