Wishes, Fantasmic or Illuminations?

[dani12]

We just came back and were lucky enough to see all three. I would go with Wishes and Fantasmic. If you get lucky, you may get to see Spectro b/4 wishes!!

 

[Robin's Mom]

Just got back-Saw Wishes 2x, Fantasmic 1x and at EPCOT we saw "Reflections of Earth" instead of the old Illuminations.

Wishes is by far superior to even Fantasmic. The music is outstanding and you don't have to set aside the entire evening to get a good spot to view the show. We walked to Main Street 5 minutes before the show.

We got Standing Room Only for Fantasmic because we did not want to waste the precious time we had.

The EPCOT show was still only so-so in comparison to either Wishes or Fantasmic. If you happen to be in EPCOT when it is getting ready to start fine, but don't schedule it.


Have a great time!! We did!!

 

[ShuisFan584]

I've never seen Wishes, and I honestly don't really remember Illuminations since I saw it 4 years ago. Even though I also saw Fantasmic 4 years, I remember it being one of the highlights of our trip! Fantasmic is amazing and I would consider it something that should not be missed. If I were you I would do Fantasmic and Wishes.

 

[GarrettJD]

I'm going to be in the minority here, I can already tell... but Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is not only my favorite nighttime show at WDW... it's my favorite thing at WDW, period.

Having said that, I love Wishes also and wouldn't miss it (or Spectromagic) for anything. Fantasmic.... well, I'd tell you what I thought, but we've been rained out on 3 out of 3 attempts to see the show. Hopefully we'll be able to break the curse.... 20 days and counting

 

[chanty]

So if I'm correct, Fantasmic is included with your WDW ticket?
You just get there ahead of time to have a seat... Any clues on how early you need to get there??

How about Wishes? That's at MK right,?

Chantal

 

[GarrettJD]

Fantasmic is included with your admission to Disney-MGM Studios. It's usually best to show up 1 to 1 1/2 hours in order to get a good seat, UNLESS.....

1) you're going at a busy time of the year, and there are two showings of Fantasmic, in which case if you go to the second show it will be much less crowded, or

2) you book a Fantasmic Dining Package, which consists of dinner at a select MGM restaurant and tickets for a "preferred" seating area at Fantasmic.

Wishes is at the Magic Kingdom. Don't miss it. It's pretty easy to get a good spot for Wishes. Really anywhere on Main Street is fine. I wouldn't get too close to the hub, though.

 

[GarrettJD]

oops...sorry...double post

 

[Epcot Girl]

Personally, I would do Wishes and Fantasmic! Fantasmic is wonderful everytime you see it....Just wonderful!!

 

[janice1234]

illuminations is our familys favorite, then wishes, and third fantasmic.

 

[cheerdancer11]

We went about 45 minutes early to fantasmic and got seats. But we were there in a less crowded time, mid April of this year. the wait time went by really fast since i got in a long line for food, ate the food, and by the time it started i was set! they have all sorts of vendors inside the theater with sovineurs and food so this helps pass the time

 

[jimmalru80]

Might not be with the group but we will be going to:
1) Illuminations
2) Wishes
3) Fantasmic

 

[rwodonnell]

I would do Illuminations and Wishes. I like both of those shows a lot.

I know I am in a small minority, but I find Fantasmic boring. Sure, the water screen was cool for couple minutes, but it dragged on and on. The whole Pocahontas thing is boring (and why celebrate such a flop with as much time as it's given?) I was ready for it to be over 10 minutes before it was over, and then, when Mickey comes out, there was so much mist and smoke, you couldn't even see him, just hear his voice. Lame. After it was all over, we were rewarded with the rudest exit crowd known to man, lost our 6 yr old boy for a panic-stricken 3-4 minutes that seemed like a week, and were basically grouchy for the rest of the night, or at least troubled I would say. Happily, we didn't wait as we went to the second show of the evening - I would definitely recommend that, there were two whole sections (the extreme left and extreme right) empty. If you do it, and they are doing 2 during any night you are there, go to the second show.

The good news for us - we get to enjoy MGM the next time while the masses are waiting in line for Fantasmic. Works for me...

 

[kesha]

I have never been patient enough to stand in line for the Fantasmic show. Does anyone know if it will be showing twice during the first week of June? I really want to see it this time. Just seems like there is so much to do and so little time to do it in.

 

[Chip126]

I would skip Illuminations. Wishes is Awesome! If you haven't already see it, I would make this a priority!!!

 

[rwodonnell]

I have never been patient enough to stand in line for the Fantasmic show. Does anyone know if it will be showing twice during the first week of June? I really want to see it this time. Just seems like there is so much to do and so little time to do it in.

If you are talking about the 5th through the 11th, it looks like there are two showing each night (9:00 and 10:30) except for the 6th and 8th. So basically any of the days it is open until 10.

MGM June hours <<== click on each date to see the event hours for that day.

 

[kesha]

Thank you rwodonnell. We're actually going June1-7 so the 5th will work well for us.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Another vote for :

1. Illuminations

2. Wishes

3. Fantasmic


On a trip we took over Columbus day last october we had some of the best Wishes and Illuninations viewings ever. For several nights the air was crystal clear - it felt like you could reach out and touch the fireworks ! Our last night of that trip was especially memorable. After we finished our supper at Boma, my wife and I went over to Epcot. The Beach Boys were giving a concert in the Americas Pavilion, so we decided to stand at the railing near the water just to the right of the Pavilion.

Perfect Location !!! 5 minutes after the concert was over we faced straight ahead and watched an excellent Illuminations show. Perfect weather for it, fantastic view... what more can you say. One of our most memorable Disney evenings .

 

[SusanDK]

Our favorite nighttime show is Fantasmic, but I also love Wishes, so since you have not seen it, I would definitely see Wishes. Be careful and watch your schedule, however, because Wishes does not show every night.

For your 2nd choice, I would definitely see Fantasmic and then when it is over, try to get to Epcot for Illuminations if you're up for it. DH and I did this in December. We saw Fantasmic at 7 pm, then took the boat to Epcot. We got there in plenty of time to get fish & chips from the Rose & Crown counter service, find a perfect table in the public seating area, and wait for Illuminations.

See Fantasmic, and then play it by ear if you feel up to heading over to Epcot for Illuminations. But don't miss Wishes, especially if you like fireworks. They are the best!

Susan

 

[ryley26]

I'll vote fantasmic and illuminations. Wishes is nice but its just fireworks unless with the 50TH its changed.

 

[Amirah95]

Fantasmic is an updated mix of Fantasia, Disney Princesses and Disney Villians movies . Basically, Mickey always comes out on top w/ a little fireworks and water movie screens. When the ballad starts and Mickey pops out and does his little intro dance people go wild for the mouse. I think that Fantasmic is the most magical show to me at Disney World.

Definitely add Fantasmic to your list. You won't be sorry.