Summary
Some imagination, huh? We are over-the-moon excited that Fantasmic! is back at Disney's Hollywood Studios! The frog favorite nighttime show returned on Nov. 3, 2022, after two and a half years. You could hear and feel the excitement from the crowd — it was toadally worth the wait. The show keeps all of the classic elements while implementing a new sequence with tons of new characters, which was very well received. Here's everything to know about Fantasmic! at Disney World, so you can be prepared for your next visit!
Overview of Fantasmic at Disney World
Fantasmic! at Disney World is a wonderful show about the power of imagination. Join Mickey Mouse on a whirlwind adventure as he must conquer evil. You'll see Disney villains as well as heroes from classic films such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Pocahontas," "Aladdin" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," as well as newer films including "Moana" and "Frozen 2."
This larger-than-life show features massive sets, water effects, lasers, pyrotechnics, beautiful music and more than 50 performers! With its return, there have been some technical enhancements that blend well with the original effects. During some of the projections, they've even added characters from newer Disney movies, making this new iteration a perfect balance of old and new. It's definitely something you won't want to miss at Hollywood Studios!
This updated version comes with a new sequence featuring Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana. We adore this new mash-up of some of our favorite characters. They truly captured some powerful moments from their stories, with great music too!
For over 20 years, this show has allowed our imaginations to run wild. We highly recommend seeing this show during your Disney World visit! (Note that there is also a version of this show in Disneyland Resort in California, though you'll find some slight differences between the two).
Here's the full show for you to enjoy:
Location and Schedule of Fantasmic at Disney World
Fantasmic at Disney World is located in Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll need to have valid park admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation to enter the park. From the park entrance, you'll head down Hollywood Boulevard and turn right onto Sunset Boulevard. Just before the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, you'll see the sign for Fantasmic!
The entrance to Fantasmic! is adjacent to Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage. The long queue will lead you to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. The amphitheater is quite large, holding thousands of guests. It is stadium-like seating overlooking the large stage surrounded by water. Just before the viewing area, you'll find food and drinks for purchase, as well as restrooms.
Schedule for Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is performed on select nights, so always double-check the Times Guide or My Disney Experience app to confirm. During certain times of the year, particularly peak periods such as summer, Fantasmic! may have two showtimes. The show is approximately 25 minutes long.
As the performance and seating are all outside, it is subject to cancellation due to weather.
Tips for Viewing Fantasmic at Disney World
The nice thing about this large-scale show is that there's really no bad seat in the house. The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater curves around the lagoon so you'll be able to see the entire production no matter where you sit. It also helps that it is stadium seating, so you enter at the top and the seats go down toward the stage, meaning less chance of an accidental blocked head in the way.
That being said, you'll want to arrive early to get a more central view. You are allowed to arrive as early as 90 minutes ahead of showtime. We recommend arriving at least an hour ahead of showtime. Otherwise, you may be seated at the far end with an angled view. Since it's been over two years since the show was performed, crowds will be higher for the initial weeks and you'll want to get there at least two hours before (on opening night, wait times were over three hours, but that should hopefully be an outlier).
Note that if you are sitting in the first few rows, you may get wet.
Disney Genie+ Seating
While there was seating available via FastPass in the past, there is not currently reserved seating available through Disney Genie+. We will have to wait and see if that changes.
Dining Packages
Fantasmic! dining packages for select restaurants at Hollywood Studios are available for booking for performances on Nov. 30 and beyond (it's available on all Fantasmic! show days). With a dining package, you receive an entree and appetizer or dessert or one full buffet (where applicable), along with a nonalcoholic beverage, in addition to a voucher for the reserved seating area at Fantasmic!
Here's a list of participating restaurants and prices:
- 50's Prime Time Cafe ($51 for adults, $22 for kids 3-9)
- Hollywood & Vine (Breakfast: $54 for adults, $36 for kids 3-9; Lunch & Dinner: $71 for adults, $47 for kids 3-9)
- Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano ($54 for adults, $22 for kids 3-9)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ($49 for adults, $22 for kids 3-9)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby ($73 for adults, $29 for kids 3-9)
Both valid park admission (not included with the dining package) and a theme park reservation are required. You can pick up your voucher at the time of your meal. Seating begins 90 minutes prior to showtime, and you must arrive at least 25 minutes prior to the reserved section. Seats within the reserved section are first-come, first-served. There is a special dining package entrance next to Beauty & The Beast – Live on Stage. The dining experience will still take place, even if the show is canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Fantasmic! open at Disney World?
Fantasmic at Disney World is now open as of Nov. 3, 2022.
Do I have to make a reservation or join a virtual queue to watch Fantasmic at Disney World?
Nope! Anyone is able to see Fantasmic!, though depending on when you arrive, you may have a further-back side view. For reserved central seating, consider booking a dining package (available for performances Nov. 30 and beyond).
Is anything changing in the show?
The show is mostly the same with some added technical adjustments, new characters featured in projections and an all-new heroes sequence featuring a high-energy "Aladdin" chase with stunts, a scene with Elsa set to the song "Show Yourself," and moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan.
How early do I need to arrive to view the show?
Guests are allowed into the theater 90 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving at least 60 minutes in advance, and closer to 90 minutes for a more centered view. Expect longer lines and wait times for the initial weeks.
Is there accessible viewing available?
There is wheelchair-accessible seating along the top back row of the amphitheater.
Will my MagicBand+ interact with Fantasmic?
Yes! We were hoppy to see our MagicBand+ interact with the show. Like in Harmonious at EPCOT and Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom, your band will light up and occasionally vibrate in sync with the show. It happens for most of the show, which can be a fun, immersive addition, but also subtle enough to not be a distraction.
Are there dining options nearby?
There are limited quick-service options within the theater. Here is the typical food and drink menu (prices valid as of publishing date):
- Corn Dog Nuggets with chips ($10.49)
- Churro Bites with chocolate sauce ($6.39)
- Nachos with cheese ($5.79)
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Pretzel with cheese ($7.49)
- Popcorn (Box for $6.19; Souvenir Bucket for $12.29 with refills available for the length of stay for $1.89)
- Potato Chips (2.99)
- Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3.49)
- Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar or Sandwich ($5.99)
- Assorted Coca-Cola products, water or strawberry lemonade
- Various alcoholic beverages
Can I bring in food from outside the theater?
Yes! If you'd want additional options, you can grab food from other restaurants before heading into the theater, or even bring your own snacks to save some money. (Since you're sitting at the theater for a good amount of time before the show, we highly recommend coming prepared with food).
Other Nighttime Spectaculars at Disney World
Also at Hollywood Studios, check out "Disney Movie Magic" and "The Wonderful World of Animation" at the Chinese Theater. Depending on the showtimes, you may not be able to see these projection shows if you're watching Fantasmic.
At Magic Kingdom, catch the 50th-anniversary fireworks spectacular, Disney Enchantment, which features projections on Cinderella Castle and Main Street as fireworks burst in the night sky! And at EPCOT, see Harmonious around World Showcase Lagoon, which celebrates how the music of Disney inspires people around the globe.
Are you excited about Fantasmic returning to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: What's Coming to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
Keep hopping!
