Fantasmic Worth a Return to HS?

[Disney Dining Dad]

On my draft itinerary for our trip in July, I currently have us set to be at HS on Wednesday for most of the day but then a return to Wilderness Lodge for showers and a monorail ride over to Steakhouse 71 for dinner. Would it be worth it to then go back to HS for Fantasmic or just stay closer to our lodging until bedtime? I guess another idea would be to just stick around HS for dinner instead of making the trek back and make it a very long day in that part of WDW, but we typically like to break up the day by showering and changing clothes before evening activities.

 

[MPD]

In my opinion, Fantasmic is absolutely worth any schedule rearranging or extra trekking. It is a must-do for my family every trip.

 

[HopperFan]

On my draft itinerary for our trip in July, I currently have us set to be at HS on Wednesday for most of the day but then a return to Wilderness Lodge for showers and a monorail ride over to Steakhouse 71 for dinner. Would it be worth it to then go back to HS for Fantasmic or just stay closer to our lodging until bedtime? I guess another idea would be to just stick around HS for dinner instead of making the trek back and make it a very long day in that part of WDW, but we typically like to break up the day by showering and changing clothes before evening activities.

Have you seen Fantasmic? I mean it has changed very minimally over the years. We go about once every other trip.

I think if part of your enjoyment is getting gussied for a nice dinner ... I'd do that. Depending on timing maybe venture to MK for ice cream and uncrowded view of fireworks (if hopper ticket) or grab dessert and head to the lower balcony at Contemporary to watch or head back to Lodge and grab a drink somewhere and put my feet up and relax.

But if you want to see it I'd cancel 71 and pick something in Studios. It has several good ADR options, good time to relax.

Absolutely depends on how often you go, and if you've seen it.

 

[Disney Dining Dad]

Have you seen Fantasmic? I mean it has changed very minimally over the years. We go about once every other trip.

I think if part of your enjoyment is getting gussied for a nice dinner ... I'd do that. Depending on timing maybe venture to MK for ice cream and uncrowded view of fireworks (if hopper ticket) or grab dessert and head to the lower balcony at Contemporary to watch or head back to Lodge and grab a drink somewhere and put my feet up and relax.

But if you want to see it I'd cancel 71 and pick something in Studios. It has several good ADR options, good time to relax.

Absolutely depends on how often you go, and if you've seen it.

My last trip to WDW was 2018, and we have fond memories of Happily Ever After at MK but don't recall Fantasmic even being an option.

 

[WDWLODGE]

My last trip to WDW was 2018, and we have fond memories of Happily Ever After at MK but don't recall Fantasmic even being an option

I don't recall if it was, but it may have been under refurb in 2018. My family loves Fantasmic and it is a must every trip. They have Fantasmic Dining packages if that interest you. The seating for the dining package is front and center. You just have to make sure you are there 30 minutes before showtime. That is when they open those seats up to the general public. If there are 2 showings of Fantasmic on your night, the 2nd show will be less crowded and I wouldn't even suggest the dining package. You could still watch the 1st/only showing without the package but I would suggest getting in the standby line at least an hour early.

 

[brockash]

We definitely like Fantasmic...2nd favorite nighttime show/fireworks, so we'd want to see it. How long do you expect to stay at DHS? If you plan to be out by lunch time; I think going back for a break and then going back would be fine. I would maybe reconsider your dinner though...might not want to take a special trip over just to then go to DHS after. Could you do Steakhouse a different night either on a MK or resort day?

 

[scrappinginontario]

If you have not experienced Fantasmic! then I highly recommend you do! It's one of our favourite things to do at WDW and we try to see it once per trip.

Depending if there is one or two showings the night you are there, you will need to ensure you leave enough travel time to get back. If there is only one showing you'll want to arrive at the theatre probably 45 mins before the show, 30 mins minimum. If you can, possibly stay close and eat in DHS then save Steakhouse 71 for another night?

I hope you're able to experience Fantasmic during your trip!!

