Where to be located before second Fantasmic

[g-dad66]

Another WDW veteran here going to DLR for almost the first time (was last there in 1976....). Will be there in early August.

We would like to see Fantasmic with minimal wait and can't afford a dining package. It eppears that the second show would be our best bet, and I'm thinking that we want to be stationed on the Critter Country side of the crowd so we can move into the Fast Pass area when the first Fantasmic and fireworks end (and the crush of people is heading towards Main Street?).

I have read that the train doesn't run during the fireworks, so I'm thinking we might take train to New Orleans Square during first Fantasmic (and before the fireworks). and then maybe snack at Hungry Bear and/or ride Splash and/or do Haunted Mansion until both first Fantasmic and fireworks are over.

Does this seem like a reasonable plan?

 

[CassieF]

Assuming you have a fast pass for the second show, the entrance to all areas will be by the mark twain dock. Mduring the fireworks they put a rope up to block traffic from frontierland into that area, so you want to make sure you are on the Golden horseshoe side of that rope. I don't really seem to make people leave the Area where they let you in hang out kind of in between the popcorn cart and the edge of the mark twain dock. Once there you'll see the entrance and just get up as close as you can

 

[CassieF]

If you are doing standby, you want to be near the turnstiles to the Mark Twain dock during fireworks, and then they will let you inside. Honestly it's the same wait for standby and fast pass for second show. For the first show, standby is a bit longer than fast pass

 

[CassieF]

As a disclaimer, it has been a couple of weeks since I've seen the show, and they do change things kind of often, so ask again right before you leave...?

 

[g-dad66]

Assuming you have a fast pass for the second show, the entrance to all areas will be by the mark twain dock. Mduring the fireworks they put a rope up to block traffic from frontierland into that area, so you want to make sure you are on the Golden horseshoe side of that rope. I don't really seem to make people leave the Area where they let you in hang out kind of in between the popcorn cart and the edge of the mark twain dock. Once there you'll see the entrance and just get up as close as you can

Ah, didn't realize that at all. Good thing I asked about this!

We don't care about the fireworks, so wondering what we might do during the first Fantasmic to put is in good position to be close to the dock. Ride Big Thunder, maybe?

 

[g-dad66]

As a disclaimer, it has been a couple of weeks since I've seen the show, and they do change things kind of often, so ask again right before you leave...?

Will do.

Many thanks for your help!

 

[CassieF]

Ah, didn't realize that at all. Good thing I asked about this!

We don't care about the fireworks, so wondering what we might do during the first Fantasmic to put is in good position to be close to the dock. Ride Big Thunder, maybe?

You could ride big thunder, you just need to make sure you're on the other side of the dock before the middle of the fireworks when they rope it off.

 

[g-dad66]

You could ride big thunder, you just need to make sure you're on the other side of the dock before the middle of the fireworks when they rope it off.

Looking at the map, I'm having trouble visualizing just where they put the rope.

You had said we should be on the Golden Horseshoe side of the rope, but if the Fantasmic entrance is by the Mark Twain Dock, I can't figure out just where the rope is. Seems like if the dock is on the side of the rope for Fantasmic entrance, then the Golden Horseshoe would be on the "other" side of the rope.

 

[Imdboss]

Just to clarify about the train during fireworks, it does run at that time. I know this from our experience in Oct. We were near the train station in NOS when the fireworks started and DS started panicking (he's terrified of them). We were pretty trapped in the area due to the crowds getting ready for F! so we decided to hop on the train, huge mistake! By the time we made it to TT area the fireworks were going off right next to us. Not sure if that info changes your plans at all but wanted to let you know!

 

[CassieF]

The rope runs from the rock dividers that are in the middle of frontierland across to the Mark Twain dock right by the light cart. Does that help you visualize it?

 

[john398]

When are you going ? If its after May 22 they are actually going to be using the fantasmic screens for the fireworks show as well so I imagine that area will stay busy during the fireworks

 

[g-dad66]

Just to clarify about the train during fireworks, it does run at that time. I know this from our experience in Oct. We were near the train station in NOS when the fireworks started and DS started panicking (he's terrified of them). We were pretty trapped in the area due to the crowds getting ready for F! so we decided to hop on the train, huge mistake! By the time we made it to TT area the fireworks were going off right next to us. Not sure if that info changes your plans at all but wanted to let you know!

Thanks for the info. I think we'll be entering the park before the fireworks start and was trying to figure out what might be the least crowded way to get to Frontierland. Was thinking maybe the train would be the way to go. But I was thinking that there was a Fantasmic Fast Pass Entrance on the New Orleans Square side of things.

The rope runs from the rock dividers that are in the middle of frontierland across to the Mark Twain dock right by the light cart. Does that help you visualize it?

Thanks. Still not quite sure about the rope location, but sounds like we just want to stay close to the Dock (at least for Yellow Fast Passes).

But I have been reading that the Blue Fast Pass Entrance is (or was?) on the New Orleans Square side. (Sounds like they might still be experimenting with Fast Pass logistics, so I will follow your advice to ask about this again shortly before our trip.)

When are you going ? If its after May 22 they are actually going to be using the fantasmic screens for the fireworks show as well so I imagine that area will stay busy during the fireworks

Out trip is the first week of August, and thanks for the heads up.

I'm starting to think about how we might possibly squeeze the Dining Package into our budget....

 

[CassieF]

Just yesterday, they changed fast pass and standby viewing areas and return locations. The lineup for standby is now over by Harbor galley across from splash Mountain, I believe blue entered from somewhere in New Orleans Sq. and yellow entered by the dock. I'm going again tonight, so we'll see how it works out, but again, they may change it before you go.

 

[g-dad66]

Just yesterday, they changed fast pass and standby viewing areas and return locations. The lineup for standby is now over by Harbor galley across from splash Mountain, I believe blue entered from somewhere in New Orleans Sq. and yellow entered by the dock. I'm going again tonight, so we'll see how it works out, but again, they may change it before you go.

Wow, this is really a work in progress, isn't it?

I really appreciate all your help and advice on this. I will definitely stay tuned for further developments.