Questions about Fantasmic in September

[twinspluscade]

We're hoping to catch Fantasmic during our trip Sept 7-11. The problem is we'll only have one night--Sunday--to watch it; and I think they may only have one show at 9:00 that night (Sept calander hasn't been released yet, but I'm going by the schedule from last year I found). Anyway, I have a few questions:

1) If there is only one show that night, I'm guessing it gets super crowded. What time should we stake out a seat? I don't care about sitting right in front--and fact, with my kids it would be best if we're back a bit--but want a spot where we can at least see most of what's going on.

2) You watch from New Orleans Square, right? Are there lots of places to watch from, or is it a case where people are practically sitting on your lap/bumping into you constantly/getting snarly at one another ?

3) If Fantasmic is at 9, can we remain in our spots and see any of the Fireworks show at 9:35? I'm guessing you probably can't see much of them, especially with so many people exiting the area.

4) If you had to pick between Fantasmic and Wishes, which would you recommend for a family with kids ages 6,6,4?

Thanks!

 

[twinspluscade]

Okay, I read in a different thread about watching Fantasmic from River View Terrace...which according to Allears, is in Frontierland. So now I'm really confused. Do you watch from New Orleans Square, Frontierland, or do both "lands" have viewing spots?

Thanks!

 

[nunzia]

Well, unless you pay $59 for a chair and a box of treats, there really aren't any seats. There used to be some grassy places you could sit, but I don't know if that's still the case. Fantasmic plays on the rivers of America so it 's viewing area covers parts of different lands, so to speak. It gets VERY crowded very early. Last time there we paid for the dessert seating, but some in our party stood behind that area and could see well, while others moved further on and found a fairly nice place right against a wooden railing..I wish I could remember exactly where, since I want to be at that place this year.
Wishes is amazing, and although you can see it from the Fantasmic area, the view in front of the castle is immersive and unforgettable. That said, Fantasmic is amazing too, and not to be missed. We only have one night with them both playing when we go in May, and I'll go for Fantasmic. But it's a hard choice to make..maybe extend a day

 

[HydroGuy]

Okay, I read in a different thread about watching Fantasmic from River View Terrace...which according to Allears, is in Frontierland. So now I'm really confused. Do you watch from New Orleans Square, Frontierland, or do both "lands" have viewing spots?

Thanks!

You can see Fantasmic from either Frontierland or New Orleans Square, but the bulk of the viewing is NOS. You can also probably see it from Adventureland as well near its boundary with NOS in front of POTC.

In answer to your OP, I would say that 90 minutes early for a 9PM show should be fine. Some people start claiming spots two hours early.

Watching Fantasmic is a bit like watching fireworks. Lots of people around, a little bumping but for the most part everyone is courteous. If you can get a spot near the water this area is sitting only. Bring beach towels or something to make your territory.

Further back it is standing only to watch the show. I would guess you can sit while you wait but once the show starts you will need to stand.

The standing area can be tough for people with children who are in the 5-10 range. For the most part you can hold 4-year-olds and under so they can see, and most 11-year-olds are tall enough to see in a standing area. But most 5-10 year-olds are too heavy to hold for 20 minutes and too short to see. In which case the sitting area down front is the best bet.

Depending on where your spot is for Fantasmic you can remain there to watch the RDCT fireworks. But most of the viewing spots are in walkways and hence people will be walking by as soon as the show ends. Be advised that RDCT was designed to be seen from the hub or the far end of Main Street. You will only experience about 20% of the show from NOS. I really like Fantasmic but IMO RDCT is a better show. If I had to choose between the two I would see RDCT. But you can't go wrong either way.