Fantasmic Question

[Biscuitsmom31]

My family is going to WDW for the first time from Aug 20-27. I have heard that Fantasmic is a must see and it is best to go to the later show if they are having two. Well, I've checked and the only day they are having two shows is Sunday Aug 21st. The later show is during EMH. I've heard to avoid the EMH at all costs. Here lies my dilemna. Is it better to go to the late show during EMH or to the only show on a regular-hours day?

I should also add that my husband is in a wheelchair and we have 4 kids. I know there is limited wheelchair seating and we will be separated, but I would like to be as close as possible so we can find each other afterward.

 

[civileng68]

My family is going to WDW for the first time from Aug 20-27. I have heard that Fantasmic is a must see and it is best to go to the later show if they are having two. Well, I've checked and the only day they are having two shows is Sunday Aug 21st. The later show is during EMH. I've heard to avoid the EMH at all costs. Here lies my dilemna. Is it better to go to the late show during EMH or to the only show on a regular-hours day?

I should also add that my husband is in a wheelchair and we have 4 kids. I know there is limited wheelchair seating and we will be separated, but I would like to be as close as possible so we can find each other afterward.

I still would go to the later show. Most of the EMH people likely will be going on rides that they can't go on during the day due to lines. I would still go to it to be honest with you. It will also allow you more time to enjoy the park during the regular open hours.

By the way: You are right, it is NOT to be missed.

 

[mommykds]

Well, I've checked and the only day they are having two shows is Sunday Aug 21st. QUOTE]

Where did you check? I am looking too. Thanks!

 

[kilee]

When we took my MIL last year she was in a wheelchair. We went early and we were not separated. I most likely wouldn't bother w/ the EMH show, as it may make the waits even longer if it's more crowded. Have you thought about booking the dinner package? You would want them to note you'll have a wheelchair in your party.

If not then I'd just pick a show and go about 90 minutes prior to get seats together.

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

mommykds-I don't remember where I found it. I think I just did a google search and lucked out.

 

[QuickGold]

Always go to the later show

 

[SueM in MN]

The wheelchair seating is in the back row of the theater (they have a few wheelchair seats in the very front, but besides probably getting wet, you have to get there early and have to go down (and back up) a fairly steep ramp to get there).
The wheelchair seating is arranged so that the people in wheelchairs and/or ecvs sit in the back. There are scattered seats next to the wheelchair spots, but the 2 rows in front of the wheelchair spots are reserved for the people traveling with someone in a wheelchair. So, you will might not be sitting right next to your husband, but your party will be sitting right in front of him, so you don't have to worry about being separated.

They start seating for the early show about 90 minutes before the show starts. The first people in line are actually standing in line for a while; the later arrivals are more in a slow moving line. Because they have to direct you to specific spots for wheelchair seating, they do separate out the wheelchair/ecv parties soon after you enter the line and you are directly to seats soon after entering the area. How early you have to get there depends entirely on how many other wheelchair parties they have for that show. Sometimes, there are few and you can get good seats even if you get there 10 minutes before the show starts. Sometimes not.
A 90 minute wait sounds like a long time, but you wiil be seated for most of the time and there is a restroom and a snack bar in the area. There is Disney music playing the whole time and people are doing things like "the Wave", so the time goes pretty quickly (and I'm speaking as a mom of a child with mutliple disabilities, including ADD, who does quite well with waiting for this show).
If there are 2 shows, the second show can't start seating until the people from the first show leave. So, even if it's not as busy, you will probably wait longer in line fro the second show.

 

[bubba's mom]

We were at the 2nd show on Sunday...on advice of the DIS that the 2nd one isn't as crowded....it was...packed, full house. AND, we stood in line waiting and waiting and I still don't know for what?? Could someone clear this up for me?? It was the 10:30 pm Fantasmic show during EvEMH's. I thought you needed a wristband to participate in EMH's (which, we had)..but, we saw a LOT of people without wristbands at the show...is that right?? Are they able to see the 2nd show (10:30) w/o the wristband? (park closed at 10pm). Thanks!

 

[tinkertiff]

Another option for you to consider -- If your budget allows it, you could also book the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Don't know if you are aware of it, so I'll try to explain. In booking the package, you have a selection of three very nice MGM restaurants and dinner includes a voucher for each guest for the reserved section of the Fantasmic amphitheater for dinner package guests. This will allow you to enter the amphitheater only 30 - 40 min. prior the show. Usually, guests have to arrive 60-90 min. prior to show time for decent seats. The price of the package is comparable to a character dinner. It depends on the restaurant chosen, i.e. Hollywood & Vine (buffet) is the lowest at $23/adult & $11/child -- but it IS a buffet with high quality offerings and includes the beverage and dessert. Great deal, in my opinion. The highest is $37/adult & $11 or so/child -- The Brown Derby. The Italian restaurant - Mama Melrose is in the middle. You would order off the menu for these restaurants -- I believe it includes an appetizer, entree and dessert. You can book this 90 days prior to arrival. It requires a credit card guarantee but Disney does not charge your card unless you are a no show. It also requires a 48 hour cancel policy w/ a $10/pp penalty. I booked this for our upcoming July trip because we are 3 adults traveling with 4 kids - ages 9, 8, 7 & 5. They could NEVER wait 60 min. for this show and we really want to see it. I know they will LOVE IT and hey, you have to eat dinner somewhere, right?? I researched this quite a bit on the DIS boards and heard very good things about it. For more info and to book, call 407-W-DISNEY and select "Dining". Good luck!!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I'd also suggest the dinner package. We did it with Brown Derby, which was wonderful! Personally, though, I don't think we'd do Fantasmic again. I was highly unimpressed. I think the effects are overrated, and the story line disjointed and uninteresting. And I LOVE Mickey in the Sorcerer's Apprentice! My DH loved it, though, and we may have to do it again just to keep him happy.