Illuminations or Fantasmic?

[turnerx5]

If you were forced to see just one of these shows, which would it be, any why?

Our length of stay in November will limit us to a night at Epcot or a night at MGM. I know Epcot has more to offer at night than just Illuminations, but based just on these shows, which would you choose?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[ryley26]

fantasmic hands down better overall show. it has charcters and fireworks and lasers no questions

 

[beattyfamily]

Fantasmic hands down

 

[Terry S]

Wow! I really prefer Illuminations. As a matter of fact the last time we went to Fantasmic, Illuminations was going on at the same time and I was peeking around the mountain to see Illuminations. So my vote goes to Illuminations.

 

[SondraD11]

I think both shows are terrific and I never miss either one. Having said that, I think you need to consider the preferences of your traveling party.

If you can't get enough of the characters, you will love Fantasmic. Fantasmic is the story of Sorcerer Mickey's dream and it features lots of characters either performing live or in short film clips projected on water screens. It can be a little scary at points for little ones because of the villians but older kids would probably prefer Fantasmic for this reason. There are some fireworks during the grand finale but not what I would consider a lot.

If you can't get enough of fireworks and your party is mostly adult, you will love Illuminations. Illuminations is a story of the world community and world peace with more fireworks than Fantasmic. I think it appeals more to the adult audience because there are no characters.

Take comfort knowing that whatever you choose, you will not make a mistake. Both shows are great.

Sondra

 

[skiwee1]

I prefer Fantasmic to Illuminations any day.

 

[AFMom]

I tell anyone I know going to DL in CA or to WDW that Fantasmic is a must - it's worth the price of the admission ticket just to see the show, iMHO. My kids were 3 and 4 the first time they saw it - they are now 6 and almost 8 and still play act it out to the soundtrack we bought. They can't wait to see it again (less than a week!!!). It's a shame you can't see both - but Fantasmic would certainly be my pick!

 

[raider93]

Fantasmic if you have any kids. It is outdoor theatre style with seats. Great character presentation and story line. Illuminations is also great, but you have to stand for a long time and be there at least an hour early to stake out a spot. I do not think my kids enjoyed Illuminations as much as Fantasmic.

 

[old lost boy]

I agree with SondraD, with young kids Fantasmic but I prefer Illuminations. We have seen Fantasmic twice and that is enough for me.

 

[turnerx5]

Our chiledren are DS (9), DD (7), DS (4). Only concern was that the Dragon looks scary in the Disney Planning DVD !

Has anyone's children beem traumatized by the scary presentation?

.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Yes turnerx, our DD (who was 4 at the time) curled tight in my lap and buried her head and cried on my chest. (When she saw the dragon.) DH was videotaping the show. We almost got up to leave because it was tearing at our hearts to hear her cry. About the time we stood up, the 'happy' characters reappeared, and she was fine.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

I prefer Illuminations to Fantasmic...

 

[Robo]

I am very surprised no one has mentioned that at many times of the year, when it gets dark early enough for an "early" (7pm or so) Fantasmic! that you CAN see BOTH in the same night.

Attend an early Fantasmic!, then walk (or take the boat transportation) from MGM to Epcot's Intl. Gateway. Stroll on up to the bridge-to-France area and witness Illuminations.

You must have Hopper Tickets or AP's of course, but my DW and I have done this at least once a trip (in the off-season) for years.

 

[ncbyrne]

In our family it depends on who you ask. Me? Illuminations! I see it more than once on every trip. My grown DD? She prefers Fantasmic, but still likes Illuminations too.

 

[helenk]

In November you could actually do both, depending on when you are going, you do not give your dates.
But if your are going during the beginning of Nov, Fantasmic is at 7:00, after Fantasmic you could exit MGM and walk over to Epcot or take the boat, and be able to see Illuminations at 9:00 from the World Showcase.
If you are going over Thanksgiving week you would not be able to do this as Fantasmic is scheduled for 8:00...unless it is an evening when it is scheduled twice 6:30 and then 8:30, then you could go to the first show and get over to Epcot. After Thanksgiving Illuminations is at 9:30.
It all depends on your party, the walk over to Epcot from MGM is nice, it takes about 20 minutes and is well lit.
When my son (who was a teenager at the time) and I went in 2002, we had no problem seeing Fantamic and then going over for Illuminations.

 

[turnerx5]

Helenk & Robo:

Thanks for your responses about seeing both. We're doing early entry that morning at the Magic Kingdom (Nov. 18th), so I'd be concerned about the kids ability to stay up that late.

If we do Fantasmic, I'll book the dinner package, and the kids probably will not get a chance to take a nap. No nap = not up past 8:30pm for our youngest.

Thanks everyone for helping me plan!

 

[RickNWendy]

apples and oranges, there. Gotta see both (and I hate shows).

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by turnerx5
Our chiledren are DS (9), DD (7), DS (4). Only concern was that the Dragon looks scary in the Disney Planning DVD !

Has anyone's children beem traumatized by the scary presentation?

.

My 5 y/o DD has seen Fantasmic the last 4 years and had never had a problem with it scaring her and she is pretty timid. The dragon is so far away and it really doesn't look scary. This is my DD's favorite show.

 

[Sarahsal]

When my youngest was 3, we were worried she would be scared of the dragon (she was scared of many things then) so we tried to prepare her. We told her the dragon was just pretend, and that Mickey would save us all from the 'pretend' dragon. After several minutes of discussion, she jumped up on the bench and let us know, in a very loud voice, that yes, we could stay, because "Mickey wiw kiw the dwagon." It was somewhat disconcerting to see my sweet little 3 year old girl yelling about killing things, but the rest of the night went well.

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

Oh, my goodness!!! This is a very tough question!!!

I absolutely love both of them, and could not see myself going to WDW without seeing both. That would really tough if I had to pick one.

But since you asked....Hmmmm.....I would have to say Illuminations gets my vote!

Have fun with whichever one you decide!!