Fantasmic v. Illuminations

[MJMcBride]

I love Fantasmic! Though I wish they would get rid of Pocahontas and do Peter Pan like at DL...

I'm not sure what that means. Is Fantasmic different at DL? I've never been.

 

[tomerin]

illuminations hands down for me. the first time i saw it i was totally blown away by the show and the music. we have seen it from the shore ans have taken the cruise and it was just amazing. when i saw fantasmic i enjoyed the show very much but unless someone in my family wanted to see it again i would possibly never go see it again but not illuminations. this is a must do for me. honestly i am a big fan of any fireworks show so thats why i love illuminations more

 

[Linzybrooke]

I'm not sure what that means. Is Fantasmic different at DL? I've never been.

Instead of the Pocahontas bit Peter Pan attacks Captain Hook on his Pirate Ship. Since they do it on Rivers of America the ship comes out and there is all this acrobatic stuff as they fight. Check out Princess Aurora's Trip Report for more details (and a hilarious trip report). I've only seen it at DL once but remember it to this day!

Princess Aurora's Trip Report ---> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1033591

 

[debbiedoo]

Illuminations -- hands down -- the music, show, brings tears to my eyes. . . .

I also enjoy wishes with the family. . .

We only see Fantastimic once a trip-- the long wait etc. . .it is a good show but...

Illuminations has me won over -- now, please bring back Tapestry!!

 

[Tazicket]

Wow. I wonder what I'm missing in Illuminations, b/c the last time I saw it, I almost fell asleep... LOVE Fantasmic, though.

 

[wdwdavem]

They're both great but I have always enjoyed illuminations more. I get goose bumps everytime.

 

[paperboy]

Interesting how the folks who love Illuminations reference "goosebumps" and "tears."

To me, this is no contest. Illuminations is the best 13 minutes Disney has to offer. I can do trips without seeing Fantasmic, but I absolutely must see Illuminations.

I agree that for first timers, I would recommend seeing Fantasmic first because of the characters, the water screens, and other novelty technologies that blow away the uninitiated. But RoE offers a show on a deeper emotional level, and the music is a phenomenal and masterfully composed piece.

Then there's the RoE Holiday version. There is not a more moving and powerful 5 minutes anywhere.

 

[jeankeri]

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.....

 

[erikthewise]

Interesting how the folks who love Illuminations reference "goosebumps" and "tears."

To me, this is no contest. Illuminations is the best 13 minutes Disney has to offer. I can do trips without seeing Fantasmic, but I absolutely must see Illuminations.

I agree that for first timers, I would recommend seeing Fantasmic first because of the characters, the water screens, and other novelty technologies that blow away the uninitiated. But RoE offers a show on a deeper emotional level, and the music is a phenomenal and masterfully composed piece.

Then there's the RoE Holiday version. There is not a more moving and powerful 5 minutes anywhere.

I agree completely. Illuminations has a wonderful symphonic score played over a new first-class speaker network installed a couple years ago. I'd rather just listen to the Illuminations score than see Fantasmic. And the theme of world unity as displayed in video on the Earth globe is more moving than any performance I've seen save for Olympic closing ceremonies. This is Disney magic at its best.

The only bad thing about Illuminations is the possibility of being downwind from the fireworks! So far I've been able to avoid that.

 

[f7prez]

I have to go with Illuminations.

After waiting about 90 minutes in the amphitheater to see Fantasmic for the first time, we were a little let down. It is a nice show, but not something I would waste another two hours on if I had not been on all the rides I wanted to do.

Because Illuminations can be viewed from all points around the lake, it makes it easier to fit into your schedule.

Production wise, I think Fantasmic edges out Illuminations, especially if you have seen Illuminations over and over again.

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

Fantasmic!!! Fantasmic is so awesome!

 

[stitch&ariel]

I adore Fantasmic and converted by family into Fantasmic fans! I am hoping to convince my sisters b/f this year

 

[MJMcBride]

Instead of the Pocahontas bit Peter Pan attacks Captain Hook on his Pirate Ship. Since they do it on Rivers of America the ship comes out and there is all this acrobatic stuff as they fight. Check out Princess Aurora's Trip Report for more details (and a hilarious trip report). I've only seen it at DL once but remember it to this day!

Princess Aurora's Trip Report ---> http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1033591

That sounds pretty cool. But how well does it work on Rivers of America. It must get pretty cramped.

 

[byoung]

Usually you can do both in the same night.

 

[eblack0409]

I love both...but I really enjoy the characters in Fantasmic!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

fantasmic all the way.

 

[pewing]

I would hate to have to choose, but I did...Illuminations...hands down. My favorite part of the entire WDW experience. I try to see it every night we are there

 

[Quasi123]

It was a tough choice for me but I pick Fantasmic because Mickey is in it.

 

[bubba73]

That is a hard one to pick because they are so different. Fantasmic has a ton of characters. Illuminations has more fireworks and lasers. As far as I am concerned, I am for Fantasmic all the way. But I am not likely to miss Illuminations while I am there and less I have absolutely NO choice.

 

[GarrettJD]

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!