Fantasmic vs Star Wars: AGS

[SamJYung]

We're visiting Hollywood Studios on the 3rd, and I've just realised that these 2 shows overlap each other by about 15 minutes On the website it says Fantasmic starts at 8:30pm with the Star Wars fireworks starting at 8:45.

Which would you say is the show to see if you were only at HS for one day? They both look amazing to me, I haven't seen either. Fantasmic looks amazing, but I'm also a huge star wars fan. Dilemmas!

 

[mikeh]

If you end up choosing Star Wars, get there EARLY. As in 60+ minutes early and make sure you're next to the roped off area in the hub. Don't show up late and don't stand anywhere further away from the Chinese Theater than the two projection towers.

As to answering your original question, I would pick Star Wars. Just keep in mind it's mostly a projection show (thus the need for positioning). If you're craving a fireworks show, go with Wishes or Illuminations.

Fantasmic is a great show, it's just that I've seen it so much that I prefer the new show.

 

[SamJYung]

Really struggling to decide. Fantasmic looks great but star wars looks incredible. Really annoying how the shows clash but I guess that's what you get when you go out of season...I'm already doing the other big shows 'Illuminations, Wishes' at the other two parks, so my logic behind picking star wars was that It's something a bit different to the typical 'Disney' vibe.

Is Fantasmic really worth seeing though?

 

[Variable]

Fantasmic.

 

[Variable]

Star Wars is a clip show with fireworks, some flame shooting
Wishes is fireworks, and for a couple of years now effects and projections on the castle.
How well you see what is projected depends enormously on where you are standing.

Illuminations is a bit different, but fireworks other pyro effects on a center "set"

Fantastmic is story, live action stage, water craft, flaming water, projections on water mist screen, fireworks, songs,
It's different and much more than the others. It's an iconic production.

We always see Wishes. But Fantasmic and Illuminations very seldom now.
We have gone back to MK at night JUST for wishes. No other show has that pull.

Haven't seen Star Wars show, despite being fans since 1977, it doesn't interest us.

If you want street cred with your fellow Star Wars buddies, your choice is clear.

 

[Kylo Ken]

It all depends on who you're traveling with I.e. kids, teens, young adults and what everyone's preferences are.

Fantasmic I feel is a fantastic show and well worth watching. I try and catch it every time I go (with the exception of my last time cause Star Wars lol) The soundtrack is awesome, the story is great, and the characters are cool. If you like the traditional Disney characters and villains then this is the show for you. It's very cool in my opinion.

The Star Wars show was pretty great. You undoubtedly have to get there an hour ahead and as close to the hub as possible (as stated previously). The projections are cool and the fireworks are secondary to them. If you're a big Star Wars fan then the choice is obviously clear.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either. If you can't get a good viewing spot for Star Wars then it's not worth it. Maybe the dessert party is something to consider if you want to see Star Wars

 

[bethymouse]

I like fireworks better, so I would do Star Wars. Fantasmic is a nice show though with a huge dragon and water effects with great music. If you're a Star Wars fan, then you should not miss the Star Wars Spectacular!

 

[maroonmol]

If you're a hardcore Star Wars fan, go with that, but I say go early because you need a clear view, and as it is such a big franchise, I think there will be a LOT of fans there.

Personally, I would choose Fantasmic, because think it's great for all ages, and also has a big mix of special effects, etc.

 

[margybear]

Thanks for posting this- I have the same dilemma. Going with my bf who's never been. I've seen Fantasmic and loved it so much, and if Star Wars really requires getting the best viewing to see anything, then I'm tempted to go for Fantasmic But we both love Star Wars so it's tough!

 

[Chef Mickey]

When I was there a couple months ago, I was able to do Fantasmic and pretty easily make it back for Star Wars fireworks. I want to say the shows were timed 45 minutes apart. Fantasmic I believe is a 26 min show.

 

[Chef Mickey]

And for those saying Star Wars is mostly projection, I totally disagree. The volume of fireworks is pretty solid, although the overall show is shorter than Wishes. The Star Wars fireworks are more intense and frequent.

 

[KINGLOUIS1993]

This is a tough one...

I would say the Star Wars because I have seen Fantasmic about ten times and have never seen Star Wars. Not taking anything away from Fantasmic though, it will always be a great classic Disney show.

 

[SamJYung]

When I was there a couple months ago, I was able to do Fantasmic and pretty easily make it back for Star Wars fireworks. I want to say the shows were timed 45 minutes apart. Fantasmic I believe is a 26 min show.

