Orlando cheated. By that, I mean that Fantasmic! as it exists in Walt Disney World (Hollywood Studios, to be exact) takes place on a stage designed for it and guests get to — wait for it — sit in chairs while they watch it. Disneyland guests are not so lucky.
The live-action show takes place on the Rivers of America, right in front of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, and it's just down the road from Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. In short, it's a mess on busy nights, which are most nights that it plays at Disneyland.
Guests trying to get from Main Street to Haunted Mansion are frustrated because it takes 20 more minutes to get to New Orleans Square than it did an hour ago. Guests who left strollers in front of Pirates of the Caribbean have to go around Tarzan's Treehouse because traffic is now under the strict control of Fantasmic! GC. That's "Guest Control" for those not in the know. Or, the Yellow People, if you prefer.
I was one of the flashlight-waving cast members for the better part of a year, and as such I feel like I'm well equipped to help you beat the system, or at least understand it.
First:
Go to the second show
Every day during the summer, Fantasmic! is shown twice; usually at 9:00pm, and then again at 10:15pm If you can, avoid the left side (west side) of the park from 8-9:30pm before heading over to the Rivers of America for the second show. The first show is routinely full during the summer months, while the second show rarely gets more than half full.
When you're at a theme park the number-one resource you have is time. Going to the second showing of Fantasmic! buys you an extra two hours that can be used for riding another attraction, taking another picture, or eating that sixth churro.
Get there early
Don't be the guest who complains that there aren't any spots left five minutes after the show begins. Heck, don't be that guest five minutes before the show begins. It's a popular show, yes, even 20 years after it debuted. Plan accordingly.
But don't get there at five
The show has been around for 20 years, and the view from 20 feet behind the river is as good as the view from 10 inches behind the river. Trust me. I've seen the show a few times. You don't need to get there that early; it's just not worth it.
Now, if you have to go to the first show, let's discuss where you want to be to see it. For me, the best spot to watch the show is over near the Haunted Mansion, just past the farthest light tower behind the small metal fence that lines the middle pathway. It's a standing spot, but it will usually be available as close as 30 minutes before show time.
If you're really hankering for a seated spot on the cold stones, you best show up early. Some guests will camp out at 5:30pm, but they're crazy. You can get a seated spot as late as 7:00pm on most nights — and the nights when you can't? Well, you don't want to be there for the first show on those nights.
Getting a seat is simple if you show up early enough, so let me throw a short list at you to address some recurring myths about Fantasmic! viewing.
Myth 1: Center stage is the only good view
With three water screens surrounding Tom Sawyer Island, there are fine views of the show from all sides as long as there is nothing obstructing your view. I'd always take center stage if it's available, but don't give up on the show if that area is starting to fill up.
Myth 2: It's cool to show up at 5:30 and leave all my stuff on the ground to save a spot
This is a big point of contention amongst Disneyland attendees. It's never a good idea to leave your stuff unattended for two reasons. (1) It might get stolen, and, (2) A cast member may pick it all up and move it. Trust me, I've done it dozens of times to much applause from surrounding guests. Don't leave your stuff unattended. It can pose a security threat, and it's just bad manners.
Myth 3: I can stand in a seating area
No. No you cannot. No. No. Stop. No.
Myth 4: The River Belle Terrace offers a good view of the show
No, the view is awful. But your butt is in a chair. So there's that. And you can't stand in this area. It's a seating-only area. I apologize for repeating myself, but you'd be surprised at how often this rule seems to confound people.
Myth 5: I can stand in a walkway to watch the show
Nope. You will be asked to move if you try to stand in a non-roped-in area. But you got there early for the second show! So this won't apply to you anyway, right!?
If you want to see Fantasmic! relatively stress-free, following this advice should help you to do that. The key to a good vacation is time management, and that's the key to watching a crowded theme park show, as well.
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I the fireworks go from 9:30-9:50 and the train is down until 10:20 with Fantasmic starting up at 10:30...well, you're cutting it close.
So while that method often works, it can back fire. That's part of the reason I didn't include it on the list.
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