Help me with Fantasmic!

[KBinCO]

We've never been and would prefer not to do a dining package. How do FPs work for it? We will be going on a Wed-Fri in Sept but it is just on Friday at 9:00 and 10:30. How do we guarantee a good spot without the dining package, and where exactly is the best spot?

 

[sechelt]

How late in September are you going? I don't think Fantasmic! is showing during the Friday night hallowe'en parties. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[KBinCO]

How late in September are you going? I don't think Fantasmic! is showing during the Friday night hallowe'en parties. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Sept 15 is the day that we will be there when Fantasmic is happening.

 

[Butterfly123]

Our experience is from two weeks ago. We picked up our FP right at park opening, so we got the first show. The FP said to show up at the dock area at 8:00 for the 9:00 show, but after talking to a few CM we realized we would need to show up a lot earlier. We got there a little before 7:15, and hung around waiting. We were eventually among the first let in to the "holding" area, which is the waiting area for the Columbia/Mark Twain. That was around 7:40. At 8:00 they let us into the viewing area...you are walked down as far as you can go in the viewing area by a CM. We were fortunate to get in a seated area. A lot of the regular FP is standing.
So my advice, which is based only on a one time experience, is get a FP first thing, they run out quickly, and go wait by the dock area early, and don't let the CM shoo you away, because they may try to tell you to come back later. Just hang around and don't do too far. Because you don't know when they will start letting people into the "holding" area.

Good luck!!

 

[Samandmom]

We've never been and would prefer not to do a dining package. How do FPs work for it? We will be going on a Wed-Fri in Sept but it is just on Friday at 9:00 and 10:30. How do we guarantee a good spot without the dining package, and where exactly is the best spot?

The above poster gave some great advice.
We are currently here and had a FP and got here 7:50 for a 9 show. We had to wait in line till 8:15 ish. They let us in and we lucked out and got a railing spot. I don't know yet if this is a good spot but it looks to bed.

 

[KBinCO]

Okay, I just switched out 7:20 dinner reservation to 6:10.

 

[KBinCO]

And, it's worth the wait then? Is there any way to see either the 9 or 10:30 show and still catch the 9:30 fireworks?

 

[2boysmommy]

And, it's worth the wait then? Is there any way to see either the 9 or 10:30 show and still catch the 9:30 fireworks?

To see the fireworks following the 9:00 show they ask you to stay in place and just turn around. Not the best viewing, in my opinion. If you really want to see both I would view the fireworks from the left side of the hub near the Frontierland bridge and head immediately over as soon as they finish. You may not get front row seats but should still be fine for the 10:30 F! show. Ideally, you would watch the fireworks on another night and not try to see both in the same night.

 

[KBinCO]

To see the fireworks following the 9:00 show they ask you to stay in place and just turn around. Not the best viewing, in my opinion. If you really want to see both I would view the fireworks from the left side of the hub near the Frontierland bridge and head immediately over as soon as they finish. You may not get front row seats but should still be fine for the 10:30 F! show. Ideally, you would watch the fireworks on another night and not try to see both in the same night.

Unfortunately out of the 3 days we're there, it's the only night for both. We already added a day just so we could see WOC since CA closes at 5 one of the days we're there.

 

[Butterfly123]

And, it's worth the wait then? Is there any way to see either the 9 or 10:30 show and still catch the 9:30 fireworks?

We watched the fireworks from our Fantasmic spot. They did some projections and you had a fair view of the fireworks. I'll be honest, it's not like seeing them from Main St. But it was okay.

Whether its worth the wait is a subjective thing. I've always loved Fantasmic, and I was excited to see the new changes. So it was worth it to me!

 

[Rabb it]

Our experience is from two weeks ago. We picked up our FP right at park opening, so we got the first show. The FP said to show up at the dock area at 8:00 for the 9:00 show, but after talking to a few CM we realized we would need to show up a lot earlier. We got there a little before 7:15, and hung around waiting. We were eventually among the first let in to the "holding" area, which is the waiting area for the Columbia/Mark Twain. That was around 7:40. At 8:00 they let us into the viewing area...you are walked down as far as you can go in the viewing area by a CM. We were fortunate to get in a seated area. A lot of the regular FP is standing.
So my advice, which is based only on a one time experience, is get a FP first thing, they run out quickly, and go wait by the dock area early, and don't let the CM shoo you away, because they may try to tell you to come back later. Just hang around and don't do too far. Because you don't know when they will start letting people into the "holding" area.

Good luck!!

Solid advice!

 

[HydroGuy]

It is always best IMO to go to the late Fantasmic show if you want to see fireworks. Watch the fireworks from the Frontierland side of the hub and as soon as they end make your way to Fantasmic. I have done this many time, but before the use of FPs. So I cannot specifically say how that would work for you.

 

[Butterfly123]

It is always best IMO to go to the late Fantasmic show if you want to see fireworks. Watch the fireworks from the Frontierland side of the hub and as soon as they end make your way to Fantasmic. I have done this many time, but before the use of FPs. So I cannot specifically say how that would work for you.

I used to love watching both shows that way. Ah, fond memories. We were afraid to try it on our last trip with Fantasmic only being open a few weeks and the crowds being so big. If anyone tries this I'd love to know if it still works!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

9/15 is the first day of Halloween Time this year, so expect crowds, especially in the evening. Locals will be flocking to NOS to see HMH. Allow extra time for maneuvering through crowds and for waiting.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Unfortunately out of the 3 days we're there, it's the only night for both. We already added a day just so we could see WOC since CA closes at 5 one of the days we're there.

My kids were perfectly happy watching the fireworks from our Fantasmic spot. There were projections on the water, we had a perfect view standing by the railing, and it was much less stressful than trying to find another spot, especially for those not fond of crowds. You don't have to exhaust yourself trying to make everything perfect.

 

[HydroGuy]

My kids were perfectly happy watching the fireworks from our Fantasmic spot. There were projections on the water, we had a perfect view standing by the railing, and it was much less stressful than trying to find another spot, especially for those not fond of crowds. You don't have to exhaust yourself trying to make everything perfect.

To you and the OP, DL fireworks seem to be in transition right now. The current show Remember Dreams Come True is far better when seen from the hub or far down Main Street. Yes it is nice to watch fireworks from the Fantasmic area, but be aware that RDCT is more than just fireworks and you are missing most of the show if you are not somewhere in front of the castle.

 

[KBinCO]

Hmmmm. Lots to think about. We saw the 60th anniversary fireworks last year but may not be able to go back for a while and have never seen fantasmic. Between the fireworks and fantasmic, what's a not-miss?

I should add we'll have 7 and 9 year old girls.