Hi Meredith, and welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Fantasmic! is hands-down my favorite show at Walt Disney World, and getting a delicious meal
and preferred seating with the dining package is fantastic (see what I did there?).
Your first step is to check the
park hours. In my experience,
Fantasmic! and
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are frequently (but not always) scheduled so that there really is no way to enjoy both shows in full on the same night. My advice, if you can swing it, is to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios on two separate nights so you can see both shows; I think both are fabulous and absolutely worth it. Plus, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is gorgeous at night, with the neon and palm tree vibes.
Some people plan to attend Fantasmic! and leave at the 20-minute mark, but I really don't recommend doing that. The finale to Fantasmic! is truly spectacular; I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s an “audible gasp from the audience” kind of ending. Secondly, getting up and leaving partway through the show can be disruptive to other guests, and the theater is dark, so it’s not very safe to do so unless in an emergency. Finally, there will already be crowds gathered for the Galactic Spectacular, meaning you won’t get a great view of the special effects that really make the fireworks show dazzling.
Meredith, at certain times of year you might find that the park hours are pixie dusted and you have time to see both shows in one night. Otherwise, a return trip for the Star Wars show is your best bet to enjoy both amazing shows.
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Robyn