How do you rate the evening shows at the parks?

[Islandmom71]

When we went 4 yrs ago we saw Shows at Epcot, HS & MK. Fantasmic was ok but I am not feeling the need to see it again, didn't see the Star Wars fireworks. Thoughts? Rate the shows in order of preference. Thanks

 

[WEDWDW]

Happily Ever After
Fantasmic!
IllumiNations
Star Wars-A Galactic Spectacular
Rivers of Light-A distant 5th!lol

 

[msk]

1. Happily Ever After at MK
2. Star Wars at HS
3. Fantasmic at HS
4. Illuminations at Epcot

To be fair I have not seen the River of Life show at AK.

 

[McKelly]

Happily Ever After
Illuminations
Star Wars
Fantasmic
Rivers of Light

The boys in my family would say:
Star Wars
Happily Ever After
Illuminations
Fantasmic
Rivers of Light

 

[Tomh]

Haven't see Star Wars fireworks, nor have I seen Happily Ever After in person. I have seen Happily Ever After on youtube, and it certainly looked amazing.

My guess is:

Happily Ever After
Illuminations
Rivers of Light
Fantasmic (not that it is a bad show, but I am very excited for Rivers of Light)

 

[bryanb]

1. Happily Ever After
2. Illuminations
3. Fantasmic (DHS version*)
4. Star Wars Galactic Spectacular
5. Rivers of Light
6. Once Upon a Time (maybe best for kids who you're trying to prepare for bedtime)

*lower rating biased by my growing up on the Disneyland version on the Rivers of America

 

[CAS239]

Somewhat similar thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/which-nighttime-shows-would-you-prioritize.3623239/

-HEA
-Star Wars
Those two are must sees for us
-Fantasmic
-Illuminations
-Rol

 

[CounselorX]

To me, the atmosphere and ambiance of my surroundings has a lot to do with how much I enjoy a show, so for that reason, I rank Illuminations number 1. I love getting a seat near the water at the Mexican quick-service restaurant and just relaxing, eating some nachos, and watching the show.

 

[notrub98]

I think it is all personal. I, for one, find Illuminations painful to watch and adore Fantasmic, but my family loves Illuminations (and also love Fantasmic). For me:

Fantasmic
HEA
Star Wars

Illuminations and ROL are skippable to me.

 

[BrianL]

I am at a disadvantage on this as I have not yet seen Happily Ever After or Rivers of Light, but I will go based on my expectations:

Happily Ever After - Newest show with rave reviews (can't wait!)
Fantasmic! - My favorite ever! It needs an update though (like DL just got)
Illuminations - Such incredible music!
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular - You have to be a Star Wars fan (which I am) and it's probably actually tied with Illuminations for me
Rivers of Light - I wonder if it's really as "not that good" as people say, but I'll find out. I was very excited for it!

 

[GPC0321]

The only ones there now that I've actually seen in person are IllumiNations and Fantasmic! so the other three are ranked off of Youtube videos and my excitement (or lack thereof) about seeing them.

1. Happily Ever After (even on Youtube it blew me away. Cannot wait to see it in person.)
2. IllumiNations (I just love the music and love Epcot World Showcase in general...good "feels" with this show)
3. Star Wars (the old Star Wars show would outrank IllumiNations and come close to HEA, but the new one doesn't look as good to me, and I love Star Wars).
4. Fantasmic! (It has been a loooong time since I saw it, but I remember wishing we had gone to a different park to see different fireworks)
5. Rivers of Light (I keep trying to watch it on Youtube and it keeps putting me to sleep. I like explosive, exciting nighttime shows, and this is not that. I'm sure it's pretty, but not something I'd go to great lengths to see.)

 

[TJA]

I have seen all of them except for Star Wars.

1) Happily Ever After
2) Illuminations
3) Fantasmic
4) RoL