Has WOC helped thin out Fantasmic crowding?

[carebee21]

Planning for our trip in Aug and was just curious if the WOC shows have helped thin out some of the crowds for Fantasmic? Or are people still staking out their spots hours ahead of time? How early do you think we'll need to stake out a spot so a 6 year old can see the show? Thanks!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Planning for our trip in Aug and was just curious if the WOC shows have helped thin out some of the crowds for Fantasmic? Or are people still staking out their spots hours ahead of time? How early do you think we'll need to stake out a spot so a 6 year old can see the show? Thanks!!

Last August on a Thursday people were staking their spots at around 1630, it really started to get busy around 1800.

Jack

 

[letitsnow]

it's still busy. when we went we reserved our spot for F! at 7pm and the show didn't start until 9:05p. we weren't in the front either.

 

[ironlou]

We were there last week and people were still staking out spots 3 hours before showtime. We showed up 2 hours before and got our usual spot with a great view.

 

[Raindown]

it's still busy.

I agree. I'm sure WoC has helped but F! still brings them in. I was there 6/26 and we could tell it was going to be a busy day. We went over to City Hall and popped for preferred seating.

 

[GoinAgainSoon]

Last August on a Thursday people were staking their spots at around 1630, it really started to get busy around 1800.

Jack

Not sure why this is relevant?

OP. LAST WEEK woc didn't have any effect on the Fantasmic crowds, as both parks were pretty busy. My advice would be to plan viewing Fantasmic as normal.

Hopefully once the full blackout times kick in for the SoCal passholders, WOC will ease the need to get there quite early for Fantasmic. Only time will tell though, so maybe someone will be able to update us a bit more once August is closer.

 

[lvdis]

Does anyone know if the 2nd showing of Fantasmic is easier to get into (less need to line up early). I know the 2nd showing is a lot less crowded at WDW's DHS, but this will be my first time at DLR!

 

[DizNee Luver]

The 2nd show is usually the better option...but be prepared to be going against the crowd to get into that area. When the first showing is done (including the fireworks).....this area becomes extremely congested & moving is almost non-existance. My suggestion would be to wander up during the first show & get on the Splash Mtn side of the crowds. When the first show starts moving towards Frontierland/Adventureland....you follow them down into the viewing area!!

 

[smiley_face2]

The 2nd show is usually the better option...but be prepared to be going against the crowd to get into that area. When the first showing is done (including the fireworks).....this area becomes extremely congested & moving is almost non-existance. My suggestion would be to wander up during the first show & get on the Splash Mtn side of the crowds. When the first show starts moving towards Frontierland/Adventureland....you follow them down into the viewing area!!

That's exactly what we do, usually walk through New Orleans Square, ride Pirates then Haunted Mansion, which are usually walk on with all the people watching fantasmic, then hang out in front of the mansion and get a seat sitting on the rock wall when all the first viewing people leave.

 

[kikiq]

Saturday when all APs but the premium AP were blocked, it was surprisingly not crowded for the beginning of summer. Main Street wasn't packed for the fireworks, just to the clock. We watched the fireworks and noticed people working their way to the Rivers of America during the fireworks.

If you need to be in the front along the river, then yes you will have to go 2/3 hours early. And don't know that will change at any time of the year whether APs are blocked or not. If you want to be in the sitting area (on the pavement, no chairs), we were able to get a spot on the pavement 1 hour before the show. But I would try for the 2nd show to get the best seat and do what Diznee Luver suggested. I don't ever think WOC will thin out the F! crowds. Might thin out the general park crowds.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Last Saturday, 6/26/2010, DH and I watched the second showing of Fantasmic without having to stake a spot at all. We finished a really nice, swanky dinner in New Orleans Square thumbsup2), rode Pirates of the Caribbean, then after we came out of the ride, noticed that the show was just starting. We walked up, found a spot right in the middle section between the trees and enjoyed the show! While there was a good-sized crowd watching, it wasn't crowded where we were standing.