Fantasmic is one of the most incredible nighttime experiences you’ll find at Walt Disney World. Found at Hollywood Studios, the show places the audience in one of Mickey’s dreams as an epic battle between good and evil unfolds. Key elements include pyrotechnics, lasers, and a water show, just to name a few. Today we have a few insider tips that’ll help you secure premium seating and have a blast at the show.
Basic Info
Seating for this show begins 90 minutes before it starts. Because of the nature of the performances, this show can be cancelled or postponed due to weather more frequently than other nighttime shows. Even if rain or wet weather has passed, if the surface is slippery the show can be cancelled, postponed or even cut short if it is deemed unsafe.
The best seats are in the center of the stadium a few rows back from the front. This ensures that you will be able to see all of the show, but also being a few rows back protects you from getting wet, or from feeling to hot from the heat of the pyrotechnics.
Many of these seats are reserved, so how do you get them?
Dining Packages
The first option is to book a dining package. There are 3 restaurants at Hollywood Studios where you can do so. Each dining package includes one entree, one dessert, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a ticket to guaranteed seating in a reserved area for Fantasmic. Make sure when you check into your reservation you confirm you have the Fantasmic dining package and make sure before you leave you get your vouchers from your waiter or waitress.
The dining options are:
Hollywood & Vine
This is a table service buffet meal with characters, and is traditional American foods.
You can select breakfast, which is $46 for adults and $26 for children (plus tax and gratuity) or lunch and dinner which is $60 for adults and $36 for children (plus tax and gratuity) or 1 Table Service Credit if you have the dining plan. The fact that it has a character meet really maximizes your dining credit.
Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano
This is a sit down table service meal, and is a traditional Italian restaurant.
You can choose lunch or dinner. It is $43 for adults and $18 for children (plus tax and gratuity). You can use your dining plan table service credits
The Hollywood Brown Derby
This is a sit down table service meal, and is considered fine dining and a signature restaurant. You do not need to be dressed up for this meal. They serve contemporary American fare.
You can choose from lunch or dinner and it is $63 for adults and $22 for children (plus tax and gratuity). This would cost you 2 of your table service credits if you choose to use your dining plan.
It is recommended that you make these reservations at your 180 day mark for Advanced Dining Reservations, but remember to select the Fantasmic Dining Package, if you just make a regular dining reservation you will not be given Fantasmic vouchers.
If you select a dining package, you must arrive 25 minutes prior to show time to be guaranteed seats in the reserved section. Seats are not assigned, there is a roped off area for the dining package seats, which are just bleacher style stadium seating, so how early you want to get there is up to you. If the show is cancelled due to weather you can use your voucher for up to 5 days after your scheduled show, but you must have a valid theme park ticket for the day you want to attend.
Dessert Package
The second option for reserved seating is the Fantasmic Dessert Package. This is different from the popular dessert parties at Walt Disney World. The dessert package is a box of desserts and a drink, can be alcoholic if you are 21+, that you pick up prior to the show and can eat and drink while you wait for the show to start or during the show. On nights that there are two showings of Fantasmic, the Dessert Package will only be offered for one of the showings.
The price is $39 per adult and $19 per child, this includes tax and gratuity is not required. You can arrive as early as 90 minutes prior to showtime, but no later than 45 minutes before the show is due to start. When you check-in you will receive a custom credential to trade in for your dessert package, this will not be replaced if lost or stolen.
Adult Dessert Package
Typically included in the adult dessert box is: chocolate covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple pie, trail mix, and cheese & crackers. The child (ages 3-9) box usually includes: chocolate “dirt” (pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms), confetti popcorn, grapes, and a vanilla cake bite. All guests also receive water, and their drink of choice in a light up souvenir cup.
Like the Dining Package, seats are roped off and are not assigned, it is first-come, first-serve. If the show is cancelled, you can still get your dessert package and beverage, and will be able to use your voucher at another show up to 5 days after your reserved seating, with a valid theme park ticket. You can not use Disney Dining Plan credits for the Dessert Package. Reservations are recommended, but these typically do not open up until 3 months in advance.
Other Options
There are two other options for seating at Fantasmic, using a FastPass or the Standby line. The FastPass seating is similar to the Dining Package and Dessert Package, but that means you only get 2 other FastPasses for your entire day at Hollywood Studios. The second option is the standby line. This is not terrible, but if it is a packed event you will likely be seated on the sides and may not have a great view of the entire show.
Wrapping Up
Fantasmic is a wonderful show, and while there are no terrible seats, there are definitely great seats, and the packages are the best way to ensure you will get them, especially if you are visiting during a busy time. Have other Fantasmic tips to share? Drop them in the comments below. Or, until next time have a magical trip!