For those who have seen both Fantasmics

[Kindermouse]

I've heard that the WDW Fantasmic! is far inferior to the DL version. I'm wondering if it is worth seeing when we go on our first trip to the World this year. We can only afford 1 week and it will likely be a once in a lifetime trip (I can go to DL for 4 days for just the cost of the airfare I'm seeing to Orlando) so I'm trying to prioritize how best to spend my time. I know I cannt do everything so I want to use my time wisely. I miss F! Since it has been dark for so long but if I'm likely to feel dissatisfied by it then I might be better off just waiting for our next trip to DL. Thoughts?

 

[mom2rtk]

Nobody knows what the new DL Fantasmic will be like. But I concur that the old version was far better than the WDW version. Although the stadium seating at DHS is better than the viewing area at DL.

I would stay tuned and see if there's some sort of dining plan for viewing of Fantasmic when it reopens at DL.

 

[JanJan324]

We went to WDW last fall, and decided to skip F!. It just wasn't worth the time imo. We had 1 week, and probably won't be back for a very long time if at all. We don't regret skipping it at all. There is just so much to do there, and with so little time you really have to prioritize what you want to see/do.

 

[figment_jii]

I really like Fantasmic at Disneyland and had lately been making a point of trying to see it on most all of my trips. At WDW, Fantasmic is more of an "if there is time" type of thing. Some of the elements are similar (as is the basic story), but some of the scenes are markedly different and generally much better at DLR.

DHS' version does not have a Peter Pan sequence because they don't have the Sailing Ship Columbia. Instead they have a Pochontas sequence, which is okay, but it seems kind of lack luster once you've seen the Peter Pan sequence.

DHS still has the older version of the dragon.

The steamboat at the end is the same basic sequence, but DHS' version has a much smaller and less impressive boat. I can't help but laugh whenever I see the "steamboat" at DHS.

DHS has one advantage over DL and that's in terms of the seating. DHS has the stadium, which means pretty much everyone gets to sit.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We had two weeks at WDW so we went to go see it. I knew it wouldn't be as good but I was still disappointed. The Pocahontas scene dragged on and wasn't very interesting. I was looking forward to the end Steamboat scene but the ship looked like it was some plywood slapped together. Much smaller and not the big finale that it is at DLR. I wanted to stand up and say to the audience "You poor people!" They all thought it was spectacular and we were just sitting there. I'd do other new things over this. Unless you are at that park for the day and have done everything else you wanted. We did kind of run out things to see at DHS. Maybe go on ToT several more times instead. Their version is better. Well, at the time it was. Guess we'll see.

 

[agamble]

I think it's fine. I've only been to WDW once though, and it had been a while since I'd seen the Disneyland Fantasmic! when we went. But consider this. There is not much to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I think there are only 5 main rides (TOT, Aerosmith coaster, Toy Story, Great Movie ride, and Star Tours). So you may as well go see the show, what else are you going to do that night? The best part is you get a FP to see the show and a seat. I guess that may be the biggest issue. We went before FP+, so we weren't giving up a FP for it. But you could always use your 3 FP+ reservations for other things early in the day and then hope there are still some for Fantasmic! left.

 

[Jperiod]

I voted "possibly," but if you're short on time (which you will be!), do other things instead. Prioritize the things that are not in DLR. BTW, I think POTC is worth skipping as well. There's no opening or ending scene like DLR. We were like, "Wait, what? That's it?!" Prepare to be underwhelmed by their version of buzz lightyear too.

 

[dina444444]

If you have time I would see it. I agree with previous posters that the Disneyland version is better, but I still enjoy the DHS version.

 

[Disn3yVision]

I strongly disagree and think the WDW version is better. You can sit. It has better sound. It is longer and has scenes that we don't have at Disneyland. I would definitely see it at WDW, as it's the better if the 2 imo.

 

[Iceman93]

I agree with Disn3yVision, but I know that we're in the minority. That being said, if the OP only has one week at WDW, I wouldn't recommend seeing Fantasmic.

 

[Kindermouse]

Alas, 1 week is all I can afford until I win the lottery...or teachers start earning wages commensurate with how hard they work and their advanced degrees but both of those are pipe dreams.

I am planning dining packages or dessert parties for ROL, hallowishes, Star Wars, and illuminations. I have a very full plate and if F! isn't the best use of my time then that hits the cutting room floor as I make my touring plans.

 

[goooof1]

Yeah, you get to sit at the wdw F!, but......yes, disappointing and underwhelming! We thought......what? where is the good stuff!! With little time I would skip it.

 

[Dentam]

We are skipping it this time. The DL version is much better.

 

[ashley0139]

I like WDW Fantasmic. I agree it isn't as good as the DL version but I do think it's worth seeing, but also fine if you have to cut it. The viewing situation is just...so much better. I still absolutely hate dealing with seating/standing areas at DL.

 

[ParkHopper1]

I was almost in tears laughing to cap off the show once their version of the Mark Twain came out for the finale. "What is so funny" my friend asked..."I feel like I am watching the Orlando Community Theater version of Fantastic!"

That summed up my experience.

Part of the magic of F!at DLR for me is how they organically use many of the features of ROA and it emerges out of essentially nothing during the day...WDW stadium was just forced and contrived.

Go see it if you was a good laugh.

 

[SplashMo]

If you have time go see it. It is diffrent. There are assigned seats. The boats are not as good. I woudl see Illuminations as well...

 

[Mallefiscent]

First question is, how many days do you have planned at Hollywood Studios? Fantasmic and the Star Wars Fireworks are run pretty close together. You may not have time to get from one to the other. Second question is, how important is Fantasmic to your family? Is it a sentimental must do for your family? If you are only spending one day at Hollywood Studios, I would skip Fantasmic unless it is a family tradition. If you plan on spending two days there, you can see Star Wars one night and Fantasmic the second night.
I've been to Disneyland and Disney World numerous times with several different groups of people. No one has ever asked to do Fantasmic again, but there are numerous requests for repeats of Illuminations, Wishes, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Food & Wine Festival.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

"I feel like I am watching the Orlando Community Theater version of Fantastic!"

Part of the magic of F!at DLR for me is how they organically use many of the features of ROA and it emerges out of essentially nothing

I was trying to think of how to describe the WDW experience as feeling so much "less than" and ParkHopper2 captured the essence beautifully. We went our first time at WDW, were utterly unimpressed and never even considered seeing it on our second trip to WDW.

 

[GatorChris]

I've seen both multiple times. And though Disneyland is a better show with a lifelike dragon and the Mark Twain (should it ever operate again), the WDW show is still really great! Plus, and this is a huge plus, they have something that DL doesn't have: seats! Yes, it's true. They have a stadium that fits something like 9000 people and you can sit on a bleacher and have an unadulterated view of the show. While DL has the better version, they lose because you can't see it that well sitting on the concrete behind thousands of heads and an iron fence.

If you're going to WDW, definitely see this show. It's at close of the Hollywood Studios. Really, what else would you do at 7pm at night? Go see it, for sure.

 

[Mallefiscent]

If you're going to WDW, definitely see this show. It's at close of the Hollywood Studios. Really, what else would you do at 7pm at night? Go see it, for sure.

Before I may have agreed with this sentiment. They have the Star Wars fireworks show now though.