Fantasmic vs. American Idol Debate: The decline of Hollywood Studios

[disney4life2008]

I was at Hollywood Studios on January 12th (a Fantasmic night - I purposely planned this day because of Fantasmic being on limited scheduale).

All around the American Idol attraction, there were AI cast members standing there in there blue outfits smiling and having a goody ole time. My boyfriend loves AI - so when we walked past the theater, we saw there was an AI photo op in front of the banner. The cast member talked about how great the attraction will be and that we must return after it opens. I so badly wanted to tell her, I do not approve of AI being on Disney property because as a result, Fantasmic was being (basically) eliminated. My boyfriend took the photos and I stayed away from the attraction and photo ops. The interesting part, NO ONE even cared about the attraction or the AI store (it was empty). But im sure that will change.

Later that night, my boyfriend and I arrived to Fantasmic at 550pm only to be told that the theater was getting close to standing room only. Then the theater was all of a sudden CLOSED OFF because it had reached capacity. I WAS FURIOUS!!! Fantasmic is MY FAVORITE SHOW on Disney property - BAR NONE. My boyfriend and I had got popcorn and drinks so that we could watch Fantasmic (it has special meaning for us). When we gor turned way, I was basically in tears. The cast members were not completely rude but basically, they could give a care about the hundreds of people who were trying to get in. I went to a female cast member and expressed my problem and dissapointment with Disney about the whole AI vs Fantasmic situation. I told her that it is ridiculous that all this American Idol GARBAGE has come to DISNEY (it has no connection with Disney what so ever) and that the reduced Fantasmic scheduale was horrible. There I stand with my popcorn, drink and my MICKEY FANTASMIC HAT that lights up with tears in my eyes and she states: Im sorry but your gonna have to leave like everyone else because we are at capacity and that she understood that AI is taking away from Fantasmic and she smiled and turned the other way from me. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP and it was the first time on Disney property where I did not feel the magic or that I was special. I have spent thousands of dollars at Disney over the years and my heart was broken because I could see my favorite show. Furthermore, the children were out there in tears because they were being denied their change to see Fantasmic (parents were equally furious).

My boyfriend and I walked out of HS that night because I realized that money talks (AI in WDW) - it has no place in WDW!! PERIOD! There was no surprise that Guest Relations had a line out the door as we left.

From my understanding, they want AI to be the final show of the night at HS. But my problem is this: THAT IS NOT DISNEY! Little kids im sure watch AI, but when you go to Disneyworld, I want my day to end with MICKEY AND FRIENDS and FIREWORKS or PARADE. The Block Party Bash at HS was ridiculous. Again, no Mickey (nothing specifically Disney related) - unless I missed it - it was all Pixar. I am not paying all this money to end my day at HS to sit and watch people who can not sing and fake judges for an hour. I would rather watch Fantasmic.

I see this as the ultimate demise and the worst mistake Disney could have done. As it stands, the day we went to HS, I didnt see Mickey and Friends at all. I guess you have to stand in line for a character greeting. What the future holds, thats up in the air. I guess we will see after 2/14. This will either be a flop or a huge success. But my heart and support will always be with Fantasmic (it was the 1st time I saw my boyfriend almost cry).

FANTASMIC SUPPORTER!!!!:wave:

 

[rainfully]

Ok I can understand your frustration in not being able to see your favorite show... but why didn't you arrive earlier? They've always suggested you arrive an hour before show time BEFORE they cut the shows... I would arrive at least 2 hours before considering they've cut so many shows. I've arrived late for Fantasmic after they've closed seating (before I lived in Orlando.. back when I would come to disney once every 2 years) and I thought to myself "oops I should have arrived earlier" and went on with my evening.

I don't understand what you wanted from the CMs... did you want them to open it up specially for you and break capacity laws just for you? They don't just close it for their jollies... there are fire codes to think about.

Trust me... not one of the CMs at DHS is excited about the cutting back of Fantasmic. I feel absolutely sorry for them as they get yelled at every day because of it and there is nothing they can do. Seriously, if it was up to them, they would have a performance every day. Please don't blame them because there really is nothing they can do but listen.

 

[unkadug]

I understand your feeling disappointed in not seeing the show. I also agree with you on AI.

However, if Fantasmic! was SO important for you to see, I would of thought that you would have gotten there in time to get in. You already knew that it was on reduced showings. :shrug:

 

[JimboJones123]

We were turned away from Fantasmic on a MONDAY NIGHT -- 1 hr before show time.

If the show is FULL an HOUR before show time, you aren't serving your guests. You just aren't.

We missed Fantasmic on our last trip for the first time ever. I am still too sad about it. Cut the crappy Block Party Parade instead.

 

[JimboJones123]

Oh, and don't jump on the OP folks. This Fantasmic thing is a mess. Illuminations, Spectro, and Wishes suck compared to this production. It is a must see that you simply cannot see. Hollywood street or whatever it is leading to TOT was 3x as busy after Fantasmic was closed as it was during the day. The gate for DHS is just as busy 1 hr. before the show as it is when the park opens. Too bad ALL of them are forced to turn right back around and leave.

