Fantasmic WDW vs. DL

[crickee]

Is the Fantasmic show at DL the same as at WDW. We saw the WDW show about 3 years ago and our family wasn't overwhelmed with it. I keep reading that this is a don't miss at DL and was wondering if it is different.

 

[daannzzz]

Fantasmic is different at Disneyland. Many parts are the same but the location is different and seating is not available. Fantasmic occures on the end of Tom Sawyer Island and can be views from terraced areas in Frontierland and New Orleans Square. There are no benches or seats. The setting is a bit more intimate and utilizes the Mark Twain Steamboat as well as the Columbia Sailing Ship which ply the waters of the Rivers of America during the day. The Columbia is used in a spectacular Peter Pan scene that takes the place of the Pocahontas section at WDW. There is a scene with Pinnochio that is not present in WDW. The large fountain at the end od the WDW version is not present at Disneyland and the Mark Twain is used in the finaly. It is different enough to be interesting. Since the show is visable from many sections of that area of the park sometimes people start saving spots along the walkways up to 4 hours in advance making that side of the park feel crowded. If you get a spot early you will be sitting on the ground or leaning against a railing until showtime. If there are two shows the night you are there it is much better to go for the second show. If you can slip into Critter Country (Spkash Mountain area) while the first show is concluding, you can get and excellent spot after everyone leaves.

 

[scanmom]

The show is MUCH better at DL. We saw it 1st and were VERY dissapointed with the WDW version. Be sure to get there early to get a good spot. It isn't like WDW with stadium seating. It is like a parade. You sit/stand on the streets/walkways! Well worth the wait! Excellent show!

 

[Peter Pirate]

I disagree with scanmom, I guess. We'd seen WDW's Fantasmic many times and were at a total loss to figure out what anyone enjoyed better at DL.

Plus the lack of stadium seating makes it a worse zoo than WDW. Lots of cutting & crowding and the saving of viewing locations prior to the show is ridiculous - sometimes the bridge is practically inaccessable to foot traffic due to spot savers (using blankets, etc.) hours before the show!

All in all we actually enjoy DL much more than MK but as for Fantasmic...I'd say if you can't afford the ridiculously priced reserved seating, then go enjoy the other attractions with reduced lines!

 

[CalGal]

I also disagree with scanmom. The setup at MGM Studios is setup well for Fantasmic. The stadium seating and the stage set-up are superior to what is available at DL. The shows are a little different but similar enough that if you didn't love it at WDW, I don't see how you will love it at DL. Go see the electical parade at California Adventure or enjoy the rides instead. Or, wait for a second showing when it's a little easier to get a good spot.

 

[Marcotta]

Being from SoCal and having seen DL's version umpteen times, I can't see how anyone would think that it is better than the version at WDW (but, I do understand that each person is entitled to their own opinion).

Since DL has the original, WDW was able to update theirs and include the newer characters and movie experiences that are not present at DL -- that for me is what made all the difference. Yes, the stadium seating is a HUGE plus but growing up (and old) with Disney I greatly appreciated the updated version much, much more

 

[din]

My vote is also for WDW Fantasmic. We use to live on the east coast and visit WDW regularly and now living in Cal we visit DL.

The biggest disappointment for us at DL is the seating arrangement, and we even had the reservered seating one year. It was crowded and when we were there, people were rude by smoking to sitting in front of you.


The show itself is about the same to me. Each is unique in it's own way.