We are going when things start to quiet down, so unfortunately for us it means that shows start overlapping at this time (3rd of September) according to the Disney website anyway...

Still haven't decided. We are doing 5 days at Disney, 1 day at each park, with a spare one for whatever park we want to return to. These aren't hopper tickets, but I don't think I would waste the spare day on a return visit to Hollywood Studios just to see both shows. I think Magic Kingdom is more worthy of the use of the spare ticket day.

So the general consensus seems to be that you must arrive at least an hour before the Star Wars show in order to get a good spot?

 

[SamJYung]

Thanks for posting this- I have the same dilemma. Going with my bf who's never been. I've seen Fantasmic and loved it so much, and if Star Wars really requires getting the best viewing to see anything, then I'm tempted to go for Fantasmic But we both love Star Wars so it's tough!

Ah yeah, It's a toughie! I haven't seen either, so my heart is saying Fantasmic, but my mind is saying Star Wars haha

 

[21stamps]

Definitely the new Star Wars show. Despite some of the delusional things you'll read on here, it's the best fireworks show Disney has given us since IllumiNations! No need to stake spots out hours in advance either as any view of the Chinese Theater will suffice. Enjoy!

I've been having a really tough time with this. I currently have a F! dinner package at H&V. I can't change that now, but it's not the end of the world to keep the package (Can I hand the tickets to other guests if we don't attend?). Fantasmic was my kid's favorite show at Disney hands down. However, he is a Star Wars fanatic. So I'm torn.

I'm not worried about seating because we would do the dessert party which I expect (hope) to continue thru winter.

IF it's mostly fireworks then I won't mind skipping. We see fireworks almost every night. But, if it's more of a projection show then I think it would definitely be worth skipping Fantasmic.

 

[docdebbi]

Can anyone "in the know" explain to me why Disney has chosen to make it extremely difficult if not impossible to see both shows the same night?
When we were there in April, we were able to RUN from Fantasmic to the old Star Wars fireworks, but it was a run, and we positioned ourselves close to the exit at Fantasmic to achieve this. And now the shows actually overlap. Seems clear it's a "one or the other" situation

Is it really just to draw crowds away from Fantasmic? Try to make you come back a second night?
I really can't figure it out, keep wondering why.
Insight?

 

[Chef Mickey]

We are going when things start to quiet down, so unfortunately for us it means that shows start overlapping at this time (3rd of September) according to the Disney website anyway...

Still haven't decided. We are doing 5 days at Disney, 1 day at each park, with a spare one for whatever park we want to return to. These aren't hopper tickets, but I don't think I would waste the spare day on a return visit to Hollywood Studios just to see both shows. I think Magic Kingdom is more worthy of the use of the spare ticket day.

So the general consensus seems to be that you must arrive at least an hour before the Star Wars show in order to get a good spot?

I honestly think an hour before is a waste of time, particularly when people tend to just crowd and block your "perfect" spot anyway.

Unless they've updated the audio equipment (I think they were going to as what they had up in April was somewhat temporary) I feel like being too close to the Chinese Theater was actually a detriment because the audio wad shrilled. I am a bit of an audiophile and I can tell you it wasn't up to Disney standard. Standing back a little helped the audio problem but does obstruct some view of the sides.

When you go, it won't be as insane crowded and I'd say 30min is plenty. I saw it 3-4 times.

 

[Noellikechristmas]

I'm curious, does anyone think Fantasmic has a shorter line now because of Star Wars? Wondering how long you have to wait in line for Fantasmic...specifically in October.

 

[Kylo Ken]

I'm curious, does anyone think Fantasmic has a shorter line now because of Star Wars? Wondering how long you have to wait in line for Fantasmic...specifically in October.

I was just there last week and Fantasmic was at about capacity. That would in a sense lead me to believe that Star Wars is not detracting from Fantasmic's crowds. Obviously everyone's experience may vary.

 

[SamJYung]

I've been having a really tough time with this. I currently have a F! dinner package at H&V. I can't change that now, but it's not the end of the world to keep the package (Can I hand the tickets to other guests if we don't attend?). Fantasmic was my kid's favorite show at Disney hands down. However, he is a Star Wars fanatic. So I'm torn.

I'm not worried about seating because we would do the dessert party which I expect (hope) to continue thru winter.

IF it's mostly fireworks then I won't mind skipping. We see fireworks almost every night. But, if it's more of a projection show then I think it would definitely be worth skipping Fantasmic.

What is the dessert party? Does it give you early access to Fantastic?