Imagination: The Fantasmic Trip

Hello and welcome back! I'm excited to share some fun things with you! Being a passholder I soon discovered the joy of an unpressured trip to the parks. There is always this unspoken that you HAVE TO try and get EVERYTHING done. This being said I’ve decided to make my trips centered around specific attractions or events. This trip was specifically focused on the new and improved nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!

 As many of you may know Fantasmic is a long running water show (similar to World of Color) that began in the early 90’s and was put on pause due to the new Star Wars land construction which is set to open in 2019. It is finally back and in my opinion more magical than ever. This show is very nostalgic for me. I can remember being no more than five and seeing the bright colored water shoot up in the sky while feeling the mist on my face. There are a few things you should know before seeing the show.

“We are still working out the kinks and change our approach every night to see what works best!” – Disney Cast Member

Here are five ways you can have a great Fantasmic experience!

But before I begin it is important for everyone who is planning a trip to download the Disneyland app. This is a great tool that will help you more than you know. It has wait times for attractions, maps, the ability to make dining reservations and so much more! Download it NOW!

#1 - Disney Dining

Disney offers dining packages which for a pretty penny will ensure you a nice viewing spot. The three restaurants participating in this are Blue Bayou, Café Orleans and River Belle Terrace. The prices range from $45-$65 for each adult and $25 for each child. Not a bad deal but most packages must be purchased within 60 days of your visit!

#2 Fastpasses

Fastpasses are the golden ticket to those who do not have dining reservations. Similar to a ride, the fastpass somewhat guarantees you a spot to watch the show. Sounds great right?! While it is a great thought there are still a few hoops that have to be jumped through before the show. First hoop- getting the fastpass. Like any other new attraction the fastpasses go quick. There are two viewings of the show which are 9 p.m and 10:30 p.m. The earlier you get to the kiosk the earlier your show will be. I suggest getting there when the park gates open (7:30) and waiting for the rope drop (8:00) at Frontierland. At the rope there will already be a group of people waiting to follow a cast member to the kiosk. On the picture above on the right side I displayed where you pick up a fastpass. It will be right in front of the boarding area for the Mark Twain. Where I have placed the eyes is where the fastpass holders will be viewing from. **EVERY PERSON IN YOUR PARTY MUST BE IN THE PARK IN ORDER TO RECIEVE A FASTPASS** Meaning, if your friends and family send you with their tickets early to go get passes while they're still getting ready at the hotel or are waiting in line at California Adventure it won't work. They must physically be in Disneyland. Once you have your fastpass you're good to go and can obtain other fastpasses for attractions during your day.

#3 Returning for the Show

Your fastpass will tell you to return at 8 p.m but DON'T DO IT. People will begin to form an "unofficial line" at 7 near the food cart next to the Mark Twain. That line will be guided to another line inside of the Mark Twain boarding area around 7:30 which is where you will wait until 8 to be seated in the fastpass area. The earlier you get in the first line the better chance you have of being front and center for the show. We were first in line at 7 and the picture up above is where we were seated! We also were lucky enough to be able to sit down during the show which was great. If you are a little behind in the line you will be placed in the standing zone which is where I was the first time. This is no good with children sitting on top of shoulders and tall people in front of you. Moral of the story...get there early.

#4  During the Show

Right before it begins there are cast members selling drinks and snacks to fastpass holders. That hour wait is a great time to eat dinner by the way! If you are in the front of the viewing area there is about an 85% chance you will get a bit wet depending on how windy it is. Not to give too much away but if you are sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds there are a few parts of the show that have both so be ready for it. I am the queen of picture taking and video recording, but this is a show meant to just watch and be present in the moment. The first time I wasn't and missed so many details.

#5 Fireworks

Ten minutes after Fantasmic is over the fireworks show will begin. If you stay in your spot it is a perfect way to view the fireworks while seeing the same castle displays on the water. This is a great move on Disney's part. The rush to Main Street for fireworks is not as important for now. The fireworks are a wave goodbye to all the guests. An unspoken "Hope you had a magical day!"

"You see, the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish!"

-Jiminy Cricket

Overall I enjoyed the show. It’s very different from the original but I believe in a good way! It’s definitely a new experience for the next generation of Disney goers. Don’t be alarmed if you start to tear up at the end of the show! I know I did.  I hope this information is helpful for those visiting the parks soon! Until next time, have a magical week and thanks for reading!