 

[Disney Dining Dad]

Thanks very much for the feedback. I've heard good things about Toledo at Coronado Springs, which would be closer to HS and could replace Steakhouse 71 as our more upscale dinner that night, but I assume that's not a place that would be ideal after a long day in sunscreen and sweaty clothes and no showers?

 

[vspenn]

another option is to go to dinner somewhere along the boat/skyliner route. Riviera, Boardwalk/Beach club area. that will give you a break from the park but much easier to to/from and return for fantasmic. you would need to miss shower though. While Steakhouse 71 is good, it's not worth it to me all this back and forth. Or if you have seen Fantasmic before, then likewise. This combo is not worth the amount of energy you will be putting into it. To me, Steakhouse 71 is great if you are in the area and need somewhere to eat. The best item on the menu is the burger or steak - this can literally be had anywhere in the country. there's not much decor inside and no additional perks (views, fireworks, characters, etc).

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks very much for the feedback. I've heard good things about Toledo at Coronado Springs, which would be closer to HS and could replace Steakhouse 71 as our more upscale dinner that night, but I assume that's not a place that would be ideal after a long day in sunscreen and sweaty clothes and no showers?

Y’all wouldn’t be the only guests there in that condition. But I suggest eating in DHS or one of the Epcot area restaurants and attending Fantasmic.

 

[BrianL]

Fantasmic! is great and definitely worth seeing if you can make it work.

 

[vspenn]

Toppolino's Terrace at Riviera or Al Forno at Boardwalk would be good choices if you want something a little nicer. Unless you are wearing sports bras, being in a t-shirt and shorts or other park outfits is totally fine anywhere on property excel Victoria & Alberts.

 

[Mle8308]

I'm kind of the opposite of everyone, I'm not a big fan of Fantasmic, but if you haven't seen it and are even a little interested, I would do it. I enjoy Steakhouse 71, but it isn't really a special Disney dining location that you should go out of your way to dine at. Also, you said you were planning to return to the WL and then monorail it to the CR. You would have to get from the WL to the MK to take the monorail to the CR. After 3pm there is a boat that runs between the WL, FW, and the CR. You might be better off doing that if you keep the Steakhouse 71 plan. And sometimes the DS bus does go to the CR to pick up there before heading to DS, you could ask the driver if that is a planned stop. I don't like being rushed when I eat, I want to relax and enjoy my meal. I don't think I'd try to get back to DHS for Fantasmic unless you have an early dining reservation at Steakhouse 71. If that is the case, you could take a bus from the CR back to DHS. I understand you like to shower before heading out to dinner, but nearly all Disney restaurants expect guests to dine in park clothes. So if you decide not to go back to change, it's not a problem! Do Fantasmic if you haven't and if you enjoy Disney shows.

 

[BrianL]

I'm kind of the opposite of everyone, I'm not a big fan of Fantasmic, but if you haven't seen it and are even a little interested, I would do it. I enjoy Steakhouse 71, but it isn't really a special Disney dining location that you should go out of your way to dine at. Also, you said you were planning to return to the WL and then monorail it to the CR. You would have to get from the WL to the MK to take the monorail to the CR. After 3pm there is a boat that runs between the WL, FW, and the CR. You might be better off doing that if you keep the Steakhouse 71 plan. And sometimes the DS bus stop does go to the CR to pick up there before heading to DS, you could ask the driver if that is a planned stop. I don't like being rushed when I eat, I want to relax and enjoy my meal. I don't think I'd try to get back to DHS for Fantasmic unless you have an early dining reservation at Steakhouse 71. If that is the case, you could take a bus from the CR back to DHS. I understand you like to shower before heading out to dinner, but nearly all Disney restaurants expect guests to dine in park clothes. So if you decide not to go back to change, it's not a problem! Do Fantasmic if you haven't and if you enjoy Disney shows.

That is a good catch - the Monorail does not go to Wilderness Lodge, but there is boat transportation.

 

[jwalk03]

Fantasmic is easily for favorite nighttime spectacular. Personally I would never skip it. I would just have dinner at HS instead of feeling back and forth