 

[SirGoofy]

Oh, and don't jump on the OP folks. This Fantasmic thing is a mess. Illuminations, Spectro, and Wishes suck compared to this production. It is a must see that you simply cannot see. Hollywood street or whatever it is leading to TOT was 3x as busy after Fantasmic was closed as it was during the day. The gate for DHS is just as busy 1 hr. before the show as it is when the park opens. Too bad ALL of them are forced to turn right back around and leave.

Seriously? Suck? Come on man.

And no matter what people tell you, Fantasmic! has not been cut because of AI. Fantasmic! has been cut due to the increasingly cheap-minded WDW Management.

And get off the CM's backs. It's not their fault that the show was full. What were they supposed to do?

 

[JimboJones123]

Seriously? Suck? Come on man.

And no matter what people tell you, Fantasmic! has not been cut because of AI. Fantasmic! has been cut due to the increasingly cheap-minded WDW Management.

Come on yourself. Compared to (yes all those words do have meaning) they do suck. Fantasmic is the only fully emersive attraction of the four evening events. There is a story. There are special effects. There is fire. There is very much to this show that none of the others have. So in comparison, if looking for a total experience, Fantastic blows the others away. You may not like the show, but most will admit that it is a much greater production that a parade where costumes light up, or fireworks to music.

 

[rainfully]

Come on yourself. Compared to (yes all those words do have meaning) they do suck. Fantasmic is the only fully emersive attraction of the four evening events. There is a story. There are special effects. There is fire. There is very much to this show that none of the others have. So in comparison, if looking for a total experience, Fantastic blows the others away. You may not like the show, but most will admit that it is a much greater production that a parade where costumes light up, or fireworks to music.

Illuminations has a story, special effects, and fire.

:lookaroun

Just sayin'.

 

[SirGoofy]

Come on yourself. Compared to (yes all those words do have meaning) they do suck. Fantasmic is the only fully emersive attraction of the four evening events. There is a story. There are special effects. There is fire. There is very much to this show that none of the others have. So in comparison, if looking for a total experience, Fantastic blows the others away. You may not like the show, but most will admit that it is a much greater production that a parade where costumes light up, or fireworks to music.

Oh, I love Fantasmic! I do think it's the best nighttime show, but the others do not come close to the word "suck."

Oh and by the way:

Illuminations
-Has a story
-Has special effects
-has fire

Wishes
-Has a story
-has special effects

 

[mr_braver23]

I'm already bummed on this one. We are going in March and we are planning to see Fantasmic. I just don't know about getting there 2 hrs early, one hour seems more that enough to see any show. I look at it as it takes away from doing other things in the park. It already sounds to me we can forget about seeing fantasmic.

 

[Monty]

just

 

[Figments Friend]

I have never been able to understand the fasination with 'Fantasmic'.

To me, it is a lame production..but that is just my opinion. I remember well all the hype i had heard about it before my first viewing back in 2001 or so, and i was so ready to be blown away.

I was not, FAR from it.


First off, i would say 70% of the show is just watching 'tv' ( yet again in a Disney Attraction!! ARGH!). Okay sure...it is 'projections of sprays of water..' but at it's core you are really just watching complied video footage from Disney films i could watch at home for free. Why is SO MUCH of the production focused on this alone? I know 'why'...to allow for scene changes on the stage behind...but surely there could have been additonal ways of handling this in a more creative way. It seems cool the first time you see the water projections, but by the 3rd 'scene change' is is old news and downright annoying. "Sigh...THIS again? We already saw this trick..." comes to mind....

Again, just my opinion.

Couple this with a rather bland 'story'...and a major scene that dates the production big time ( Pocahontas sequence) and it just does NOT in any way shape or form live up to the hype. For me, the show only really comes alive during the climax when Mick battles Maleficent as the dragon. The lake of fire and the dragon itself is the only real attraction here folks..sorry...again, just my opinion.

So no, i have never regarded this show as a 'must see'....but again, everyone enjoys things differently. I hate going to a Disney Theme Park , get into a 'major attraction' and end up watching tv monitors. I can do that at home. When i go to WDW, i want LIVE entertainment or unquie one-of-a-kind experiences one can ONLY experience at WDW. Maybe i am showing my age, but watching anything on a monitor ( or spray of water...) leaves me cold.

I have strongly felt that Fantasmic needs to be replaced or retooled ( jazz it up a little....change a few scenes to bring it up to date a little..) I have heard that the DisneyLand version is 10 times better then the FL version. I have yet to see that version, but i am not overly enthused considering how little i think of the version if have seen.


To me, 'Illuminations' is by far and away THE best show On Property...next to "Festival of the Lion King'.

Again.....just my opinion.

