Fantasmic! Superthread - Or Everything You Need To Know About Fantasmic at Disneyland

[Virgoinab]

We just did this two weeks ago and last christams during high holiday time. You can line up by about 6:30, they prefer 7:00. But they will not allow you to pick your seats for both show times until 8:00. You can't pick your seats anytime before hand.

At 8:00 they split the line into those picking seats for the first show, and those picking the seats for the second show. You go into whichever line you need, they do keep you in order so it's not like someone gets ahead of you, and then you pick your seat.

 

[CheshireGato]

Yes, the best chance is to book first available day you can (30 days out @8AM PST)

I called last week before 8, I want to say it was a little after 7. Maybe they have changed their booking times?

 

[sky13]

When I called them and asked when I could call back (because of time difference/etc) the person I talked to said they were available from 7am.

 

[papamouse1]

I called last week before 8, I want to say it was a little after 7. Maybe they have changed their booking times?

You know what, now that i think about it, I actually called before 8 as well to book my party... it used to be 8, but it may be 7 now

 

[ImNoPrince]

I had to report on our experience from yesterday (Saturday). My first F! show. It was an extremely busy day in the park with UEA and all. We went to ride POTC at 5:58 and then throw our blanket down extra early for the 9pm show for THE most prime spot as shown on Hydroguy's map marked with the number 3. I wanted the best and was prepared to wait 2 hours. Instead, I found the entire center section full at 5:58. The areas along the rail around the rest of the number 3 area were already filled three blankets deep. We ended up snagging a spot about half way from the number 3 and the end of the sitting area on the right side of the map. We were the last blanket in the sitting area when the CMs put the rope up behind us. I was surprised to see that I would have had to pick our spot at least 4 hours in advance to get THE spot.

We could see every effect clearly and loved the show so much! I think I liked it better than WOC the previous night as I liked the live character action. Especially the pirate ship! Seven-year old DS and 3 year-old DD were very excited during the show, although the fire section was a little hot and bright for DD.

Unfortunately, we weren't in prime viewing for fireworks, but could still see quite a bit and could, of course, hear Julie Andrews' lovely narration and music. I knew we wouldn't been able to see the effects at the castle, but I had to make a choice as the 10:30 F! show was too late for the kids. In a few years when we're able to go again, maybe we'll be able to do each show on different nights.

Thanks to Hydroguy's for such a great thread!

 

[tchrrx]

Yes, the best chance is to book first available day you can (30 days out @8AM PST)

As far as the rest of your assessment, unless something has changed recently, this would not be accurate.

In the past, they really didn't let you even start lining up in check in until 6PM. Then at 8PM, they will open up reservations so you can check in and secure the seat you want. Then if you are booked for 1st showing, it's been reported they may even let you go at that time to your seat. Other wise, you come back at least 15 minutes prior to your showing time to get to your seat.

Thanks! Somehow (wishful thinking I guess...) I thought I could check in quickly and then go do other things. I didn't realize that I would need to wait in line 1-2 hours to check in.

 

[HydroGuy]

I had to report on our experience from yesterday (Saturday). My first F! show. It was an extremely busy day in the park with UEA and all. We went to ride POTC at 5:58 and then throw our blanket down extra early for the 9pm show for THE most prime spot as shown on Hydroguy's map marked with the number 3. I wanted the best and was prepared to wait 2 hours. Instead, I found the entire center section full at 5:58.

I am glad my thread helped but 5:58PM is not "extra early", especially if you took another 30 minutes more to ride POTC before putting down your blanket. As discussed in the OP extra early would be four hours before the show or 5PM - to get your blanket down.

 

[greenkai3000]

Haven't looked at this thread in a while, so sorry if it's been discussed already but... Is Fantasmic going dark in December? I don't see it being mentioned in the DL Website's calendar

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Haven't looked at this thread in a while, so sorry if it's been discussed already but... Is Fantasmic going dark in December? I don't see it being mentioned in the DL Website's calendar

The DL half of the entertainment isn't up yet for December... probably because they are still hashing out CP for practically every night of the month... a few have talked to cm's (me included) and the concensus is we'll know more around Nov 1st.

 

[salemk]

Just thinking worst case scenario here. If they were to close the park due to the fact they reached max capacity. Would having Fantasmic dessert seating tickets guarantee that you could still get in. I have tickets for Sunday 11/25 which is the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. I won't be able to get to the park that day until after 4pm. I'm assuming it won't be an issue but want all my bases covered.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just thinking worst case scenario here. If they were to close the park due to the fact they reached max capacity. Would having Fantasmic dessert seating tickets guarantee that you could still get in. I have tickets for Sunday 11/25 which is the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. I won't be able to get to the park that day until after 4pm. I'm assuming it won't be an issue but want all my bases covered.

