Disney Studios Fantasmic is a night time show that features lasers, dancing water, characters, and fireworks. If the word “Fantasmic” reminds you of the word “Fantasia” then you might be on the right track.

This show is usually spoken about as “fireworks” but it’s not traditional at all. You’re not going to have the luxury of seeing these fireworks as you proceed out of the exit. This is a 25-minute show that incorporates fireworks into the plot. The best fireworks are the grand finale of the show too, so you’ll have to sit through the whole show to see them.

Plot of the show
The story starts as Mickey Mouse comes onto stage as a conductor. Over the course of the show you will see lghts, hear music, and see activity in the water. Mickey has a dream which turns to a nightmare. Many villains from popular Disney movies appear on the water projection screen. Many Disney performers appear in the show. Eventually Mickey has good dreams again. The fireworks are the grand finale at the end.

It’s a difficult story to follow because you might have to use your imagination a little. Having a bad seat doesn’t help either.

Seating
So what if there are 6,500 seats and room for 2,500 more to stand. On a typical day, you can not get a good location for this show without planning ahead and standing in line for the good seats. Good seats would be in the center. An early arrival would be no less than an hour before show time, probably more like two hours in advance. Since you’ll probably be there for a long time I’d recommend hitting the potties before hand. There’s a huge line for that after wards and it’s a struggle trying to get to and from your seat in the dark once the show starts.

We saw this show in November. As the sun went down, the colder it got and I was absolutely freezing. We sat on the cold bleachers for about 30 minutes before the show started which seemed like an eternity. We’re talking about the cold silver bleachers that lull your butt to sleep. I spent most of the time that the show was taking place wondering if I would have permanent nerve damage in my behind from sitting so long.

Since it’s outside, you’ll always have the risk of getting rained out.

When looking for your seats keep in mind that the water in the moat may reach you as a mist which may be a benefit if it’s hot out, or a drawback if it’s cold outside. You don’t have to worry about that if you have bad seats.

Since it is outdoor amphitheater, you can have food and drinks. There was a concession stand at the top however the line was very long.

The park is closed once you exit the theater so you generally exit with the crowd.

Family
We took our children ages 4, 7 and 13 and they were not impressed. They didn’t even understand what was going on. There was so much “evil” in this show that I wish we had not taken the children at all. I realize children now days are desensitized thanks to TV but this was a little scary especially since a child doesn’t understand how the picture gets on water.

Young children may be afraid of the fireworks or the dark in general.

That’s not to say that there weren’t hundreds of strollers lined up at the entrance. I just wouldn’t recommend seeing this “for” the kids. Magic Kingdom has a much better traditional fireworks show suitable for children.

Dated
This may have been really cool and amazing when it was created in 1992….but things change. Not as exciting 15 years later, in my opinion.

Overall
I thought this would be an awesome presentation based on the size of the stadium and the crowd that it draws but I personally didn’t get that much out of it and neither did anyone we were with. I think this would have been more enjoyable in nice weather, sitting in better seats and experiencing a much shorter wait.

It is a good show...we just didn't enjoy it. If you go to see a show, you may like it. If you're going strictly to see "fireworks" you may not be as impressed.

(This show is included with the paid admission to Disney Studios)


Recommended: No

Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov