Fantasmic $30,000

[earldw28]

I just saw something on TV that said every showing of Fantasmic in Disneyland cost $30,000. This seems really expensive to me. Is the Disneyland version drastically different than the WDW version?

Hopefully this thread doesn't get moved since it's really not about Disneyland per se, it's more about Fantasmic in general.

 

[CaesarBoxFan]

The two F!'s are pretty much the same, except DL's doesn't have the large amphitheatre, just wide walkways around the ROA.

If you think about the components, water jets, pyro, lighting, actors, I would think it costs a couple thousand dollars.

-CBF

 

[Disneyfanman]

I have heard the same figure for both DL and WDW. To answer your question, it's a similar show with a few of the live scenes different, and some different animations. Very close though. The DL version takes place on the end of Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and you view it from the shoreline. It's much harder to see. The effects (light posts, speakers, etc) equipment rises from underground. That's pretty cool. The other difference is that they use the Columbia and Mark Twain boats in the show at DL. None of those differences account for any huge difference in cost, but they all make the DL show much more interesting to many folks. I like both versions myself, and enjoy the small differences. It's a very expensive show. I have also heard similar figures for Wishes and Illuminations. These nighttime "treats" are part of what makes a day at Disney so special. May they continue forever.

 

[WDWRLD]

I would think thats right if not more, Think about the Pyro, cast members on stage ,stagehands, lights and sound people, ushers, cleaning crew, and who knows what else.

 

[bryPOD]

That makes sense to me. I was once told ( I can't remember if it was on this site or in the Keys to the Kingdom tour) that Wishes costs about $10,000 a show, so Fantasmic costing 30 doesn't sound too far off.

I wonder what Illuminations costs?

 

[echoscot]

The costs are probably similar, but show quality wise, DL is a far superior product to WDW's show.

There is more action and less water screen effect. The light towers "transform out of the ground" in order to create the show setting. Instead of Pocahontas, they use Peter Pan flying around the ship battling Captain Hook with pirates, Wendy, John and Michael...

I guess really it is just my personal preference, but I really was disappointed with the Orlando translation of that show.

 

[sknydave]

They make 30k with just 2700 cars paying for parking or 428 guests paying for a one day ticket to MGM

 

[echoscot]

They make 30k with just 2700 cars paying for parking or 428 guests paying for a one day ticket to MGM

What's MGM?:lol:

 

[sillyspook13]

That makes sense to me. I was once told ( I can't remember if it was on this site or in the Keys to the Kingdom tour) that Wishes costs about $10,000 a show, so Fantasmic costing 30 doesn't sound too far off.

I wonder what Illuminations costs?

I'm not sure about IllumiNations, but I heard that it cost $42,000 to run the Epcot's 25th anniversary edition of IllumiNations (I believe that's the quote I was given... I may be off by a few.).

Anybody up for a fundraiser?:ROFLOL:

 

[kcnole]

Everytime they show one of their shows its close to that figure. Fireworks are way expensive. It costs over 20k just for the cheap fireworks show my town puts off and its nowhere near as elaborate as what Disney does every night. I'm very impressed that at those costs, Disney still does it every night that weather permits. Its one of the main reasons that Universal no longer does their shows every night. Its just too expensive.

 

[foldmama]

I took the Backstage magic tour about 1.5 years ago and we were told that Disney spends an average of $100,000 a night for all three fireworks shows. That cost goes up overe the holidays with the shows are longer and sometimes twice a night.

 

[Phonedave]

I would think thats right if not more, Think about the Pyro, cast members on stage ,stagehands, lights and sound people, ushers, cleaning crew, and who knows what else.

And remember that the cost to Disney is not the same as what they pay the CM's

If you are making $15/hr, it costs Disney more than that. There are other loadings (hence the term, "loaded labor rate") such as insurance, benefits, taxes, etc.


Also, if this is really a true cost, and not some high level swag, they really shoud be taking into account the cost of the ampitheater. Yes it's there and it's paid for, but there is the whole time cost of money, lost opportunity costs, taxes, maintence, etc etc.


-dave

 

[coasterphil]

Also remember that Disney isn't going to have to spend nearly as much on fireworks as your local town has to because they are getting a volume discount.

 

[bgraham34]

And remember that the cost to Disney is not the same as what they pay the CM's

If you are making $15/hr, it costs Disney more than that. There are other loadings (hence the term, "loaded labor rate") such as insurance, benefits, taxes, etc.


Also, if this is really a true cost, and not some high level swag, they really shoud be taking into account the cost of the ampitheater. Yes it's there and it's paid for, but there is the whole time cost of money, lost opportunity costs, taxes, maintence, etc etc.


-dave

I would assume all that would have to be in effect. Because they dont have 30k worth of fireworks. They produce so much fireworks the cost for them is so low.

 

[Big Cheese]

Could you imagine the crowds if they only did Illuminations once a week!
Makes it a much better experience being done nightly.

 

[dizzney]

The number sounds reasonable, they may have higher end fireworks, but they buy in bulk,

Whatever the cost is, they are wonderful to watch!

6 days and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!:sohappy:

 

[coasterphil]

Also guys, lets not kid ourselves here. Disney doesn't do the nightime spectaculars out of charity for the guests, keeping the guests in the park longer equals more money.

 

[WDWRLD]

Also guys, lets not kid ourselves here. Disney doesn't do the nightime spectaculars out of charity for the guests, keeping the guests in the park longer equals more money.

Looks like they are finally realizing that with AK but they need much more. After the Jamin Jungle Parade the place clears out.

 

[joanna71985]

I took the Backstage magic tour about 1.5 years ago and we were told that Disney spends an average of $100,000 a night for all three fireworks shows. That cost goes up overe the holidays with the shows are longer and sometimes twice a night.

Seriously?! Dang!

 

[sknydave]

100k is still chump change compared to what they bring in every day.