Hi Julianna, and Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you found us and have asked this question. I'm happy to help!
First, I want to say how sorry I am to hear of your dad's cancer diagnosis. With some faith, trust, and pixie dust, I hope the suggestions I have can help you make his wishes come true. I'm actually on vacation with my family at the Disneyland Resort and know how important making special memories can be. I stopped by Guest Services at City Hall at
Disneyland Park today and asked about special accommodations given your circumstances. A Cast Member told me that if you stop by on the day that you would like to see
Fantasmic! and tell them about your dad's cancer diagnosis and his wishes, they might be able to seat you in the VIP reserved viewing area. She did say that availability can vary depending upon the day, but they would accommodate you in this way if possible. If they are unable to seat you in that area, there is a standby area along the Rivers of America. You would enter this area by taking the ramp located just past
Haunted Mansion and following the path along the riverside. There will be Cast Members to guide you to the area and you will be asked if you prefer to stand or sit for the duration of the show. I recommend arriving at least 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime for the standby area. I watched the 10:30 show this evening from this area and it was one of the best views I have ever had of Fantasmic!
I looked at
the schedule for your arrival date and there aren't any times listed for the Disneyland Band yet, however, they typically perform many times throughout the morning and afternoon. My favorite spot to watch them is when they perform on
Main Street, U.S.A. in front of the
Disneyland Railroad train station. While there isn't a reserved area to watch them, there are some shaded benches that face the performance area. Mickey, Minnie, and friends often join the Disneyland Band at this spot, which makes it an even more memorable performance to see.
I have another suggestion for you as you are planning this special trip for your family. Given your dad's diagnosis, I can imagine that it will be more difficult for him to wait in line if you plan to ride any attractions together. Before you arrive, you can register for
Disability Access Service, which is meant to help guests that have difficulty waiting in the standby lines to ride attractions. You can learn more about the service and how to register
here.
Julianna, I'm wishing you and your family a special visit to the Disneyland Resort. I hope the memories you make will comfort you in the months ahead. Please know that we are thinking of you at
planDisney and we are here to help you plan when you need the magic of Disney again.
Sending you warm hugs,
Lisa