 

[SirGoofy]

I have strongly felt that the show needs to be replaced or retooled ( jazz it up a little....change a few scenes to bring it up to date a little..) I have heard that the DisneyLand version is 10 times better then the FL version. I have yet to see that version, but i am not overly enthused considering how little i think of the version if have seen.

Of course the Disneyland version is better. That shouldn't be surprising.:lol:

But I agree. Personally I would love to see Fantasmic! retooled to the DHS theme. Have Mickey fall into a huge Jedi vs Sith battle, have him interact with Indy. I think it would be even better.

 

[Since1976]

You think you're upset?!

I'm still kind of mad that they replaced Sorcery in the Sky (the nightly MGM Studios fireworks show) with Fantasmic.

I have home video of fireworks over the Studios from 1990. It seems like something odd and rare now.

:shrug:

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I have never been able to understand the fasination with 'Fantasmic'.

To me, it is a lame production..but that is just my opinion. I remember well all the hype i had heard about it before my first viewing back in 2001 or so, and i was so ready to be blown away. I was'nt. First off, i would say 70% of the show is just watching 'tv' ( yet again in a Disney Attraction!! ARGH!). Okay sure...it is 'projections of sprays of water..' but at it's core you are really just watching complied video footage from Disney films i could watch at home for free. Why is SO MUCH of the production focused on this alone? I know 'why'...to allow for scene changes on the stage behind...but surely there could have been additonal ways of handling this in a more creative way. It seems cool the first time you see the water projections, but by the 3rd 'scene change' is is old news and downright annoying. "sigh...THIS again? We already saw this trick..." comes to mind....



To me, 'Illuminations' is by far and away THE best show On Property...next to "Festival of the Lion King'.

Again.....just my opinion.

True, especially if there's a bit 'o wind in the air. Suddenly the images on those screens aren't as clear as they should be.

But to play the other side here, there's a good portion of RoE that is devoted to watching a "TV screen." :lookaroun


But in the end, I say RoE is the better show (it certainly does NOT suck). If you're going to start saying that Fant! is a better show from an effects/technical standpoint, I'll argue just as heavily that RoE is superior to Fant! in that department.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

just

Yeah...This is poor planning and a bit of an over reaction IMHO. Disney is a but to blame on the cutting of F! but there are so many ways this coulda been prevented.:shrug:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

You think you're upset?!

I'm still kind of mad that they replaced Sorcery in the Sky (the nightly MGM Studios fireworks show) with Fantasmic.

I have home video of fireworks over the Studios from 1990. It seems like something odd and rare now.

:shrug:

:lol::sohappy:

AGREED! F! is nowhere near SitS IMHO.

 

[AREM]

You really should have gotten there earlier. Just saying.

I ran into this when I went last year, and was turned away. I have never seen it PERIOD. So at least you have had a chance to see it before.


And I really don't see why there is so much hate for AI.......

Its the #1 show on tv, and that is gonna be shown when this attraction goes 100% live. They are getting the kinks worked out, and getting it ready for the public. Like any attraction.

I personally can't wait to see AIE in April when I go back. Its one of the things I'm most looking forward to this trip.




And just for the record, Wishes kicks all the other shows' . :drevil:

 

[scpergj]

I have never been able to understand the fasination with 'Fantasmic'.

To me, it is a lame production..but that is just my opinion. I remember well all the hype i had heard about it before my first viewing back in 2001 or so, and i was so ready to be blown away.

I was not, FAR from it.


First off, i would say 70% of the show is just watching 'tv' ( yet again in a Disney Attraction!! ARGH!). Okay sure...it is 'projections of sprays of water..' but at it's core you are really just watching complied video footage from Disney films i could watch at home for free. Why is SO MUCH of the production focused on this alone? I know 'why'...to allow for scene changes on the stage behind...but surely there could have been additonal ways of handling this in a more creative way. It seems cool the first time you see the water projections, but by the 3rd 'scene change' is is old news and downright annoying. "Sigh...THIS again? We already saw this trick..." comes to mind....

Agreed. I don't think that Fantasmic "sucks", but then again, I have no real attachment to it.

Wishes brings tears to my eyes, and has since the first time I saw it - 4 months after my Dad died - always with my daughter in my lap (or in my arms), and my son standing in front of me.

I stare in awe at Illuminations - it is my wife's favorite show. I love the way the fire, lasers, fireworks, and music all work together to tell the story.

Fantasmic...is just like watching TV with a bit of live acting at the same time. Yes, it tells a story (although I still don't understand how the Pochantas sequence fits in). But for me, no emotion, nothing. But then, I didn't visit the Studios until 5 years ago, and didn't see Fantasmic until four years ago.

 

[disney4life2008]

I understand your feeling disappointed in not seeing the show. I also agree with you on AI.

However, if Fantasmic! was SO important for you to see, I would of thought that you would have gotten there in time to get in. You already knew that it was on reduced showings. :shrug:

I feel sorry for people who only go to HS once and attempt to take in as much as they can to arrive at the theater 2 hours before showtime to watch Fantasmic.