Fantasmic v. Illuminations

[lorli]

I absolutely love fantasmic. I would gladly see that more than once a visit, and would not mind missin Illuminations.

 

[#1_Donald_Duck_Fan]

We go with Fantasmic I love the story and the characters

see ya
Mike

 

[clydenora]

I would pick Fantasmic over Illuminations. I like Fantasmic more because I, personally, like the characters. Illuminations is a great show and has a good message, but Fantasmic also has a good message, plus characters. I have a DS 12 and a DS 14, and both of them like Fantasmic better. My DH likes Illuminations best, though.

 

[MJMcBride]

I love Illuminations and Fantasmic, but Illuminations wins for me.

I'm actually surprised by the results so far. I always thought Illuminations was the least popular of the three "nighttime spectaculars", and Fantasmic was far and away favored.

EDIT: Yay! This is post number 1,000 for me!

Illumiantions has been around so long and such an end event at Epcot that I fugired it would do well in this poll. But I thought Fantasmic would win it.

 

[MelanieC]

I like both, but I definately think Fantasmic is the BEST!

 

[Lorelai]

Love Illuminations - but I've never seen Fantasmic - Is it too scary (villian wise) for a 3 year old?

 

[lclark0621]

I like them both. But Fantasmic blows Illuminations away!

If I had to pick one, Fantasmic wins HANDS DOWN!

 

[MJMcBride]

Love Illuminations - but I've never seen Fantasmic - Is it too scary (villian wise) for a 3 year old?

Thats probably a close call and depends on the three year old. You're not that close to the "bad guys" so the distance might help. Plus you're not on a ride so you can just walk out. I'd say give it a try.

 

[abeyst]

Fantasmic is a must see if you've never seen it before. But for me that's about it. I've seen it 4 times now, and I won't be sad if I don't see it again.

However, Illuminations I see at least twice on each trip. It's one I never get sick of watching. It has a great message, I LOVE the music (I too have the CD at home) and it's a nice break after chasing characters all day. It's a "warm and fuzzy" feeling that is just a wonderful addition to the rest of Disney.

Then again, Tapestry of Nations was my favorite parade, too!!

(BTW, for any ToN fans, they show part of the parade on the globe about half-way through Illuminations. If you've never noticed it, look for it next time!)

 

[GEM]

We like Fantasmic and we make an effort to see it every few trips, but we wouldn't dream of missing Illuminations! It's just about our favorite thing at Disney World.

There's just something magical about standing along that World Showcase railing and hearing that incredible music with the torches lit and all that energy and atmosphere. It gives me goosebumps every time. It's just an essential Disney World experience for us.

Fantasmic, at this point, we can take it or leave it.

I know this doesn't make much sense and it's totally an emotional reaction, not one based on anything concrete - but, to me, Illuminations feels much more like being a part of something - like you aren't just watching, but participating. Fantasmic, on the other hand, just feels like passive entertainment. Wierd, I know, but that's always how I feel.

(And, by the way, my little guy really likes Fantasmic. He's seen it at 12 months, 18 months, 26 months, and 30 months - and he's never been scared by it. However, he actually loves Illuminations, too. He always dances, claps, and oohs and aahs through the whole thing. It's the highlight of the trip for him!)

 

[pewing]

Thats probably a close call and depends on the three year old. You're not that close to the "bad guys" so the distance might help. Plus you're not on a ride so you can just walk out. I'd say give it a try.

I don't think the villians are really that scary...but it is VERY dark (of course ) My youngest was 4 when we first saw it. It was in my lap most of the time, but he didn't cry or want to leave. Hope that helps!

 

[yalegracey]

Illuminatios
Fantasmic doesn't really have many fireworks. It seemes like the creators centered the show on the water projection effects, which aren't very good.

 

[Mickey1122]

We don't like Fantasmic and don't even bother to do it anymore. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is an excellent show, and we consider it much, much nicer than wishes. This is because of music and better choreography. However, I wouldn't mind an update.

 

[BeautyNBeast]

Fantasmic for sure!

 

[Mickey1122]

I have to say I don't know what the planning was to plant shade trees around the World Showcase and then expect people to be able to see through them to view a dwarf globe and overhead fireworks . Having a bad spot for Illuminations completely ruins the experience for me. It is impossible to have an obstructed view for Fantasmic. The waterfall images, firebreathing Malificent dragon and Steamboat Willie (in B&W) steering the Riverboat give me my goosebumps. I'll will admit that the Pochahontas/ men digging section is on par with the dwarf globe, but all-in-all, Fantasmic gets my vote. Unless it is before Christmas with the longer Fireworks, then Illuminations would edge it out. If only they could prune those trees.....

You obviously haven't been stuck behind the poles and tall people. Illuminations is my pick hands down. Besides, the water screens are hard to make out.

 

[Annam26]

I love all the shows, but Fantasmic is my favorite by far! (and I've never drank anything before viewing it

I think Fantasmic is so Spectacular, is the only show were I was left speechles after it ended.....I was so overwhelmed by the spectacle I'd just seen.

I love fireworks as much as anyone, but I get to see them where I live every 4th of July. What Fantasmic offers I've never seen anywhere. Not even close.

JMO. I'm glad every show has die hard fans who think their favorite is the best! They are all great!