Your Disneyland Vacation: is Fantasmic Worth It?

Planning your Disneyland vacation is often a really fun and exciting experience. Planning out the days you will be at Disneyland can involve a lot of details, and a lot of thought often goes into scheduling. Those planning a trip to Disneyland can benefit from knowing which parades and shows they plan to attend, because typically some thought needs to go into finding a viewing spot and holding the spot until the selected entertainment begins. One of the most popular shows at Disneyland is, of course, the Fantasmic musical light show which also features live performers.

In order for Disneyland guests to get a good viewing spot at Fantasmic, it's usually necessary for at least one member of your group to stake out a place, and then wait there, sometimes for two to three hours. That being the case, it isn't surprising that many people who are working out the details of their Disneyland visit, wonder if Fantasmic is worth all the trouble to see. If you're trying to figure out whether or not to go through the trouble to see Fantasmic during your next Disneyland trip, the following information may help you.

First, check out Fantasmic on YouTube - Although it's nothing compared to seeing the show live, watching the video of Disneyland's Fantasmic on YouTube can give you a really good idea of what you'll be seeing in the park. This can be one of the best ways to decide if you're interested in going through the trouble to see Fantasmic during your Disneyland vacation.

Find out if there's a second show scheduled on the nights of your trip - There are times during the year when there are two Fantasmic shows performed in a single night. If you are visiting Disneyland on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or if your trip will take place during the summer months, chances are you will be there on a day when two shows are scheduled. If you find this to be the case, consider hanging out late for the second show, as it is generally much less crowded. You'll get a better spot to view the show from, and you won't have to wait long to hold your spot. Check the Disneyland website to view the entertainment schedule for the dates you'll be visiting. Be aware though, that it is virtually impossible to view the second performance of Fantasmic, and still make it across the park in time to view the fireworks. The crowds will be much too thick.

If you must see Fantasmic, but don't want to spend hours holding a spot, there is another option - If you decide you really must see Fantasmic during your Disneyland visit, but you don't want to spend 2 hours holding a spot and there is no 2^nd show on the night you'll be there, you can always pay for a premium viewing experience. The cost is about $60 per person, and includes a boxed dessert assortment (nothing spectacular) and beverage. The benefit is that you'll be able to view Fantasmic from a better viewing area, and you'll have a real chair to sit in. The downside of this option is, of course, the price, as well as the fact that you'll still need to show up early to choose a seat. This requires finding the check-in podium and arriving before 8:00pm to stand in line and wait for the cast members to start allowing people to choose seating at 8pm, regardless of whether you have reservations for the 9pm or 10:30pm show. People have reported getting into the line for seat selection by 7:45 and finding 40 people already ahead of them, which means all the good seats had been selected by the time it was their turn to choose. Still, if this sounds like something you'd like to consider, reservations can be made one month in advance by calling 714-781-4400.