Something is going to happen to Fantasmic

[TP2000]

WDW's Fantasmic! has needed an update for at least a decade, ever since Disneyland got its first big update to their Fantasmic! back in 2009.

Then when Disneyland updated it again in 2017, the WDW show was looking even hokier and junkier.

WDW's Fantasmic! is way past its prime. It needs a full creative rethink and full techno update. It needed all of this a decade ago, but better late than never. It's embarrassing in its current form, especially if you've seen the Disneyland version.

I know it's painful to think about closing the show for a long refurb, but it's time. It's way past time actually.

 

[gerarar]

Then when Disneyland updated it again in 2017, the WDW show was looking even hokier and junkier.

The one thing our F! doesn't need currently is an Aladdin segment....

*peers at Epcot Forever thread*

I know it's painful to think about closing the show for a long refurb, but it's time. It's way past time actually.

I don't think anyone would really mind a long closure of months to a year...at least Disney is updating a DHS show for once....just don't rid of it!!

 

[TP2000]

The one thing our F! doesn't need currently is an Aladdin segment....

*peers at Epcot Forever thread*

I don't think anyone would really mind a long closure of months to a year...at least Disney is updating a DHS show for once....just don't rid of it!!

Agreed! And we can all certainly debate the artistic merits and stagecraft of various scenes and characters.

But I think what I notice most about the WDW version is how the technology, the lighting, the projections, and the audio is all in such desperate need of upgrades. Massive upgrades. Like rip it all out and start from scratch kind of upgrades.

It's time. It's just getting embarrassing at this point, heading into the 2020's.

 

[Surferboy567]

Fantasmic! Is one of my favorite Disney nighttime shows. I would like to see an update but not a replacement like Disneyland‘s version. They better not touch/replace the show or music just a refresh with new scenes. Want to make a point of catching it when I’m down in January (haven’t done that in quite some time)

 

[bUU]

But it doesn't have any Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars in it and I'm sure Disney would love to fix that...

Disney can very easily add that IP to the various projected montages.

Personally, I'd like to see the Pocahontas scene replaced with something from a newer film.

 

[Lilofan]

Where do you go after Fantasmic!?

Back to the hotel after a long day in the park.

 

[drizgirl]

Giving Fantasmic an update sounds like a good cover story to reduce operating expenses in that park for a couple years.

 

[drizgirl]

Personally, I'd like to see the Pocahontas scene replaced with something from a newer film.

Guardians of the Galaxy? SW Episode 9?

 

[Bocabear]

Guardians of the Galaxy? SW Episode 9?

Both of those would be good given the new attractions..It REALLY needs a full and complete re-imagining... A more spectacular Dragon, better newer effects and Pyro and it would be great to make the paddle wheel boat look better than a steel frame with face characters waving mylar strips...So hokey... They can do better... WAY better.

 

[drizgirl]

They can do better... WAY better.

But will they commit the resources to do way better?

 

[Bocabear]

But will they commit the resources to do way better?

If they can find a way to Monetize it...
I actually would not care if the revamped the whole show to something amazing and built skybox suites for cupcake parties and catered events... Actually it would be brilliant...20 skybox suites at a low price of $500 would net 10k per performance...20k on nights when they are doing 2 performances, and truly let's face it, the skybox suites would go for a LOT more than $500.. so if they are sold out for 300 nights a year, that is 3 million right there... SO... upgrade the show already, add the suites and let's get on with it!

 

[Dead2009]

Let me call my bus driver and have him confirm it

Mine didn't.

 

[DisneyDreamerxyz]

I saw Fantasmic for the first time last year and left wondering what the hype was all about, it seems many have an emotional attachment to the show but I think it's just because of Mickey and getting to see so many characters at once. Going in for the first time and being an adult I definitely left feeling disappointed.

 

[drizgirl]

If they can find a way to Monetize it...
I actually would not care if the revamped the whole show to something amazing and built skybox suites for cupcake parties and catered events... Actually it would be brilliant...20 skybox suites at a low price of $500 would net 10k per performance...20k on nights when they are doing 2 performances, and truly let's face it, the skybox suites would go for a LOT more than $500.. so if they are sold out for 300 nights a year, that is 3 million right there... SO... upgrade the show already, add the suites and let's get on with it!

The sad thing that everyone loves to forget..... is that it's already monetized. It's called park admission.

 

[mergatroid]

I saw Fantasmic for the first time last year and left wondering what the hype was all about, it seems many have an emotional attachment to the show but I think it's just because of Mickey and getting to see so many characters at once. Going in for the first time and being an adult I definitely left feeling disappointed.

On the flip side I took 3 friends to Disney for their first time the other week and they absolutely loved Fantasmic, thought it the best thing ever with regards to shows.

 

[mergatroid]

The sad thing that everyone loves to forget..... is that it's already monetized. It's called park admission.

Why is that sad? Are you saying you'd prefer to pay separately on top of your park admission to see it?

 

[KingdomofDreams]

My family has always loved Fantasmic!, and still love it. Updates/upgrades would be welcome, as with all shows and attractions. But, I seriously hope they don't close it entirely. The night parades and shows have always been a huge part of Disney. They have already been without a night parade at Magic Kingdom for years. If they cut (and don't just update) Fantasmic! it will be just one more step in the downgrading of the Disney "magic" imo.

 

[PK2]

I think if Fantasmic! at WDW gets work it will probably either be taken from Disneyland's 2017 update or in tandem with the rumoured introduction of the show at Disneyland Paris (though this will be moreso like that at Tokyo DisneySea). Not talking stage/set copies, but arrangements, show structure.

 

[mergatroid]

My family has always loved Fantasmic!, and still love it. Updates/upgrades would be welcome, as with all shows and attractions. But, I seriously hope they don't close it entirely. The night parades and shows have always been a huge part of Disney. They have already been without a night parade at Magic Kingdom for years. If they cut (and don't just update) Fantasmic! it will be just one more step in the downgrading of the Disney "magic" imo.

I'm with you on this, don't want to see this show go.

 

[gerarar]

Considering the previous sponsor for the show (Pop Secret) got dropped or the contract simply didn't get renewed within the last year, I'm afraid of now where the future of this spectacular might go to in terms of any updates or upkeeps.