Strategy when two Fantasmic! shows?

[Mommio]

Hello everyone!

On April 13th we'll be at MGM and there will be two Fantasmic! shows. One is at 8:30 and the other is at park closing 10:00. Also, it's not Extra Magic Hours evening.

Estimating that the crowds during that time will most likely be gargantuan I made a Fantasmic! dinner package ADR for 6:20 at Hollywood & Vine. The package only admits you to the 8:30 show. I'm thinking we'll get to the stadium right after dinner around 7:45 to be seated.

Will this also give us extra time after the show for an attraction before the park closes? If not, perhaps I should forget about the dinner package and go to the 10:00 show if it will be less crowded since it's later. I've overthought this one and can't decide which is the better option

I would very much appreciate your advice!

 

[Goofy Rulz]

We will be doing the FDP @ Hollywood & Vine as well in June. The show is about 20-25 minutes long so you will still have plenty of time to do things in the park afterward. Plus with being in the park closer to close time instead of in line for the later show, the lines for the rides and attractions may not be as long. You can get on a ride right up until closing. Hope this helps.

 

[Joanna71985]

I would go to the later show. When I was there over the summer, every time I went to the later show it was a LOT less crowded. Plus, I like the seats better without the package (You are put on the FAR right side of the arena). I like to sit right in the middle (usually in the Mickey section).

 

[Mommio]

Thanks for the great recommendations!

Joanna's comments lead me to a few questions. How long before the later show do you think we should get in line? We're a party of three: myself and two kids, 10 and 16 years old. Am I allowed to wait in line and get seats while they go on attractions and return before the show starts? We have cell phones so I can tell them where I am at.

We're not too picky about where we sit. They could make us hang from the lighting and we'd be happy happy happy
We've only seen it once and then we missed last vacation. Mid-August lightning storms all but one night of our trip cancelled all of the parks evening shows. (The "safe" night we were in MK so luckily didn't lose out there!)

If it were up to me, I'd ride Star Tours all day, subsist on Mickey bars and see Fantasmic! twice.
Hmmmm, do you think they'd go for that???

 

[mommystieg]

If you choose the 2nd show you really only need to show up about 15 minutes before it starts.

 

[Joanna71985]

Yeah. You really don't need to wait too long to get into the later show. Since the park will be closed when the 2nd show starts, they only open the arena about 30 minutes before the show starts (to prepare and get the arena ready).

 

[QuickGold]

Always see the last showing of Fantasmic

 

[Mommio]

Always see the last showing of Fantasmic

Typed like words of experience!

I'm very afraid because it's the week before Easter that even the second show will fill quickly. But from what you've told me, it will (most likely) still be less crowded than the first. OK, if the stadium opens 30 minutes before showtime and I get there 45 minutes ahead, I can handle that no problem.

I'd still like to know if I can get our seats and then the kids meet me in the stadium before the show starts?

Thanks very much!

 

[janette]

We usually do the 2nd show but with a package it won't matter so much. If you'd like to do rides you'll have an hour after the show to do more and there probably won't be any lines to speak of. The biggest reason to do the 2nd show is to be able to get a seat without an 1 1/2 wait and without a package.

 

[travelbug]

I'd still like to know if I can get our seats and then the kids meet me in the stadium before the show starts?

Absolutely. Since you said you'll have cell phones, that will be a good way to have them find you in the amphitheater. I've seen many people find each other that way.

I agree with all the others. I'd definitely go to the later show. I've been to MGM at Christmas and Easter a number of times, and the later show is much less crowded even during a peak week.

Have a great time!