Fantasmic Strategy w/no "package"...

[judeis]

Advice? Never attempted before with no dining package. First or second show? How long before show do you really need to get in line (if not crazy-particular about where we sit)? Any and all tips welcome! Thanks!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

if 2 shows go to the second show

 

[Itinkso]

Second show will be less crowded. Without the Dining Package and no Fp+ for the 1st show, you would need to enter the amphitheater at least an hour before showtime to be assured of seats within the Standby area. For the 2nd show, you can arrive a few minutes before showtime.

 

[judeis]

Second show it is thanks you guys!

 

[FPminusCommando]

...

 

[FPminusCommando]

I've been many times and the short answer is arrive 60 minutes before the show. For the long answer, I'll tell you about two plans I used, one unsuccessful and the other successful.

First Plan (2012 trip, Spring Break):
Enjoyed Epcot all day. Late in the day we walked through International Gateway and boarded the boat for a nice ride to the Studios. Once in the Studios we ate. It was getting cold and my backpack was so stuffed with warm clothes for the kids I was left undefended. Thinking we still had plenty of time I bought a sweatshirt at the gift shop. My master plan was going great until we arrived at the Fantasmic entrance 45 minutes before the show and were told it was full. Would have been fine if we had gotten there 15min earlier. Opps.

Second Plan (2013 trip, Spring Break):
Enjoyed the Studios all day. About three hours before Fantasmic, my dad, sister, myself and my oldest kids (10 and 13) rode TOT. Armed with numerous FastPasses, I let the kids ride a few more times while the rest of us camped out at the shaded tables just outside of TOT. We sat there enjoying ourselves and a tasty beverage or three for the next two hours, all the while keeping half an eye on the Fantasmic gate. As soon as it starting looking like a crowd was forming, I texted the whole crew and we merrily strolled up the ramp and saw the show. Great time!

 

[FPminusCommando]

BTW, don't be afraid of arriving 60-75 minutes before the show. I hate lines but this is not like standing in line. It's more of a party atmosphere. Buy the kids some light-up Mickey ears, get some popcorn and a beer, and hang out.

Once waiting for the show we had what you could call a magical experience. (I had to do some some Goole searching to confirm my dates/times here). It was March 15, 2009 and we were waiting for the 8:30pm show to start. I was standing at the cotton candy line, inside the amphitheater, at 7:43pm with my daughter. Suddenly the crowd behind us started to roar, clap, and cheer. We turned around to see the Space Shuttle Discovery taking off in the distance, leaving a trail behind it against the orange and red twilight sky. I'll never forget it.

 

[judeis]

Wow! That sounds fabulous! I will definitely take your advice re: chilling in line- sounds fun! Thanks so much for the info!

 

[Itinkso]

Wow! That sounds fabulous! I will definitely take your advice re: chilling in line- sounds fun! Thanks so much for the info!

You won't need to stand in line for the 2nd show. The CMs clean the amphitheater between shows and guests begin entering around 30 minutes before showtime.

 

[athumann]

You won't need to stand in line for the 2nd show. The CMs clean the amphitheater between shows and guests begin entering around 30 minutes before showtime.

Even in the summer??

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

We always go in June. Generally, the park closes at 10 and the Fantasmic showtimes are 9 and 10:30. We stay on the rides until closing time and then stroll over to the ampitheater about 10:20 or so. We've seen the show several times using this strategy and have yet to see a full house. I much prefer waiting 10 minutes over 2 hours plus we like staying in the parks late anyway.

 

[Itinkso]

Even in the summer??

I agree with Babe. During Pres' Week, the 1st Fant was filled to capacity after they let the waiting Standby guests fill in the open Fp+ areas and the 2nd show was only half-full.

The only time I saw a line of people waiting for the 2nd show was on New Year's Day in 2013. Standing room only for the first two shows and half-full for the third show.

 

[athumann]

Well in that case I might cancel my dining package in July. I wasn't thrilled abut eating at Hollywood and Vine anyway!!

 

[Tagstime]

We do the same as others said, Second show. 1st show many times is standing room only if you don't get in line 45-60 before first show. Too crowded for us while we can take advantage of lower lines in the parks. Just show for second show 30 min before show and not only will you get in you will get a decent seat and when leaving its also a lot easier to get out of the park as the mass of the crowd has already gone.

 

[Swim Spence]

I would definitely go to the second show, really was only half full when we went at the beginning of the month.

 

[yulilin3]

Even in the summer??

CM only have an hour between show
Lets say first show starts at 9pm, ends at 9:30pm, people finish leaving about 15 to 20 minutes after that. So that makes it 9:45pm CM now have to clean the theater... they open the theater to the second show around 10pm and the second show starts at 10:30pm You only wait 30 minutes for the show...no need to wait in line.
I've been during the most crowded times, 4th of July, Christmas, and the second show almost never fills up