Fantasmic

[william5419]

Does anybody out there suggest a good time to get a good view of Fantasmic? Is it standing room only?

 

[iceskatejen]

You need to get there at least 3 hours early. You sit on the ground if you're in the front area (between the river and the planters). I used to grab a spot around 6, but now I get there around 5 because I see others starting to claim their spots then and I like to be in the front and as center as possible. I'm on the short side, so I can't see over tall people if I get there later, even though the ground slopes down towards the river--it's not a great enough slope to make much difference if there's anyone 2-5 rows in front of me who's either more than 5'10" or wearing a hat. I don't mind looking through the railings--it's better than not seeing anything because I'm short.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Depends on what ya call a "good" spot... the best spots are usually filled 2-3 hrs before but you can usually find "acceptable" up until 30 min before showtime.

If there is 2 shows- Head over to the area just as the first show is ending- watch Believe (if playing) then as people scatter from their seats from the first show move on it- You can usually find better seats without the huge wait (usually 30-45 min)

Another option if money isnt as important is the Dessert experiances- They have both the Balcony and Riverside seatings and both run about 40 bucks per seat (Riverside kids is cheaper but Balcony is same price)

-em

 

[jin diesel]

if you REALLY want a good spot and, like me, would never waste 1/2 of your day sitting on concrete....

call the resort and reserve a spot up in the balcony. i think it costs like 43 bucks, but you get a reserved seat plus dessert. it's worth it even if you only do it once. you won't regret it!!

 

[SunnyAk]

Do you have to being staying on site to reserve a balcony spot?

Thanks!

 

[jin diesel]

No, not at all. Call the resort (I can't find the right number right now, but call Disney Dine and tell them you are inquiring about Fantasmic! and they will put you through to the right person) and tell them the date you are interested in, and the time of the show. Check the calendar at Disneyland.com to see if there is more than one show on the night you go.

Then you can select from a riverside view or a balcony view. I recommend the balcony view because your seat is assigned to you in the order you CALLED. If you chose the riverside seating, your seat is available on a first-come first-served basis, and so you still have to show up like an hour early.

Disney Dine: 714-781-3463

 

[william5419]

Well, we anted up the money and paid to watch Fantasmic. I liked every minute of it. I hope that Disneyland would build something like a ampitheatre, such as Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World. It would be easier to watch Fantasmic that way, so the people won't have to sit on the ground to watch it.

That's like watching the Rose Parade. You camp out early for a good spot, but those who want comfortable seating have to pay good money for a prime viewing spot.

:space:

 

[Bete]

I can't see paying $49 a piece for the reserved seating for dessert to see this show just not to wait. I've seen the Walt Disney World one many times and I never had a two or three hour wait. I've had front row and center many times with an hour wait and I could sit.

Will someone tell me what's so amazing about this version? I'd like to especially hear form the ones who have done both shows. I just don't get it. Please fill me in.

 

[iceskatejen]

2 words: Peter Pan--that's what's so amazing about the DL version. Also: Pinocchio, Pink Elephants, Kaa, fewer villians, more preshow entertainment (a jazz band plays on the river about 30 minutes before the show), the Mark Twain, and it's the original version and I think the way it was meant to be (I did see the WDW version and I found it lacking). I've seen the DL version many times and I always come away wowed. I didn't feel that way so much with the WDW version. Another thing--at DL you can sit right up front and NOT get soaked by the mist.

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by Bete
I can't see paying $49 a piece for the reserved seating for dessert to see this show just not to wait. I've seen the Walt Disney World one many times and I never had a two or three hour wait. I've had front row and center many times with an hour wait and I could sit.

Will someone tell me what's so amazing about this version? I'd like to especially hear form the ones who have done both shows. I just don't get it. Please fill me in.

Disneyland doesn't have a designated theater for Fantasmic! like WDW does. So you either camp out all day, or just pay for the reserved seating.

I too didn't see the point in paying extra for the reserved seating, AT FRIST. But I went ahead with it, & we did it last year for my daughter's bday. It was our first time watching Fantasmic! and she turned to me and said, "Mom this is the best bday present you've ever given me!!!!". She was beaming!!!! It was worth every penny.

I have not seen the WDW version, but people who have seen both have told me Disneyland's is better. (minus the seating issue).

 

[MamaKate]

Originally posted by iceskatejen
2 words: Peter Pan--that's what's so amazing about the DL version. Also: Pinocchio, Pink Elephants, Kaa, fewer villians, more preshow entertainment (a jazz band plays on the river about 30 minutes before the show), the Mark Twain, and it's the original version and I think the way it was meant to be (I did see the WDW version and I found it lacking). I've seen the DL version many times and I always come away wowed. I didn't feel that way so much with the WDW version. Another thing--at DL you can sit right up front and NOT get soaked by the mist.

Totally Agree with iceskatejen!

I've seen both and Disneyland's version is alot better! Gotta love the Pink Elephants & Dancing Monkeys. And the Peter Pan portion is far superior too the Pocahontas portion at WDW.

I live 1/2 hour from Disneyland and have seen Fantasmic several times and still love it.

However, when I saw the WDW version, I enjoyed it, but felt a bit disappointed afterwards. Our last 2 trips to WDW, we even skipped seeing Fantasmic!

,
Katie

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I agree the DL version is far superior to the WDWs version-
I also dont plan on seeing F! at WDW anymore- Its just not as good
-em

 

[flipturngirl]

Go there EARLY! EARLY EARLY! We got there like at 6..but wait that was like when it was an aniversery day. lol nvm. but anyway you need to get there super early and also it is really fun to sit in front of the stage like behind the bars..but u know what i mean. you will not be lonely because I think entertanment starts around 7 or 8.. like boats playing music and stuff.

 

[disneychrista]

For the best view with the least wait, go to the second performance of the night. Get the the rivers of american area about 9:25 (or when ever the fireworks are scheduled), and you should be able to walk up to a river front seat. And then you will only have about an hour wait or so.

I will NEVER sit and wait for 3, 4 or even 6 hours to see fantasmic, as much as I love it, it just isn't worth it.

 

[Firefly777]

Originally posted by william5419
Well, we anted up the money and paid to watch Fantasmic. I liked every minute of it. I hope that Disneyland would build something like a ampitheatre, such as Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World. It would be easier to watch Fantasmic that way, so the people won't have to sit on the ground to watch it.

I think that's part of the coolness of DL's Fantasmic. I like how it's just the Rivers during the day, but at night, it transforms into the stage for the show.