Strategy for Fantasmic?

[RKB]

Well it is almost time for our DL trip. I just checked the schedule and found out that Fantasmic will still be showing (I thought in January it would be off season). Since my DH will never spend 50 bucks a person to see Fantasmic at the buffet what is the best strategy to get a good view of the show (ie, where should we go to? How early should we be?). Thanks for your help!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Mt fave spot is from the Pirates bridge, because it is so nice to lean! My fave "walk up 20 minutes before it starts" spot is on the steps to the left of the bridge, but that is an obstructed view.

 

[iceskatejen]

There's a group of Fantasmic regulars that set tarps out really early (they were there around 4 on wednesday). My suggestion is make friends with them. Their tarps are usually pretty big and they usually end up inviting people on (I've been invited on a few times).

 

[house_of_princesses]

Do you mean to say that there are guests who actually lay out a tarp on the ground in the middle of the day in order to reserve a viewing spot? Being the recipient of their invite, I can see why you wouldn't want to say anything negative, but, really....doesn't this seem a little over the top? Dare I say thoughtless? Speaks highly of the Fantasmic show, little of the guests, imhumbleo.

 

[jxgriffi]

Yes, it's true...there are people that do that.

My personal plan has been (and will always be) to go to either the 2nd or 3rd show (if there is one). Take the train into NOS during the first show and hang out around Mansion. As the show is ending, make your way down to the rivers edge and stake a spot. You'll have a lot shorter wait than the first show and you can get a great spot.

That's my 2 cents...

 

[missmulan]

this is a cut & paste excerpt from familyfun site re: best way to see fantasmic

In the busy season (i.e., summers and holidays), it is advised that you be at the Fantasmic stadium at least 90 minutes before showtime to guarantee a good seat. And you'll need to be there 60 minutes before showtime to guarantee yourself any sort of seat at all. In the off-season, 60 minutes is usually enough. Since this is admittedly a long time to wait, some families leave one family member (along with strategically placed jackets and fanny packs) to guard the turf while the others visit a final attraction or shop. You can also eat in the stadium, so if you're pressed for time you can either buy snacks from the stadium vendors or carry in dinner from another fast-food place within the park. A clever comedy preshow helps to make the wait bearable.

The best seating is as close to the center as possible. The sections at the extreme right or left of the stadium miss a bit of the live action, although the water screens are situated to ensure good viewing for everyone in the stadium. But don't think that a front-row seat is any particular prize. You'll get more of the scope of the show if you're sitting about halfway back.

When the show is over, there is a mass exodus toward the gates. The crowd is really something to contend with, since nearly everyone converges for Fantasmic! In essence, everyone in the park is trying to exit at once.

If you're sitting near the back of a central section you have a good shot at being one of the first ones to exit. Get up and get out fast. But if you're down near the front or near the sides, there is no way to make a quick exit. You're better off just sitting still and letting the bulk of the crowd leave before you. And since it is nearly impossible to push a stroller through the crowd, families with very young children will definitely do better by waiting until the area is at least halfway empty before they attempt to exit.

 

[starwood]

missmulan

That sounds like they are speaking of the WDW Fantasmic. They have a stadium. DL does not.

 

[RKB]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. Sounds like at least one of us will have to get there very early to work out a spot. I can't wait to see the show!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

If you don't have many days @ Disneyland, then I recommend the 2nd show -- the only problem with that is that the walkways get very crowded, especially at this time of year. We went during Spring Break, and it was at a standstill - just crazy... but, don't be scared off - it is a wonderful show, and worth watching. A good area is over by the Haunted Mansion. If you want to wait awhile, the bridge over Pirates gives great a great view - standing only, and make sure the trees don't block your view.

I'd recommend one person per three in your group hold a spot, because it is going to get crowded, and the rest should get there by 7:30, 8pm at the latest. This is a good time to get a bite to eat if you get a sitting area. People towards the front sit on the ground, and people towards the back, stand.

Do not try sitting or standing along the brick wall - the Cast Members will move you along.

Enjoy