How to Watch ‘Fantasmic!’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Fantasmic! returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios tonight after being closed for years and delayed for months. Disney has not provided any information about how guests will be able to view the show, but we’ve received some information from Cast Members in the area about what guests can expect during the initial opening period. While the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater has seating for about 6,900 guests and a standing room capacity for an additional 3,000 guests, interest in the show is expected to be high this weekend and into next week.

    As always, operations are subject to change, but here’s what we know.

    No Virtual Queue or Genie+

    Disney World will not be using a Virtual Queue or adding Fantasmic to Genie+ for the reopening period. This means that guests will have to line up the old fashion way in a standby queue, but Disney isn’t allowing guests to line up whenever they want.

    No Lining Up Early

    Disney World Cast Members have been stationed in front of the Fantasmic! entrance all morning, advising guests to check back later this evening for the line to open. Despite some enthusiastic fans looking to line up all day, Disney World is not allowing guests to line up before the final showing of Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage around 5:30pm. Beauty and the Beast and Fantasmic share the same queue space, so Cast Members are advising guests to check back after 6pm to start to line up for the first showing of Fantasmic.

    No Disability Access Service

    Disney World has not added Fantasmic to the Disability Access Service offering at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will be Cast Members stationed in the queue that will be able to direct guests needing accommodations to the correct section of the amphitheater, but there will be no separate access line for the reopening period.

    Two Shows…For Now

    Disney World is anticipating high interest in the return of Fantasmic and has scheduled two shows (8pm and 9:30pm) through Monday, November 7th. Starting November 8th, Disney World will only offer one 9:30pm showing of Fantasmic. It’s hard to believe that this will stand, and while we anticipate that Disney World will add more showtimes next week, it’s possible that staffing or other factors might prohibit Disney from presenting two shows per night.

    Fantasmic Details

    Fantasmic is an outdoor nighttime show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It runs about 29 minutes and features a show of good vs evil as we step into Mickey Mouse’s dream.

    • Fantasmic! originally opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 15, 1998.
    • The show features animation and characters from more than 25 films.
    • The moat surrounding the Fantasmic! island stage contains 1.9 million gallons of water.
    • Maleficent, in dragon form, is the final villain that Mickey Mouse battles, and she stands 40-feet tall.
    • In addition to Maleficent, 10 other villains appear in the show.
    • In the finale, Mickey Mouse and 35 other characters appear on a steamboat inspired by the one seen in “Steamboat Willie,”
    • Located off Sunset Boulevard, the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater seats 6,900 guests with additional standing room for about 3,000 guests.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Kingdom Destinations Quote

    Vacation Planning Assistance

    We're excited to partner with Kingdom Destinations to help you plan your next trip to Disney parks and experiences around the world. Kingdom Destinations is a full service travel agency, specializing in Disney destinations. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with one of their professional travel advisors today!

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Related Articles