Disney's Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic: My Story Behind the Travel Photos
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Fantasmic, starring Mickey Mouse
The NYC Traveler Tips For Your Trip
I remember my friend telling me: "We have to stay late at Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic. And (in an oxymoron way), we need to get there early so that we can stay late." Huh? Well, she was right. Stay late for the show (it is usually scheduled after sundown) and try to get there early so that you get a good seat. And no, we are not mispronouncing fantastic, cosmic or anything. The show is really called Fantasmic!
If you ask either long time Disney fans or newcomers to describe this night time spectacular, you would get as many different descriptions as you would people: fireworks, dramatic presentation, water show, pageant, music and movie revue.
Obviously, it was worth the wait, figuratively and literally. So, here are our tips:
*What Time is the Show?
Fantasmic is a night show and like other Disney night shows, it won't start until it is dark, many times when the park is actually closing. In summer, that can be quite late, making your day a long one, especially if you rope-dropped (arrived when the park opens). For all night shows, look at the app and plan your day.
Get to the park later in the day (it will be a great time to have fun at your resort and get some rest). Since the show can start as late as 9-9:30PM, it can be a very long day especially if you have children or those who need rest. Plan for them to get some rest. I have seen many a child asleep during the show. By the way, strollers will have to park outside the theater, like most of the Disney attractions.
* Getting into Disney's Hollywod Studios' Fantasmic Night Show:
The Standby Queue: line up as early as 60 minutes (or maybe more) ahead of the scheduled start time. Bring a blanket and let the kids take a nap. I know, I keep stressing that. But I have seen parents frustrated because their children have missed the show. If that doesn't bother you, then read on.
The Lightning Lane: a paid entry that has designated seating. It will be one of the attractions you choose. Try to buy it early. Then, you won't have to queue up so early on the standby line.
* When to line up?:
If you have Lightning Lane, the Disney app will tell you when to go to the line when you book it. Otherwise, the cast members standing at the entrance will tell you when the standby line opens up. Enter between the Beauty and the Beast Theater and the Tower of Terror.
* What to do while you're waiting for the show to start (especially if you have to get here so early)?: Sometimes a cast member will warm up the crowd, sometimes the crowd amuses itself doing the wave, but most people take the opportunity to have a snack (there are concession stands and rest rooms inside the theater area) or to relax. Bring your portable phone charger. You can also practice the best way to take photos or videos while you wait. Remember, it's a night show, so make sure your device can handle different light levels. Also, as always, flash and video lights are never a good idea. And again, let the kids take a nap.
*Remember, if the park is very crowded, such as mid-to-late December, some late summer nights, especially in July or anytime during Spring break season, there can be quite a number of people who will stay late for the show. The later you arrive (like 5 minutes before the show), the more chance that you will be at the back of the theater or worse, not allowed in. Don't give the cast members a hard time, please.
* Where to sit?:
When it's really busy, the cast members will guide you to where you can sit, so you might not be allowed to choose. Most people want the middle, like a theater, and don't mind how far back the seat is. Some people want to be in the splash zone, because part of the show entails water and you can get wet. However, you might be on the first or third base line, meaning not in the center.
The later you stand in line, the farther back or farther over your seat will be. If this show is priority, either buy the Lightning Lane pass or get to the standby line early.
Once you get through the gates: you can do one of two things. Sit down first together and then get your snacks so that your group can save your seat. Or, get your snacks, souvenirs, use the restroom, etc. and then get your seat. Remember, while you're doing all of that, people will be getting their seats in the meantime, so you may not get the area you want. It fills up quickly.
* Can I see everything?
So after all that fuss about getting there early to get a good seat, know that the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, as the venue is called, was designed so that almost every seat is really a good area. You can see the show, especially the parts that are projected on the screens. However, the performers on the stage might look a wee bit tiny (and yes, there are live actors). That goes for the performers on the showboats during the middle of the show and the finale.
Part of the show entails scenes projected on water screens and they are placed on both stage left and stage right, so that each side can see the scenes. During the riverboat/showboat part, where live cast members wave to the crowd as they go by, the vessels enter from one direction and exit out the other after sailing through the water so that everyone can see.
As for the scenes that occur on stage, the drama is choreographed so that the cast members move from one side to another. Anything major that happens takes place center stage.
When the park is extremely crowded, the theater will be full, holding the 6900 people max. An extra 3000 can stand, although I'm not sure I've ever seen that, even during the December holiday season. But, during the off season, you have a very good chance of getting a very good seat. Try May or October and try to go during the week, rather than the weekend.
* Does it take a long time to exit?: Like any other theater, if you're in the back, then you're one of the first ones out. And, since Disney cast members are experts at crowd control, I actually timed our exit. We were sitting in the third row from the front. In less than 15 minutes, we were actually exiting the park, walking to our car. Not bad. Just be patient, don't push and if you can, wait a little while to get up so that some of the crowd can leave first.
* What's the plot?:
The show tells the story of Mickey Mouse and strange dream. He orchestrates the music, water, lights and fireworks through the first part of the dream, with hero scenes from Disney movies. The dream gets a little scary and Mickey has to fight familiar Disney villains, culminating in a dramatic scene that has changed throughout the years and has been different in various Disney Parks. Mickey fights a dragon or a similar demon and conquers it and his inner turmoil. Later, the Disney princesses and their partners come through on the riverboats and in a series of fireworks, final waterworks and a riverboat parade with some of Disney's most beloved characters, the show concludes.
* What to expect?
During Disney's Hollywod Studios' Fantasmic, there are flashing lights, spraying water, fireworks, loud music and large projections of Disney villains, so those who are bothered by them may want to consider this before viewing.
But, like many Disney night time shows, you have to see Disney's Hollywod Studios' Fantasmic, to understand it fully, especially if you want to preview it before you take the time to see it in person. So, click the link to our YouTube Channel and enjoy!
Happy Travels!
The NYC Traveler Presents Tips for Your Trips
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All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
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