Some imagination, huh? One of our favorite shows at Walt Disney World is Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios! The nighttime show returned in Nov. 2022 with an updated version that 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 for select non-dated tickets) 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. Note that Fantasmic can hit capacity, especially on nights with only one showing, so we suggest arriving no later than 15 minutes prior to showtime.
Note that if you are sitting in the first few rows, you may get wet.
Dining Packages
Looking for reserved seating? Fantasmic! dining packages for select restaurants at Hollywood Studios are available for booking. 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 ($54 currently for adults, $60 starting Aug. 29, 2024 for adults, $23 for kids 3-9)
- Hollywood & Vine (Breakfast: $59 currently for adults, $65 starting Aug. 29, 2024, for adults, $39 for kids 3-9; Lunch & Dinner: $75 currently for adults, $81 starting Aug. 29, 2024, for adults, $49 for kids 3-9)
- Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano ($56 currently for adults, $62 starting Aug. 29, 2024, for adults, $23 for kids 3-9)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ($51 currently for adults, $57 starting Aug. 29, 2024, for adults, $23 for kids 3-9)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby ($77 for adults, $83 starting Aug. 29, 2024, for adults, $31 for kids 3-9)
Valid park admission (not included with the dining package) is 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?
After being closed for a few years, Fantasmic at Disney World reopened on 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.
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. The show can hit capacity, so we typically suggest arriving at least 15 minutes prior to showtime.
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 with fireworks at EPCOT and 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:
- Corn Dog Nuggets with chips
- Churro Bites with chocolate sauce
- Nachos with cheese
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Pretzel with cheese
- Popcorn
- Potato Chips
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar or Sandwich
- 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 "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 Happily Ever After fireworks and at EPCOT, see the new Luminous fireworks around World Showcase Lagoon!
Have you seen Fantasmic at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: What's Coming to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
Keep hopping!
