Fantasmic? Not So Much
I’ve been meaning to blog this for a couple of weeks, but I keep forgetting. In our quest to do all things Disney, we finally got over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM) to take in Fantasmic.We had really high expectations for this particular show, since we have heard so much about it. Lots of people have said that it is hands-down the best fireworks show at Disney. I’m the first to admit that I’m biased towards the Magic Kingdom’s show Wishes, and Kevin really likes Illuminations at Epcot.
The first thing I didn’t like about Fantasmic was the amphitheater seating. Part of the Disney fireworks experience is staking out just the right spot to watch the show. I really didn’t like being packed in like sardines. Once the show started, I was kind of engaged; after all, for the first couple of minutes, the use of water and fire is kind of cool. After that, it got old, and it got old fast. The show is very dark: The whole thing is centered around Disney villains and nightmares. I definitely wouldn’t recommend bringing young children. The show lasts about 30 minutes, and even though it has a couple of redeeming moments (the princesses on the boats, for example), it just isn’t anywhere near the caliber of Wishes or Illuminations.
Long story short: If you’re ever at Disney, skip Fantasmic. Use that time to ride Rockin’ Roller Coaster one more time before the park closes, then head over to the Magic Kingdom for the best fireworks show in town.
February 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
The only potential upside is that you can catch both Fantasmic and Illuminations via the boats between each park.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I’ve heard the same sort of issues with the Fantasmic! show at Disney World. However, I’ve seen it several times at Disneyland and it was completely amazing. There is the sequence of villains and stuff but it isn’t central to the show. The show was all about Mickey having is imagination run wild and then overcoming it, with a party on the boat with all the disney characters at the end. For good measure, they also throw Peter Pan and Hook in the middle, too.
I’m not super into shows and stuff but I line up three hours early to stake out a place around the Rivers of America for Fantasmic!. Last time we went, I had proposed to my girlfriend earlier and so the day was already great, but then the show producer walked by and offered us VIP seating so we had front and center actual seats. It was really great. I think I gotta go buy a pass now…