How to avoid crowds during/after Fantasmic?

[vellamint]

We have never been to Disneyland and are planning on seeing Fantasmic one night only. We have five day passes and I need to know how to avoid the crowds during the show.

Everything I have read on the message boards indicate that the walkways are horrible during and after the show.

Is there a way to avoid this?

I would like to use this time to go on rides which hopefully won't be as crowded. We do not need to leave as soon as the show is over either.

Can someone help me.....I have no concept as to how the park is laid out and where things are and dont want to be dragging my family in the wrong directions!!! (this will be especially difficult to me as I have WDW down to a science - lol).

Thanks.

 

[Tinkerbellish]

Just be sure to NOT be anywhere near New Orleans square. When you're not watching the show. That place is jampacked.

This may be a good time to head to fantasyland and hit the rides there.

If you want a stress free viewing I would suggest doing the fantasmic dessert buffest or the reserved seating thing. It can get expensive though. It's like almost 50 dollars a person I believe.

 

[Firefly777]

Hi vellamint!

We've found the walkways aren't too bad during the show. It's really just after that you need to be concerned about. It's kind of the calm before the storm, so to speak, in that area. This would be a good time to ride Haunted Mansion, as that seems to really empty out during Fantasmic. Then after you ride that, head towards BTMRR and ride that if you want (IF it's open). Then I would turn right and take the pathway to Fantasyland (Big Thunder Trail). I would stay in Fantasyland, Toontown, or Tomorrowland for awhile after the show until it empties out.

The most important thing is to avoid Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, and maybe Main St. right after the show is over.

 

[LeftCoaster]

ALso, keep in mind the showtimes and time of year. If you're going soon for example, you'll have the fireworks right after the first Fantasmic show. So, an option (if you want to see the fireworks) would be to watch the fireworks from Main Street Train Station. Then, you can hop on a train after the fireworks and go to New Orleans Square. This would give you quick access to Haunted Mansion and Pirates. Ride these and you should have time to see the 10:30 Fatnasmic show... the 10:30 Fantasmic show will be MUCH less crowded than the 9:00 p.m. show.

 

[MrShiny]

We just got back. The walkways are not too bad efore or during the show. Even at the earlier show, you can sometimes find a good spot. Beware though, if you are waiting in a deceent spot, folks will tend to swarm in at the last minute! I suggst you just hold your ground and resist the urge to move away as someone bumps into you (other wise you may find yourself sandwiched in!).

If you happen to be going at a holiday, they might have 3 Fantasmics. This is usually not announced until the day it happens. If you can make it to the 3rd one, that is by far your best bet.

Another good choice is the Fantasmic dessert buffet on the Disney Gallery balcony. Pricey, but a perfect view above the crowds. I think you can reserve this in advance now.

The nightmare is getting out after the show. The walkways are very crowded. The show is on Tom Sawyer island and you watch from New Orleans square.

It was very hard with a stroller - I'd suggest giving the stroller rider a big light up toy (if they can be trusted not to hit others!). I found that many people would walk sideways right into the stroller because they did not bother to look down next to them. Of course if you are weilding a stroller, try to keep in as straight a line as you can. I suggest when you make it to Main Street, try going through the shops. This tends to get you along a little faster (and definitely with more elbow room) than the street.

Best bet, hold your ground and let the crowds subside (or get settled for the next show).