Fantasmic - Must do or can do without?

[Kevs mom]

I'm excited for you - we went to MGM our first day as well. I wish I was going back next week I am stuck here in the cold just reminiscing on how I was wearing shorts just a few weeks ago in Florida! Have a great trip (I know you will, how could you not?)

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Yes, Fantasmic! is a must do.

The package I'm not so crazy about. The latest possible seating is 4:30 at Brown Derby (and that goes quick). My DD's ate nothing so it was a complete waste of food dollars. I think this trip we will get there early, sit down and eat counter food.

Here is my question. For those you get there early to eat, what are the food options?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'll join the minority here. We've seen it twice (a second time only because we took our 2 grown DSs, who'd never seen it). To me, Illuminations is the "must-do" show. Saw it every night this last trip, and never tired of it! Fantasmic? Been there, done that.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Well, we are just two adults and Fantasmic is the one and only thing I'll actually cry if I miss.

However, if you have young kids, be aware some parts of this show might scare them, and plan accordingly...if that's the case, wait till they are older.

Have fun!!

 

[jellydisney]

Those of you who've done Fantastmic a couple of times: did you feel is was really necessary to wait in line so long to get seats?

The one time I went, we waiting in that long line down Sunset Blvd. and there were TONS of open seats. It felt like it was a waste of time to wait when we probably could have just walked right in at 7:30.

 

[poohtown]

I think it's a must see.

I guess people don't want to give away the show because no one else has said anything about it, but it is NOT a fireworks show. It is a show that has a storyline, live characters, fireworks, lasers, and movie clips shown in an unbelievable way. Out of all the shows this was by far our families favorites.

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Thank you so much for the large number of responses. As I have said before, getting into my 90 day window for our trip, and it's so nice to get a response from people when I am trying to come up with a game plan.

For those who asked, it's just me and one (big) child...my 29 yo DH!! Just the two of us, no kids. It's his first trip to WDW and my first in 10 years, so I'm just trying to make it magical for both of us.

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If there is any possibility of two Fantasmics on one night, go to the later one. You don't have to wait nearly as long and still get a great seat. Depending on when you are going, you might have two Fantasmics on one of the nights.

I don't think the dinner package is really worth it.

 

[frannn]

They changed the site around, so if you choose destinations, WDW, MGM, Entertainment/Shows, you will be able to view a short clip of it. I would never miss this show, and sometimes see it twice during a trip. To me, it is the best WDW theme park night time show (with no separate fee). We have done it with and without the dinner pkg, always choosing Hollywood & Vine. I would only do the dinner thing if I was going during a busy time. We've gone 1 hour early and gotten decent seats. The hour goes by quickly, although the seats are like metal school bleachers, so if you bring something soft, like a sweatjacket, you may want to sit on it. It is a good idea to grab some counter service food and bring it into the theatre to have a "picnic" dinner before the show. Or, skip lunch and have an early dinner with their Fantasmic dinner pkg. You could always have a snack later at your resort. One thing to be weary of- once the show is over, the whole theater literally pours out towards the exits of the park. It is very crowded as everyone is leaving at the same time. I would either leave a few moments before the end (after you see Mickey appear on the top of the mountian) or stick around a few moments until the theatre clears out a bit.
SPOILER*****
The show is an amazing combination of lazers, lights, fireworks, characters, and music, with actual scenes from Disney Animated features being projected onto sprays of water while scores of music is playing. It includes villians, Mickey, the Princes and Princesses, as well as a lit up boat scene with many of the characters on two levels waving at you as they round the lake. It is pretty loud and dark at times, so young children may be afraid.

 

[jann1033]

when are you going? the 2 of us went in mid Jan and walked right in, no wait about 20 mins preshow ( basically had time to get seats, do a potty break and it started)...

do you have little kids...imo many toddlers/preschoolers could be to afraid to enjoy it, very loud, huge dragon & witches, in a pretty small environment compared to say illuminations. a number of kids taken out afraid when we were there so I personally would wait till they were older or skip the extra expense of the pack. unless you are positive yours would like it. ( how do they handle movies at the theatre or drive in? the water screens are about that size, the dragon is "real", not on screen

we thought it was very good for older kids, adults and probably will go next time although I like wishes and illum. better.

love BD and if I did the pack. would go there even though it costs more but did not feel the pack was necessary when we went.

 

[pouncingpluto]

When I college-age, I went at least a couple times with my parents during the less busy times of year (especially early December), and we always walked right in 30 minutes or less before the show and had perfectly good seats. So, I didn't understand how much worse it was other times of the year. My boyfriend and I went in late April last year, and we tried 30-45 minutes before the show, and it was standing room only, and with so many parents putting kids on their shoulders, you couldn't see anything, so we left before the show started. It was really disappointing... mostly I was disappointed for the bf, because I wanted him to see it for the first time.

Anyway, we're going Easter weekend this year (yes, I know... crowds), and there will be two showings every night. How long in advance should you get in line for the second show? Do they do the dinner package for the second show?

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Originally posted by jann1033
when are you going? do you have little kids...

We are going May 16-23, and no kids...just DH and me for an adult vacation!

 

[lagirl]

After reading this thread again I'm wondering, should I even go? My children are 6 and 3. Will they be scared? I don't want to waste time standing in line and sitting for a bit to discover that this will scare the pants off my children. LOL I know you'll probably say "only I know my children" but was wondering what experience you've had with children the same age as mine.

 

[jeankeri]

My Ds 6 & 8 loved the show. We went first week in December so not crowded- 45 minutes before show time they were just filling up the center section. If you are going on a non-EMH day probably less crowded in the park so less of a crowd at the show.
The food inside is chicken wrap sandwiches. We stopped and bought food at Rosies on the way (chicken strips, hamburgers, etc) and brought that in to eat.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Last year when we went this was my son's favorite night show! He can't wait to go again this year. He had just turned 4 last year. My DD who was 20 months at the time also enjoyed it. I am a little nervous that she is old enough this year to be scared of it. There are some scary parts, but it is WONDERFUL!

We were there the first week of May and walked in 30 minutes early. There were tons of seats left. I don't think it filled up all the way. We will be there May 15-22 this year, and I don't plan on doing the package.

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Originally posted by K and K's Mommy
We will be there May 15-22 this year, and I don't plan on doing the package.

Where are you staying? We are arriving and leaving one day after you. DH and I will be at CBR!!

Hope your family has fun on your trip!!

 

[HaleyB]

I have been there done that. Not sure why, I think it is the wait time. I saw it many years ago when it was a new show in WDL. It was fantastic, but I didn't have to wait to see it.

I don't think it is a MUST SEE, maybe a must see... If Fantasia (SP?) is your favorite movie ever, then it is a MUST SEE, if you think it is the worst movie Disney made before this past decade, you may not be so impressed with the show.

So I am on the fence. I do not dislike it, but I am not sure it is worth 2 hours waiting, or spending money at a sit down (unless you do anyway).

Of course it might be that I am pretty hard to please, I think the Wishes fireworks show stinks... which I know puts me in the minority. Part of it could be that I hate change (I might be getting old).

 

[Wishing upon a Star!]

When we went in May of 2001 we saw this for the first time. I had no idea what to expect. It is now one of my favorites and a must see for us. DS 4 loved it.

 

[WhispyPixie]

If you have NEVER seen it...it is a MUST DO!!!!

 

[Mickey76]

It is definitely a must do. I saw it for the first time in 2002 and I hope to see it every time that I go from now on. It is the best show I've ever seen at WDW. There were several moments that gave me chills. I had wondered what all the hype was about and after I saw it for myself, I understood why.

Mickey76