Fantasmic or EP?

[keeperofzoo]

I am doing a schedule for our trip in 18 days

I noticed Fantasmic and the EP are only happening the Friday we are there. I don't think my little ones would last until the 10:30pm show of Fantasmic so I can only choose one....which should we choose?

I figure everyone will say Fantasmic but I still thought I would ask.

 

[rentayenta]

EP hands down!!! It's the best parade that Disney has ever had.

 

[nunzia]

F A N T A S M I C !

 

[bumbershoot]

EP.

But I haven't yet seen Fantasmic.

adding thoughts.

But I've heard that F can be a bit intense for little ones. Whereas EP is one of my earliest memories from the few family Disneyland trips we took. The music, like Small World, can bring me back to being little, and makes me reflexively smile. When I finally saw it again in January I was just beside myself with joy, and even though the plan was to walk briskly out of the park after it had gone my viewing area (near Jumpin Jellyfish) so I could get an OK spot for the DL fireworks, I ended up sauntering behind the last float, just enjoying the music! So by seeing the EP with your kids now, you could be setting up moments like that for them when they are, um, much older.

 

[HydroGuy]

My first reaction was to say Fantasmic as I think it is a much better show. However, it is much more intense than DEP and I hedge based on how old your children are and their maturity level. I would say most five year olds would prefer Fantasmic. I would say most three and under would prefer the DEP. But that is a gross generalization as it depends on your kids and also my personal opinion and experience with my own kids. The basic trend is the older the child the more Fantasmic is preferred.

 

[nutshell]

Fantasmic!

 

[Dopey's MIL]

My preference if I could only do one with kids would be EP. You aren't crammed in like sardines as you are at Fantasmic. It's much more relaxing as it goes by you and you can find a nice place to sit and just let it go by...

The last time I seen Fantasmic, we had to stand up for the entire show and some guy had his little kid up on his shoulders blocking the view. I haven't seen it in years...so maybe you can sit down now...I really don't know.

For my money...EP!

 

[bonita_babe232]

I would go to the parade then to fantasmic, you never know the little one's just might stay awake. My son had a sleep while we were waiting for fantasmic and woke up right away once it started..... They didn't have the light parade on in october when we were there and my grandma was sooo disapointed .... it was one of the things she wanted to the most! I agree with everyone and the memorys look at my grandma she is 67 and rememebers it..... but like i said maybe you could get lucky and do both!

 

[pixiewings71]

Well I would go for EP just because of your kids ages. Then if they are still awake and raring to go head over to DL and see if they can make it for F! because F! is hands down the BEST show I've seen at DL!! Good luck!

 

[jemilah]

another vote for EP , to fight for a spot at fantasmic can be ridiculous and EP is so magical!

 

[tink too]

keeperofzoo - We will be in the same situation in May. Our DD is 6 y.o.

I intend to go to EP first as I, like bumbershoot, have fond childhood memories of this parade (when it ran at WDW). I hope we can also catch the 10.30pm showing of Fantasmic! Only time will tell on that one though.

You never know how long your kids will be able to stay awake. Just remember you'll be in Disney - that can make a whole lotta difference to your little ones sleep requirements! Back in 2006, DD (newly 5 y.o.)
lasted until midnight on both nights that we went to MNSSHP!

 

[DangerMouse]

My advice: Make sure the kids have a long afternoon nap and keep 'em up for both. There's no way I could choose between the two. I love them both! Especially enjoy the 10:30 viewing of F! Much less crowded and the kids are always so excited to see it, they aren't tired a bit. Well, until that long walk back to the HoJo, that is. . .

 

[Master Mason]

If I could only choose one it would be Fantasmic, it is my favorite show at DL hands down.

EP holds a special place in my heart as just hearing the music takes me right back to being 10 years old, but it is a 30 year old parade, not a modern show with lazers fireworks, pyrotechics etc...

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

In that situation I'd say the EP. We always go to the later show of Fantasmic so we can get right up front. People wait for HOURS and HOURS for the first showing, and I'm just not willing to give up that much of my day waiting for Fantasmic.

We love the EP, we can almost always get front row without hours of waiting. I love the music and all the lights. It's always a big hit with kids.

 

[Janomi]

Couldn't choose an easier question like: HM or POTC huh?

Alas, if I had to only choose one, I'd go for EP! The floats, the sounds, and of course the lighter crowds make it a very tempting alternative to F!

Besides, trying to perfect those night picture shots are driving me nuts Have to keep on trying you know!

Good luck with your decision *psst, do both!*

 

[mystic_path]

Thats a hard toss up, but again another vote for the EP just because it is seasonal and they dont play it as much as Fantasmic. I would take in what you can especially if its something that doesnt happen as often.