Iluminations vs. Fantasmic -- help!

[formerCPer]

Tough decision to make...

Because family wants to attend Luau one night, we have to make a choice between Fantasmic and Illuminations.

Which one to give up?

Considerations:
- 7 of 8 first-timers to WDW
- two children ages 11 and 3
- we'll see Spectromagic as well

Thanks!

 

[TLinden16]

I would go with Fantasmic. It has more of a story to it, and in my opinion, it's a lot more exciting. Plus, providing you arrive at the show early enough, you will be able to sit down for the show, and pretty much every seat has a great unobstructed view of the action. I think Fantasmic alone is worth the price of admission to the park for a day. A word of advice, though, it may be a bit intense for the three year old.

Illuminations is a great show, as well, but I don't find it nearly as entertaining as Fantasmic, but that's just me.

Karen

 

[princesstommi]

That is a tough decision to make. But I really think, either way, you can't go wrong.

Since you will do Spectro, you will get the Mickey Magic, with the characters and everything. The kids (and the adults) will love that. So maybe doing Illuminations would be better, you could show them a completely different side of Disney Magic.

Other plusses to Illuminations...you can take more time to see the park, instead of sitting in the theater for 60-90 minutes ahead of time. And the villian part of Fantasmic! might be a little much for a 3 year old.

But then again, Illuminations has always been my favorite show. F antasmic! comes close, but not close enough.

Good luck!

 

[ktglads]

If your youngest does not like loud fireworks, I would go to Fantasmic. You can see the high Illuminations fireworks on some nights from the theater and still see the Fantasmic show. If your kids love fireworks, I would go see Illuminations. Either way, I don't think you will be disappointed. Personally, I prefer Illuminations, but I like fireworks, and they have some really nice ones there.

 

[tjkraz]

Another vote for Illuminations. That's one of my favorites. Plus, with only 3 park days, you might not want to spend 90 minutes sitting and waiting for Fantasmic to begin. I know I wouldn't!!!

 

[WDWorBUST]

FANTASMIC - 100%

I would hate to not to get to go to both but if it were one or the other I would do Fantasmic every time.

 

[formerCPer]

Thanks, everybody. Any more dis'ers want to weigh in on the great debate?

 

[WDWorBUST]

Hey formerCPer - I just noticed your in Oklahoma too - aren't you just loving this weather we've been having the last few days to a week??

 

[kdibattista]

I definitely think you should go to Fantasmic.... it's an incredible show... not to be missed!!!

 

[PatriciaH]

With limited time I would do Illuminations so I would not have to wait an hour for Fantasmic.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My four year old says Fantasmic, and I agree with him. He loved it. Last week, it did not fill up. If you are leaving before school is out, there shouldn't be a huge crowd.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

My vote would be to see Illuminations. It's absolutely amazing. I could not imagine missing it. I loved the music, fireworks, lasers, flames, lights, everything. It blew me away.

Fantasmic was good, too. And if your children want to see a show with Mickey Mouse & Company, plus some fireworks, it's cute.

However, if you are looking for a fireworks show, Illuminations is fireworks EXTRAORDINAIRE. Seeing it was phenomenal.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Illuminations! We love the music so much we bought the CD last time we were there and we listen to it almost everyday. Just the other day my husband was commenting on how great the music is, and the fireworks and lights just move me to tears. Man I wish I was there now.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Another vote for Fantasmic! I agree that it's worth the price of admission! My DD has seen it both times she has gone to WDW and the first time she was almost 2, this last time almost 3. She wasn't scared at all, and still loves to watch it on our home videos. She gets so excited when Mickey "takes his dream back" from the villains! This is a great show!!!!

 

[Planogirl]

This is so hard! I love Illuminations but Fantasmic is great too. How much time do you want to devote to waiting for Fantasmic or could you do the Fantasmic dinner? We missed Illuminations during our last trip and I regret it.

 

[raidermatt]

Fantasmic is a great show, and I wouldn't want to miss it... but I would recommend Illuminations for your group.

Illuminations most definitely has a story, its just not as familiar a story, nor quite as easy to pick up on. The music is excellent, and it can be a truly moving experience.

Fantasmic is fun, and filled with familiar Disney songs and characters, but Illuminations is a more unique experience.

 

[cajungirl]

I know I'm in the minority, but Fantasmic did not blow me away.
But Illuminations...I've seen it 4 times in 4 trips and have my second Illuminations cruise scheduled for 6/17. It is one of my and DH's very favorite things at WDW.

 

[Balt ravens fan]

Illuminations! Awesome! Enough said

 

[formerCPer]

I think the winner is Illuminations by a nose.

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

 

[spectro man]

My vote would be for Fantasmic. MUST SEE!