All depends on the child. I've taken mine since she was 13 months without issue. Some may be scared well beyond 5 years. Give it a try and if they get scared, just leave.
Good question. When DS was 4, I didn't take him. I was a bit concerned that it might be too much for him. At 5, I took him, and he was fine, and to be honest, I think he would have handled it at 4 with no problem. I do think it depends on the kid though. I guess, if they handle the noise from fireworks shows pretty well, then probably Fantasmic would be ok too.
I fully explained anything potentially scary to my 5 and unders -- no Mickey won't die, these are the villains in the show etc. I remember 2 of my 3 kids being somewhat disturbed during their first Fantasmic Show despite the warnings. I like the Youtube idea.
Like others have said depends on the kids and only you will be able to know. My kids had no problem with it, one of my nephews was also fine but the other pair of niece and nephew didn't not like it and it was hard to keep them sitting down once the villains "took over"
I've got b/g twins too...they turn 9 in a few weeks. They're also polar opposites. Funny how that can be, isn't it?
To the OP, only you can answer that question. Is your 5 year old "skittish" or very easily frightened? If so, then maybe it will be tough. If not, then absolutely go for it. If you're worried, sit closer to the back so you're farther away from the "action". My kids actually want the front row seat...as in VERY front row with those tiny benches. They think it's fun to get sprayed by the water screen if the wind is blowing in.
I agree with others, it depends on the kid. My DD7 is very timid and easily frightened. I haven't even tried Fantasmic yet. She finally asked me about it and I showed her the Youtube video so we are planning on seeing it this trip.
When I was a young child I was terrified of everything even remotely "scary" at disney.. you couldn't even get me on pirates. I distinctly remember being TERRIFIED of honey I shrunk the audience but completely fine with fantasmic. I think it had to do with the open air and the amount of space between me and the action
Very dependent on your kid...Its late in the day, so they're likely getting tired anyway and you've probably had to sit there for awhile before the show starts. At that age, one of my kids was fine with it, the other didn't like the noise (it's loud in addition to somewhat scary). While my kids are much older now and are fine with it, I can't remember seeing a Fantasmic where I didn't see younger kids melting down and often leaving early.
My DD would not have been scared at 5 but she would have been at 4. It can be intense for littles if they are sensitive to fire effects, loud noises, villain scenes, or even afraid of getting wet (I saw a kid freak over the water screens thinking he was about to get sprayed).
My best advice for all things Disney + potentially scared kid -- YouTube! Watch it all. The more they know about what they are going to experience, the more empowered they feel and the less skittish in the moment. They might even start looking forward to things they would have otherwise feared. And if there is something they watch and are still really scared about (looking at you, HM), chances are good they'll freak out in person, too. So you as the parent are prepared for that.