Some imagination, huh? One of our favorite shows at Walt Disney World is Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios! In 2022, the nighttime show debuted an updated version that kept all the classic elements while introducing a new sequence with tons of new characters. The update 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. During the show, join Mickey Mouse on a whirlwind adventure as he must conquer evil. You'll see Disney villains and 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! Additionally, with its return, there have been some technical enhancements that blend well with the original effects. For example, 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. Moreover, 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. Overall, 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 whole 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 a 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. Before entering, and 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, along with restrooms.
Schedule for Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is a 25-minute show that's typically performed nightly at 9:30 p.m. However, during certain times of the year, particularly peak periods such as summer, Fantasmic! may have two showtimes, with the early show starting at 8 p.m. Sometimes, Fantasmic! may be shown earlier — generally at 6:30 p.m. — during Jollywood Nights. Always check your My Disney Experience app to confirm so you can plan your night accordingly.
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 slope down toward the stage, reducing the chance of an accidental head-on collision.
That said, you'll want to arrive early to get a better view from a more central location. You are allowed to arrive up to 90 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving at least 1 hour before showtime. Otherwise, you may be seated at the far end with an angled view. Note that Fantasmic! can reach capacity, especially on nights with only one showing, so we suggest arriving as early as possible to snag your seat.
Note that if you are sitting in the first few rows, you may get wet.
Dining Packages
Looking for reserved seating? Fortunately, Fantasmic! dining packages for select restaurants at Hollywood Studios are available for booking. With a dining package, you receive an entree and dessert or one full buffet (where applicable), along with a non/alcoholic 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 ($60 for adults, $23 for kids aged 9 and under)
- Hollywood & Vine (Breakfast: $67 for adults, $42 for kids aged 9 and under; Lunch & Dinner: $81 for adults, $51 for kids aged 9 and under)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ($57 for adults, $23 for kids aged 9 and under)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby ($83 for adults, $31 for kids aged 9 and under)
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
Can I Use a Lightning Lane for Fantasmic!?
No, you cannot use Lightning Lane for Fantasmic! Instead, you can get prime viewing when you book a Fantasmic! dining package.
What Has Changed in Fantasmic! Since it Reopened?
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 reach capacity, so we typically suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before showtime.
Is There Accessible Viewing Available?
There is wheelchair-accessible seating along the top back row of the amphitheater. Therefore, allowing all guests to see the show comfortably.
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 is subtle enough not to be a distraction.
Are There Dining Options Nearby?
There are limited quick-service options within the theater. For example, 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
You can also sometimes purchase popcorn buckets and sippers here, as well.
Can I Bring Food From Outside the Theater?
Yes! If you 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. After all, 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 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
Where Movie Magic Comes to Life: Your Hoppin' Guide to Disney Hollywood Studios Rides
Your Guide to Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Options and Tiers
Keep hopping!
