The Best Fantasmic!

Which one, and why?

During this break from the recent competitions, I thought I'd post a series of a few new fun debates.

This weeks debate is, which version of Fantasmic! is better and why. There are three versions of this beloved show (Disneyland, DHS, and Tokyo Disney Sea); you can check them all out on youtube. What furhter improvements could be done to all versions?

I have seen both WDW's and DL's versions in persson. When you reminded me Tokyo's just opened, I went and watched the video. That Tokyo one is AMAZING! Parts of it may be in Japanese (what do you epect) but I love the unique approach the imagineers took on this one. DL's and WDW's are both pretty similar, but this one reaches even farther outside the spectrum! I especial love the dragon-out-of-the-mirror effect! Truly incredible!

I for one think this version is spectcular. While certain live aspects are cut out, ie Peter Pan or Pocahontas scenese, I think the special effects and that amazing sorceror hat make this version superior. It reminds me of a combo of World of Color and Fantasmic! I'd love to see these upgrades come to the DHS version...and maybe that current hat can be put to some good use rofl :)

I personally wouldn't want THESE upgrades at the DHS version (still my favorite), however HD screens and a dragon to contend with the others would be nice. Maybe we could even get some new princess/monkey floats. My personal favorite is still DHS, this may be because it is the only one I have seen live. However, I love the stage in the amphitheater, the multiple live aspects (which Tokyo completely lacks), the pyrotechnics (which Tokyo is also short on) and the opening (also absent in Tokyo).

The Disneyland one is cool, the stage just looks like it is squished on that island. Also, I think the Pinocchio puppets are a little lackluster. However, Disneyland does have Murphey and the sailing ship Columbia.

Tokyo doesn't feel like Fantasmic to me, and the first half seems kind of random in the order/presentation of the video montage. I also don't like the way the scenes were projected on the giant road cone! However, the ending/finale is great. I love the mirror affect and the way the dragon's wings are made by the water. Plus, they messed with the song and you just can't do that.

Anyway, I am probably biased, but that is my reasoning.

^I agree with you on most of that except the pyrotechnics. Tokyo's looks like it has more fireworks.

Still, I love DHS's version because of the overall experience. The waiting at the entrance of the ampitheater, taking the long walk into the theater, being able to sit while you watch is a plus, and that big mountain is always special. This show is still a favorite, but it definitely needs to be updated a bit.

Don't get me wrong, I love Fantasmic! at DHS & DLR. I haven't seen the Tokyo version as I've never been to Japan. But based on the videos...

I will say that I prefer the DHS and DLR versions of Fantasmic! for a few reasons.

The Tokyo one, while technologically superior, doesn't really have much in terms of live performers. It's closer to World of Color to me than Fantasmic! It's mostly water screens, pyro, and projections. And I'm the biggest Stitch fan (I've named one of my blue surfboards 626), but his section is pretty awkward.

Mickey is stuck on the top of the hat... it makes it less of a stage show. Personally, I will always choose a stage show/ live music over a movie/ TV show. WoC is similar to a TV show, while Fantasmic! is a stage show/ live musicians. And the flow of the show is really odd... not to mention the new Imagination lyrics/ sections don't quite fit musically.

But between the two North American shows, Disneyland's version edges out the DHS for a few reasons as well. The pacing and flow is better IMHO... the additional section doesn't quite fit. I understand the comfort and all that. BUT, what tops it off for me is that the dance choreography is much much better at DLR. Just check out the finale on the River Boats.

Whichever version you happen to be visiting, in that moment, is the best version.

You make a good point James. Nobody will go to, say Disney Hollywood Studios, to watch Fantasmic and then, while watching, talk about how much better the one in Disneyland is. That is just insane!

I am going with DHS, but thats because I get to sit down!

I've only seen Fantasmic at DLR and DHS, and I have to give my vote to the one at DLR. While the seating is nice at DHS (and an absolute ZOO at DLR), the show at DLR is more impressive. When I saw the little riverboat at DHS for the first time I was soooo disappointed! That is the grand finale of the victory of good over evil, and the impact of that huge Mark Twain riverboat sailing by with all the characters dancing is so emotional it makes me teary-eyed every time!

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