Fantasmic Thread!

[ShoeCello]

Both showings of F! did not feature any stunt performers aboard the Columbia last night - Captain Hook remained on the main deck waving his hands, while Peter Pan did not walk the tightropes, nor were there any pirates jumping or swinging from the deck. It felt very lackluster with little kinetic energy (other than the performers shaking their fists at each other; no sword fight or walking the plank), particularly given that the actions (without any stunts) do not sync with the audio. Can anyone (@LKing ?) report if they have seen F! within the past two weeks (or if you see it this weekend) if this is the case as your showings too? Hoping this was a technical issue rather than a budget cut from Disney. On a related note, the secondary pyro appears to have been cut or not working again, meaning the dragon scene (sans dragon) and finale are missing some sparks.

 

[LKing]

Both showings of F! did not feature any stunt performers aboard the Columbia last night - Captain Hook remained on the main deck waving his hands, while Peter Pan did not walk the tightropes, nor were there any pirates jumping or swinging from the deck. It felt very lackluster with little kinetic energy (other than the performers shaking their fists at each other; no sword fight or walking the plank), particularly given that the actions (without any stunts) do not sync with the audio. Can anyone (@LKing ?) report if they have seen F! within the past two weeks (or if you see it this weekend) if this is the case as your showings too? Hoping this was a technical issue rather than a budget cut from Disney. On a related note, the secondary pyro appears to have been cut or not working again, meaning the dragon scene (sans dragon) and finale are missing some sparks.

I haven't been in the past couple of weeks. I wonder if they were back up characters who didn't have the acrobatic skills.

 

[dina444444]

Both showings of F! did not feature any stunt performers aboard the Columbia last night - Captain Hook remained on the main deck waving his hands, while Peter Pan did not walk the tightropes, nor were there any pirates jumping or swinging from the deck. It felt very lackluster with little kinetic energy (other than the performers shaking their fists at each other; no sword fight or walking the plank), particularly given that the actions (without any stunts) do not sync with the audio. Can anyone (@LKing ?) report if they have seen F! within the past two weeks (or if you see it this weekend) if this is the case as your showings too? Hoping this was a technical issue rather than a budget cut from Disney. On a related note, the secondary pyro appears to have been cut or not working again, meaning the dragon scene (sans dragon) and finale are missing some sparks.

More than likely technical or wind related. Last Saturday I saw the technician walking the tightrope around 6:30/7pm when they were getting everything prepped.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Did anyone watch Fantasmic this past Saturday? I am wonder if the show had similar issues as Friday?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I was encouraged to pop on and report my Fantasmic! experience from last night (10:30 on Sunday, 10/27). In short, the show ran without pyro of any type - no Mickey sparkler fingers, no fireworks at all, no cannon when the Columbia showed up (is that pyro? Either way, didn't happen). Additionally, Maleficent's platform didn't raise (she just stalked back and forth and then stood still for awhile when it would normally go up), and classic Mickey didn't show back up at the very end - Sorcerer Mickey just disappeared and it did the little "Some imagination, huh?" audio with no Mickey present.

Halloween Screams ran as normal, so it wasn't a wind issue, and I didn't notice anything else missing - the Peter Pan stunts were there, all the other characters appeared as expected (including the Hag, who I think comes from the same spot Classic Mickey usually would at the end? Maybe I'm wrong about that...) Not sure about the rest of the issues, but the Fantasmic! fireworks didn't run at the 9:00 show, either, because I would have seen them from my fireworks spot in the hub.

Incidentally, I made a super last-minute decision to head over and see the fireworks - I booked my Inspire Magic Key reservation at 8:24pm and entered the park right around 9. The park was not very crowded in spite of it being an OBB night - at 9:10, I got a fireworks spot all the way up past the Main Street buildings (dead center of the street with Jolly Holiday on my left), and Fantasmic viewing wasn't hard to get, either. I always tell people that the last few days of October are a good bet for (relatively) low crowds, and I'm glad to see this still seems to be the case.

 

[disneychrista]

Reports of all these issues with Fantasmic are making me second guess paying $100 x 2 for the premium seating at RBT. The food itself isn't a big draw for me, we were doing it solely for the seats during Fantasmic.

Keep reporting the stories of your experience with Fantasmic. Hopefully they fix these issues in the next 6 weeks or so.

 

[ShoeCello]

I was encouraged to pop on and report my Fantasmic! experience from last night (10:30 on Sunday, 10/27). In short, the show ran without pyro of any type - no Mickey sparkler fingers, no fireworks at all, no cannon when the Columbia showed up (is that pyro? Either way, didn't happen). Additionally, Maleficent's platform didn't raise (she just stalked back and forth and then stood still for awhile when it would normally go up), and classic Mickey didn't show back up at the very end - Sorcerer Mickey just disappeared and it did the little "Some imagination, huh?" audio with no Mickey present.

Halloween Screams ran as normal, so it wasn't a wind issue, and I didn't notice anything else missing - the Peter Pan stunts were there, all the other characters appeared as expected (including the Hag, who I think comes from the same spot Classic Mickey usually would at the end? Maybe I'm wrong about that...) Not sure about the rest of the issues, but the Fantasmic! fireworks didn't run at the 9:00 show, either, because I would have seen them from my fireworks spot in the hub.

Incidentally, I made a super last-minute decision to head over and see the fireworks - I booked my Inspire Magic Key reservation at 8:24pm and entered the park right around 9. The park was not very crowded in spite of it being an OBB night - at 9:10, I got a fireworks spot all the way up past the Main Street buildings (dead center of the street with Jolly Holiday on my left), and Fantasmic viewing wasn't hard to get, either. I always tell people that the last few days of October are a good bet for (relatively) low crowds, and I'm glad to see this still seems to be the case.

