Poll: Illuminations or Fantasy in the Sky or Fantasmic

[jaysue]

OK, all you poll people out there and advice givers.

Seeking advice on following - have DS 3 1/2 (DW staying at home - busy busy busy) - do not want to hit with more than one of these late at night shows during the trip

Please share your opinions as to which would be best for his age?

Thanks
Jason

 

[Pirate Mickey]

I think it will depend on your child and how easily he get scared.

Fantasmic is my favorite of the 3 listed. But, it may be too intense for your 3 1/2 yr old. My DD who is not easliy scared went when she was 3 and did fine but I've read here that many younger kids don't like it.

That being said, she did not like Illuminations at that age because it was too loud.

The Fantasy in the Sky was great for her because we were able to sit and see the fireworks by the castle. This was a very magical moment for her.

I hope this helps.

 

[jiminyfan]

Illuminations and Fantasmic. He is not too thrilled with Fantasy in the sky. He has 8 trips to WDW under his belt already and Illuminations is the overall winner with probably 60 plus shows seen.

He loves the music and the "Big Ball opening with fire".

WE let him choose which show he wants to see each night.

I know he will miss ToN/ToD - that was his favorite parade by far.

No reason to only do one. If possible take an afternoon break and enjoy the magic after dark. Hey, Mommy is at home and it is your time to spoil the CHILD!!! <G>

If you would like any other advice on travelling with a toddler to WDW just ask.

 

[eeyore0062]

I think that Illuminations is extremely impressive. Not only the fireworks, but the globe and the story that goes along with it.

I like Fantasmic as a very close 2nd. It is VERY well done, and a lot of fun, but possibly a bit too intense for a 3 1/2 year old. Many get very scared by the villians, the explosions, and have been known to have to leave, and have nightmares.

As for Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, they are great, and your child will love seeing Tinkerbelle fly from the castle--- I still get goosebumps watching that. They are shortest in duration, and possibly more kid oriented than the others.

Has your child seen fireworks before? If not, they can be a scary experience for a child of that age, and you may want him to experience them from the distance, first... say from the Poly beach or Illuminations from the Boardwalk area.


As for the parades, all of them are great. You will get the most interaction from Mickey's Jammin Jungle parade at the AK. It is the newest, least known, and probably the most kid friendly.

 

[carene]

OOOOOHHH!! Too hard to choose, but i'll go along with the majority and say illuminations.

Fantasmic may be a little too scary for a three year old!

However, illuminations and fantasy in the sky, will both depend on whether your child likes loud bangs or not?

 

[BrianD]

I'm really kind of surprised that Fantasy in the Sky is not in the lead here. The question posed concerns a 3 1/2 year old. I think a little child might get scared by Fantasmic, & I picked FITS over Illuminations because MK is a much more child oriented park than Epcot. To me there's nothing like being in front of Cinderella Castle watching the fireworks with your child.

 

[UKDEB]

I voted for IllumiNations without reading the question. I too think maybe FITS would be better for a little one, especially if you make sure you stand where you can see Tink fly across the sky.

 

[brooks13]

Hi there,

This is some of the same information I'm seeking. Can you see Illuminations from outside Epcot?

Thanks.

 

[PammyK]

Even though I prefer Illuminations, I voted for Fantasmic for 2 reasons. First because Fantasmic usually starts and ends earlier than lllumiNations so you can get the little one home to bed earlier. Second because Fantasmic has recognizable characters and movie clips to hold a young child's interest.

 

[DVCPAM]

They both loved Fantasmic and wanted to do it again. They were okay with Fantasy in tke sky, but not super thrilled- but Tink didn't fly that night. Illuminations was entertaining, not scary or too loud. I would say Fantasmic was the favorite by far, probably because of the recognition of characters. The 2 yr old covered his eyes sometimes, but was peeking through his fingers!
Good Luck!