I do not know but I would doubt it.

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

Thanks for all the info. I have read the entire post, but still have a question -- planning on doing the dessert reservation, and understand about getting in line at 6 to pick a seat assignment at 8 for the 9 pm show to get front row (have a 7 year old, so need unobstructed view). When we go to pick our seat, is there anywhere in particular within the reserved section that I should go for? Like for example, is the edge of the reserved section that is on the side closer to the #5 section better (since it looks like it is more "center" overall), or does it not matter within the reserved section other than getting front row of the section? (Are there obstructions I need to steer away from when picking our seats?) We've seen F! at WDW, but this is our first trip to DLR, so not familiar with the viewing area. We are going during Christmas, and want to reserve tomorrow for Sat 12/22, so I know it will be crowded! and want to make sure we get a great seat!! Thanks!!

 

[lucysmom]

I purchased dessert seats because I cannot stand for a long period of time due to a health condition. I cannot stand from 6 to 8 just to pick out my seats for a nine o'clock show. If I bring my handicapped pass from my home state, is there a handicapped section where I can sit with my son and daughter? I am avoiding the World of Color completely because I cannot stand for such a long period of time. I sure hope I did not waste my money on these dessert seats.

 

[papamouse1]

Thanks for all the info. I have read the entire post, but still have a question -- planning on doing the dessert reservation, and understand about getting in line at 6 to pick a seat assignment at 8 for the 9 pm show to get front row (have a 7 year old, so need unobstructed view). When we go to pick our seat, is there anywhere in particular within the reserved section that I should go for? Like for example, is the edge of the reserved section that is on the side closer to the #5 section better (since it looks like it is more "center" overall), or does it not matter within the reserved section other than getting front row of the section? (Are there obstructions I need to steer away from when picking our seats?) We've seen F! at WDW, but this is our first trip to DLR, so not familiar with the viewing area. We are going during Christmas, and want to reserve tomorrow for Sat 12/22, so I know it will be crowded! and want to make sure we get a great seat!! Thanks!!

We were in seats 26-29. Front row. Perfect! The day we were there was a 10... 2 days before Thanksgiving... It was a madhouse in the park. I got there at 7:20 and was the 5th person in line. IMO, 6 is way too early to line up. Have fun. It ruined us, I don't think we can go back to old way again now

 

[ParkHopper1]

Just to clarify...you do NOT have to stand in line for hours to check in unless you wanna be guaranteed front row...or your pick of seats. If you show up at 8:15 after the line moves through, you can still get your seats assigned, and they are all still great seats.

I have never lined up before 7p...and that was only on a busy days and wanted front row.

They are very accommodating about getting groups together and shuffling some seats in the back rows.

Best seating configuration I did with a group of 6...3 adults and 3 kids...was kids in front row and adults in three seats right behind them. Kids had a great view...we could see right over them...yet were close enough to thwap them on the head when they were acting up!

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

Luv the "thwap"!

I'd be ok with pretty much any row, and my 14 year old is taller than me, but my 7 year old is miserable if anyone is in front of her anywhere! So I do want to get front row. But maybe I won't be quite so commando about getting in line at 6!

I am also wondering out about our BBQ reservation. I know I read on here people didn't recommend BTRBBQ on the same day, but with our schedule, that's the only day we can get it in. We have reservations right now at 4:50 pm, and would be ok with not getting dessert at the BBQ, and then snacking on our dessert at Fantasmic (and taking the rest back to our room for snacks later). But is that early enough? Or should I move it back to earlier in the day? We also have Minnie & Friends reservation for 10 am. We have been to WDW at Christmas, and always tour early, and then enjoy other things (and use FP's) later in the day when the park gets more full. We were going to tour early that morning, have bkfst at Minnie's, and then use FP's and check out Tom Sawyer Island, the riverboat, and BTR Jamboree that afternoon (then BBQ and then Fantasmic). Should I move the BBQ reservation back earlier or leave it at 4:50?

