Fantasmic - lots of ???

[laurabelle]

I'm convincing my nervous, just turning 7yr to give Fantasmic a chance. She hates villans, loud noises, but I'm trying to get her to face her fears and see that she's ok, it's Disney after all, Mickey and the good guys win.

Anyway, I personally haven't been since the year it started, though hubby and dd#1 went in the fall. I remember them having some *entertainment* closer to showtime, do they still do that? I really don't want to do the dinner package, I want to get a PS at 50's, do you think 6:30 is good, or earlier? How early do you arrive and what the heck do you do while you wait???

 

[Chuck S]

You could always have your big meal of the day for lunch at prime-time, then have a lighter counter service dinner. You wouldn't feel like to you have to rush to make Fantasmic. For young ones that may be frightened, try sitting neat the back of the amphitheater - better overall view and not as frightening. Still get there early, keep an eye on the line as it forms at the entrance - we've often seen people waiting a couple of hours prior to show time, and if the park is busy, the amphitheater can fill up. I've never done a dinner pkg for Fantasmic, just arrived early enough to ensure a pretty good seat.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Chuck S
Still get there early, keep an eye on the line as it forms at the entrance -
I've never done a dinner pkg for Fantasmic, just arrived early enough to ensure a pretty good seat.

How early is "early enough to ensure a pretty good seat"?

 

[princesstommi]

How early is "early enough to ensure a pretty good seat"?

It depends on the crowds. Usually 60-90 minutes ahead is fine.

Keep an eye on the tip board, and ask the CMs around the amphitheater and Theater of the Stars, they will be able to give you good advice.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

We were there last week and got there 20 minutes early. That was plenty of time. It never did completely fill up. However, I am guessing that once schools are out, the parks will be more crowded. I was nervous about taking my DS 4, but he loved it. We sat near the back so the water screen villians were not right on us.

 

[Chuck S]

Absolutely "Early Enough" does depend on the crowds. 60-90 minutes during busy summer months, less during slower periods. I've seen the theater fill up to Standing Room Only an hour prior to show time in early June, and not have a full show in early December.

 

[WIcruizer]

We got there about 20 minutes before as well. Didn't get the best seats in the house, but we were able to see everything perfectly, as is the case in all Disney venues.

My opinion, and it's only that, is we would rather spend that hour each day having fun in the park instead of waiting for the best seat in the house for every show. Same goes for Lion King, Indiana Jones, and all the other shows. I figured we save about 6-8 hours a week while we're in Disney by going to an event shortly before it starts. Heck, that's almost a whole day of entertainment waiting in line.

 

[laurabelle]

Hey, I didn't even think about a PS for lunch there, as we're spending the morning doing EE @ MK. I made it for the latest lunch 3:55, since I can't make a dinner PS there yet. Then I should have time to catch the parade too. There's always snacks for later.mmmm

WIcruizer, I agree completely, makes perfect sense. I really hesitate to spend alot of time waiting before Fantasmic begins, not only because I don't want to lose park time, but I'm afraid it will increase her anxiety, and mine too! I'm used to being there during value season and not having to wait for anything. It's our first summer trip to the World.

Thanks everyone!

 

[WIcruizer]

Same with us, we usually go in March which is a perfect time. This year we're going May 18th-28th or so. First time ever going in May, so we don't quite know what to expect. But I'm used to the longest line being 45 minutes (Test Track and Rockn Roller Coaster) even Space Mountain is under 30 minutes...so we shall see.

One more comment on your daughter...if she has a little anxiety with the loud sounds and action it would probably be BETTER toc ome a little later and not have a great seat. The great seats tend to be next to speakers...fire...explosions....etc. I can see how that could be a little overwhelming for younger children.

 

[cruisnfamily]

I am soo happy to see these comments about 20 minutes beforehand. On another thread I started folks are saying don't even bother to show up if you're not at least 30-45 minutes early. What do you guys think for the 1st week in June? would 20 minutes be ok? I don't care about the best seats in the house or anything, just seats.