Yikes, that sounds like an even worse experience with more issues than this past Friday (10/25). Thanks for the report - glad to hear the Peter Pan stunts were there at least, which (hopefully) suggests that it was a technical or weather issue on Friday and not a budget cut. But this is disappointing overall that Disney doesn't appear to be maintaining show quality for F!. (I'll also mention that Halloween Screams ran as usual on Friday, so I don't think it was a wind issue for the lack of stunts for the Peter Pan segment then).

 

[DizMe]

Well, one nice thing about never having seen Fantasmic in full, I guess, is that I won't know what I'm missing! Plus I'll be seated and enjoying the RBT package

 

[crystal1313]

Well, one nice thing about never having seen Fantasmic in full, I guess, is that I won't know what I'm missing! Plus I'll be seated and enjoying the RBT package

Not even the old show!? While I enjoyed the show being back, especially with Peter Pan back, I was kinda bummed by some of the changes they made. (Music changes mainly)

 

[OlliePop27]

Not even the old show!? While I enjoyed the show being back, especially with Peter Pan back, I was kinda bummed by some of the changes they made. (Music changes mainly)

I saw the current version in July. I found the current iteration to be an overall improvement from the prior version, mostly based on the return of the Peter Pan scene. Losing the dragon is definitely disappointing, but the Maleficent scene is fine when it's working right. All of the various pyro and actor issues the past few weeks are troubling. I hope it's not a preamble to trying to get rid of the show through intentionally worsening customer feedback.

I know that's a pretty maniacal take, but I wouldn't put it past the current company leadership to intentionally lessen an offering to make people start to like it less, to only then cut it entirely.

 

[DizMe]

Not even the old show!? While I enjoyed the show being back, especially with Peter Pan back, I was kinda bummed by some of the changes they made. (Music changes mainly)

No! Crazy, I know. I've seen bits and pieces from afar. I have a daughter with sensory issues so we had to avoid that area during Fantasmic. I did see Peter Pan fighting Captain Hook on the ship, which was awesome!!

I hope it's not a preamble to trying to get rid of the show through intentionally worsening customer feedback.

Oh gosh, I hope not! The implications of deliberate sabotage are chilling.

 

[crystal1313]

I saw the current version in July. I found the current iteration to be an overall improvement from the prior version, mostly based on the return of the Peter Pan scene. Losing the dragon is definitely disappointing, but the Maleficent scene is fine when it's working right. All of the various pyro and actor issues the past few weeks are troubling. I hope it's not a preamble to trying to get rid of the show through intentionally worsening customer feedback.

I know that's a pretty maniacal take, but I wouldn't put it past the current company leadership to intentionally lessen an offering to make people start to like it less, to only then cut it entirely.

I’m mainly talking about the music changes. For instance the music is different now for the part with king Louie.

 

[crystal1313]

No! Crazy, I know. I've seen bits and pieces from afar. I have a daughter with sensory issues so we had to avoid that area during Fantasmic. I did see Peter Pan fighting Captain Hook on the ship, which was awesome!!

Oh gosh, I hope not! The implications of deliberate sabotage are chilling.

Oh, totally understand that!! It can be very loud! I hope you absolutely enjoy it!! Having a seat is SO nice! For us the best part about the RBT premium dining was not having to worry about lining up early and then getting a spot. And then hoping people won’t crowd you in said spot. It was nice to have a dedicated table and chair! Have a great time!!!

 

[disneychrista]

Not even the old show!? While I enjoyed the show being back, especially with Peter Pan back, I was kinda bummed by some of the changes they made. (Music changes mainly)

I miss the OG soundtrack for Fantasmic. While I agree that things need to be updated and kept fresh it just doesn’t flow with the new sound track.

 

[TheHock]

Will fantasmic be cancelled due to rain and if so, do they typically wait until the last minute to cancel (like after you’ve been sitting for an hour waiting for it to start)

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Will fantasmic be cancelled due to rain and if so, do they typically wait until the last minute to cancel (like after you’ve been sitting for an hour waiting for it to start)

I don't know about typically, but I have experienced that.

 

[disneychrista]

Will fantasmic be cancelled due to rain and if so, do they typically wait until the last minute to cancel (like after you’ve been sitting for an hour waiting for it to start)

Yes due to the safety of the performers they have and will cancel Fantasmic (& parades) due to rain. Depending on the weather, it could be done in advance or could be a last minute decision.

Also note you will not get refunded any of the cost of the dining packages if the show is cancelled.

 

[DizneeRailFan62]

Reports of all these issues with Fantasmic are making me second guess paying $100 x 2 for the premium seating at RBT. The food itself isn't a big draw for me, we were doing it solely for the seats during Fantasmic.

Keep reporting the stories of your experience with Fantasmic. Hopefully they fix these issues in the next 6 weeks or so.

Sounds like you are going around the same time as us (Party of 2) 2nd week of December. If your reservation happens to be for Dec 13 and you decide to cancel could you let me know in advance so I could give it a shot to reserve? Thanks for the consideration.

 

[disneychrista]

Sounds like you are going around the same time as us (Party of 2) 2nd week of December. If your reservation happens to be for Dec 13 and you decide to cancel could you let me know in advance so I could give it a shot to reserve? Thanks for the consideration.

It is unlikely that we will cancel but I will give you a heads up if I do.

 

[ShoeCello]

A brief update - Fantasmic! last night had all the stunt performers, and all secondary pyro (including some that we have not seen since it re-opened) was back online. The show is so, so much better with all the pyro in place and stunt performers during the Peter Pan segment, and it looked the sharpest I've seen since it re-opened. Only thing "off" last night was that there was no magically moving Mickey at the end, but I suspect this was a cast issue (and not an actual change or cut).