DePaoli on DeParks: As we get ready for the return of “Fantasmic!” to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it got me thinking about this epic nighttime spectacular that continues to thrill crowds many years after its opening. In my mind, “Fantasmic!” is the greatest nighttime spectacular of all-time. It seamlessly mixes spectacular music, live performers, pyrotechnics, projection effects, lasers, animatronics, and so much more.
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As I am writing this I am in my hometown, Orlando, Florida, and am so excited to go to Disney as much as I possibly can this week. Obviously riding the attractions is a huge component of the parks, but as a local, I really value the shows and other experiences, or even just going for an afternoon to get food, peoplewatch, and walk around. When Fantasmic went away, we really didn’t know if it would come back. In my opinion, Fantasmic is by far Disney World’s most advanced show, and when it was gone that title went to Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Spectacular. I have seen Fantasmic on both coasts, and although I saw it in California quite some time ago, I still remember how amazing it was. Both are fairly similar other than the major change in where the productions are performed, as one has its own amphitheater-type setting, and the other is performed in the center of the park. This article comments on this, and while I understand the appeal of Disneyland’s stage on Tom Sawyer island, the Disney World show is more nostalgic to me. I cannot wait for Fantasmic’s return to the parks!
I have always been a disney kid, my mom raised me like that. I live 30 minutes away from Disney and used to go all the time as a kid. Fantasmic is one of my favorites for the longest time out of all the shows at Disney besides the Wishes Fireworks of course. Fantasmic is a show that I feel screams Disney magic through and through. One thing that was mentioned in the article was the location of the show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Tom Sawyer Island is an incredible part of Hollywood Studios because it is only used for this show and is an incredible space that gives this show space to do what they want. The use of a huge animatronic dragon that breathes fire on top of a mountain is the coolest thing I have ever seen. I think it is cool how they compare both of these shows from two different locations. Because it is cool to see how California's Show differs from Florida since I have only been there.
My family frequents Disneyland, though we have visited Walt Disney World once or twice before. We also prioritize rides over everything else, which means not stopping for parades or meet and greets, or any of those other experiences that the parks usually offer. However, we make an exception for Fantasmic. It truly is a treat and unlike any other shows, I have seen from theme parks and even from Disney (we have seen other shows, but it’s not something we plan into our day; more like something that happens). It’s great to see that WDW offers bleachers; I got the impression they are more set in an auditorium-like location instead of in the middle of something else. But in my opinion that is the only plus. I think it’s worth standing for an hour or so to get to see Fantasmic in the middle of the park. It’s just *magical* to see a mundane and even serene location get turned into a whole stage right in front of you.
I grew up as a complete Disneyland kid. I only live 5 hours away from the park and so my family would frequently make the journey over school breaks. We stopped going a lot when I was around the age of 12, and now that I’m 18, most of those memories have faded. The one specific thing I’ll remember is Fantasmic. Honestly when I think about it now, I should probably credit Fantasmic for sparking an interest in theatre and entertainment. I’ve always been, for lack of a better word, attracted to storytelling and lighting, even before I figured out I could do it. I was always in awe watching Fantasmic at the parks because of the special effects. I would watch recordings of it at home. And when I really missed Fantasmic, I wanted to build it and perform it in my backyard. One day, I’d love to take my skills to Disney and actually work on shows like this.
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