Ilunimations or fantasmic?

[ammag]

We will only be able to do one, and have never seen either. Our kids are 7 and 3. Which would you choose and why?

 

[ammag]

Sorry for the typo. Illuminations

 

[King of Naboombu]

I think Fantasmic is a better show, plus way better for kids due to the characters and having seating. They do some entertaining of the crowd while you wait for show to begin so kids are more occupied during that time. Some parts of the show and effects can be a little startling for younger kids and if you're front and center the mist can be a problem. So for those reasons I would just advise not to sit in the lowest rows. But I would choose that over Illuminations if I could not see both.

 

[CAS239]

For kids, I'd say fantasmic. For firework, pyrotechnics, and more adults, illuminations

Fantasmic is more of a show with characters, illuminations is a great show of fireworks and flames

I prefer illumination

 

[Josh Hendy]

I agree, Fantasmic for the kids ... especially if they are obsessed with certain (or all) Disney characters.

The one time we saw Fantasmic, one of our DDs was very anxious to see Jasmine and we had not managed to find her in any of the other parks. We were saved when Jasmine (along with umpteen other characters) went around on the riverboat.

Illuminations is a great show, but it's a lot more esoteric and the plot (such as it is) is probably beyond what just about any little kid understands or cares about. It's also more difficult to exit the park and get back to your car/bus/resort after Illuminations because the crowds are bigger and the distances are longer than at DHS.

 

[riversend22]

I know I am in the minority on this, but I think illuminations is TERRIBLE. I find it boring, hard to see what is happening, and not fun at all. I would pick Fantasmic hands down... Especially for the kids!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Illuminations. Disneyland's Fantasmic puts WDW's to shame

If you have a kid who's scared of fire, both have fire effects. Illuminations you might be far enough away, but sit further back if you go to Fantasmic.

 

[ps17]

We prefer illuminations but for kids that age, it is all about them so fantasmic easy decision. Eventually see illuminitaions.

 

[lustergirl]

Illuminations is a must every trip. Next trip I have a 6:30pm ADR at Restaurant Marrakesh and after that watching Illuminations.

 

[Goofdad]

I know I am in the minority on this, but I think illuminations is TERRIBLE. I find it boring, hard to see what is happening, and not fun at all. I would pick Fantasmic hands down... Especially for the kids!

terrible is a bit strong, but I agree.

Fantasmic is great, especially for kids. There is some talk about Fantasmic being dark and scary - my kids are pretty sensitive to scary/dark stuff and they loved Fantasmic.

Illuminations - if you go, do your homework on best places to view. Smoke can really obstruct viewing if you're down wind.

 

[ps17]

To emphasize, illuminations is a must every trip (and we prioritize it over fantasmic now) and we have been to WDW 15 times however, and on one of our first visits, fantasmic for our young kids the first time was priceless for them and us....

 

[Dawnlight]

I preferred Illuminations- we viewed it from the second floor of the Japan pavillion.

I was not a fan of Fantasmic. It seemed dated, lots of unclear movie projections on a water spray "screen". My girls (9) liked Fantasmic for the characters and dragon, so if you are going primarily for them, that would probably be the better choice.

 

[ConnieB]

Fantastmic has fireworks, a story that kids that young will understand, characters, a fun sword fight, and "scary" scenes (a big dragon for one, but nothing a Disney movie loving child can't handle).

Illuminations is gorgeous fireworks and special effects, but the story will almost definitely go over the 3yo, and maybe over the 7yo. It is a moving and touching presentation, but the parents will like it more than the kids, in my opinion.


You probably can view both on youtube to decide which YOUR children would like better. But my vote would be Fantasmic.

 

[TillyMarigold]

I strongly prefer Fantasmic! and don't like IllumiNations--as some have said, it's hard to get a good view, because it's so close to ground (lagoon) level, and then it fills up with smoke pretty fast. I'd say Fantasmic! unless your 3-year-old will freak out at the big scary dragon breathing fire at Mickey. My son watched it on YouTube and kept yelling "Oh no! Mickey!" so I'm not sure how he'll cope with it live.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Our family loves Fantasmic. Within the course of the show, your kids will see classic Mickey, Brave Little Tailor Mickey, Steamboat Mickey, and, of course, Sorcerer Mickey. The finale always gives me goosebumps whether it's Steamboat Willie at WDW or the Mark Twain at DL. The characters bring such joy to Mickey's imagination to conclude the show.

 

[Queuing4Disney]

I'm many decades past being a kid, but I have to admit I don't really get the "story" of Illuminations myself. Is there one? It just seems to be a "We Are the World"/"Everyone Love Everyone Around the World" sort of show with lighting & mechanical effects and fireworks.

That being said, I really prefer Fantasmic as I love seeing the Disney characters and hearing the iconic Disney songs. On a side note, though, I much, much prefer Disneyland's Fantasmic in spite of not having nice stadium seating there. The Peter Pan "battle" on the moving pirate ship trumps the Pocahontas cliff show in my humble opinion. But on our last visit to Disney World, we brought along my daughter's good friend and her favorite princess is Pocahontas so for her the highlight of the trip was that segment of Fantasmic as you don't really get Pocahontas anywhere else.

 

[ammag]

Ok I think we will do fantasmic. Thanks! Last time we had the chance my daughter would have been afraid but not now. We only want to do four things at HS so I am thinking a late afternoon set of FP and fantasmic. Now on to dinner....

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Ok I think we will do fantasmic. Thanks! Last time we had the chance my daughter would have been afraid but not now. We only want to do four things at HS so I am thinking a late afternoon set of FP and fantasmic. Now on to dinner....

Great choice! I would have recommended Fantasmic, as well. Now, regarding dinner, might I suggest Sci Fi Dine In or 50's Prime Time? Both are fun and two excellently themed restaurants.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Fantasmic!, without a doubt. I find IllumiNations boring in the extreme.

 

[ammag]

I have a res for prime time, however I think I have to switch days to allow us to have a morning at resort/ sleep in time after two park days not one, so I will see what's available