Disney's Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic! Review and Tips

Since it's Florida premier in 1998 at Disney-MGM Studios (now called Disney's Hollywood Studios), Fantasmic has been wowing audiences each night. Fantasmic first premiered at Disneyland in California in 1992 as was an instant hit. This nighttime spectacular is now shown at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, although there are some slight differences in the two shows.

The Disney's Hollywood Studios' version of Fantasmic begins with Mickey Mouse on an island deep in a dream where he's conducting a show of light, sound, and fireworks. On large water screens around the island, movies show scenes from Fantasia, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

Mickey's dream starts to turn to a nightmare when the whale from Pinocchio appears and traps Jiminy Cricket. The rest of Mickey's dream is of good overcoming evil. Some of Disney's most popular villains take over, including the evil queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, and more. Maleficent turns into a giant fire-breathing dragon and Jafar into a large snake that's at least 40 feet long.

However, none of these Disney Villains have the power to turn Mickey's dream into a nightmare for long. Soon, Mickey's imagination proves good can triumph over evil and the show ends with a steamboat circling the lagoon piloted by a black and white Mickey Mouse circa Steamboat Willie (who, before your eyes turns into a full-color Mickey Mouse that we know and love). The steamboat is filled with all of your favorite classic Disney characters like Donald Duck, Goofy, Aladdin, Mulan, and more.

Fantasmic is shown one or twice nightly at Disney's Hollywood Studios (check with www. disneyworld.com ) for show times. The show takes place in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. The amphitheater can hold 6500 guests (plus and additional 2000 standing) but often fills up. For best viewing, and to ensure a seat, I recommend you get your seat at least an hour before the show. There is a food stand and vendors in the amphitheater so you can grab a bit to eat before the show.

You can guarantee yourself a seat for Fantasmic by purchasing a Fantasmic dinner package. The package includes dinner at one of three of Disney's Hollywood Studios' restaurants; Brown Derby Mama Melrose, or Hollywood & Vine. The dinner packages include dinner and a seating pass for Fantasmic which guarantees a seat if you're at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at least 30 minutes before showtime. Prices range from $24.99 to 46.99 and reservation can be made once you're in Disney's Hollywood Studios at the reservations counter on Hollywood Boulevard.