We will be there in 30 days!!! Can't wait!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for all the info. I have read the entire post, but still have a question -- planning on doing the dessert reservation, and understand about getting in line at 6 to pick a seat assignment at 8 for the 9 pm show to get front row (have a 7 year old, so need unobstructed view). When we go to pick our seat, is there anywhere in particular within the reserved section that I should go for? Like for example, is the edge of the reserved section that is on the side closer to the #5 section better (since it looks like it is more "center" overall), or does it not matter within the reserved section other than getting front row of the section? (Are there obstructions I need to steer away from when picking our seats?) We've seen F! at WDW, but this is our first trip to DLR, so not familiar with the viewing area. We are going during Christmas, and want to reserve tomorrow for Sat 12/22, so I know it will be crowded! and want to make sure we get a great seat!! Thanks!!

It sounds like you figured out what you want to do. Basically the seats nearer the front and nearer the center are best. Last summer we had front row seats all the way to the left and I would not do that again. I would prefer to be closer the center. The seats on the left seemed a bit obstructed.

 

[HydroGuy]

Luv the "thwap"!

I'd be ok with pretty much any row, and my 14 year old is taller than me, but my 7 year old is miserable if anyone is in front of her anywhere! So I do want to get front row. But maybe I won't be quite so commando about getting in line at 6!

I am also wondering out about our BBQ reservation. I know I read on here people didn't recommend BTRBBQ on the same day, but with our schedule, that's the only day we can get it in. We have reservations right now at 4:50 pm, and would be ok with not getting dessert at the BBQ, and then snacking on our dessert at Fantasmic (and taking the rest back to our room for snacks later). But is that early enough? Or should I move it back to earlier in the day? We also have Minnie & Friends reservation for 10 am. We have been to WDW at Christmas, and always tour early, and then enjoy other things (and use FP's) later in the day when the park gets more full. We were going to tour early that morning, have bkfst at Minnie's, and then use FP's and check out Tom Sawyer Island, the riverboat, and BTR Jamboree that afternoon (then BBQ and then Fantasmic). Should I move the BBQ reservation back earlier or leave it at 4:50?

We will be there in 30 days!!! Can't wait!!

I would do the BBQ at 4:50. But if your experience is like ours you will not have much appetite for the dessert box at Fantasmic.

 

[dana278]

Luv the "thwap"!

I'd be ok with pretty much any row, and my 14 year old is taller than me, but my 7 year old is miserable if anyone is in front of her anywhere! So I do want to get front row. But maybe I won't be quite so commando about getting in line at 6!

I am also wondering out about our BBQ reservation. I know I read on here people didn't recommend BTRBBQ on the same day, but with our schedule, that's the only day we can get it in. We have reservations right now at 4:50 pm, and would be ok with not getting dessert at the BBQ, and then snacking on our dessert at Fantasmic (and taking the rest back to our room for snacks later). But is that early enough? Or should I move it back to earlier in the day? We also have Minnie & Friends reservation for 10 am. We have been to WDW at Christmas, and always tour early, and then enjoy other things (and use FP's) later in the day when the park gets more full. We were going to tour early that morning, have bkfst at Minnie's, and then use FP's and check out Tom Sawyer Island, the riverboat, and BTR Jamboree that afternoon (then BBQ and then Fantasmic). Should I move the BBQ reservation back earlier or leave it at 4:50?

We will be there in 30 days!!! Can't wait!!

Make sure you bring some grocery bags in your purse to carry the trays back with you! Plus when you leave the reserved area they are happy to give you as many little bottles of water as you want, so the bags help for that, too. I'm actually not sure if they are always willing to hand out a bunch of water, but when I was there it was over 100 degrees during the day (and not much cooler at night) and the CMs themselves were sweating up a storm, so they took pity on us. LOL

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Best seating configuration I did with a group of 6...3 adults and 3 kids...was kids in front row and adults in three seats right behind them. Kids had a great view...we could see right over them...yet were close enough to thwap them on the head when they were acting up!

Now, this might have just happened because this family really wanted front-row seats, but my row of five seats held the four paying members of my party (with my non-paying toddler held on my lap) AND one 7yo boy from a family with the rest of the members sitting across the aisle from him. Luckily, this nice boy was seated next to my own 7yo, and they lightly and pleasantly interacted with each other a bit. Just wanted to note that some parties can be slightly separated.
I personally was frustrated at times standing waiting in a line to get seat assignments and then return to wait in another line to actually be permitted to take those seats, when the the entire time said seats were visible and empty and there were staff members present. I don't know if they just want to avoid having to serve drinks and such for a longer period or be responsible for monitoring us in the seats that long, but it felt insane to not be able to check in or take your seat when there was literally a CM standing there waiting, just as we were, for the appointed time to start checking people in. I'm fully willing to listen to explanations you guys have.