Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Lynette!
Walt Disney World Resort's nighttime spectaculars are some of my very favorite attractions. Yesterday, my son was watching Hercules, and when he began to sing "I Can Go the Distance," I looked at my kids and said: "we need to get back to Disney immediately!" (Honestly, that's probably something I say every day, but this was because there's a beautiful representation of that song in Magic Kingdom Park's
Happily Ever After fireworks. Don't miss it!)
We're extra lucky at Disney's Hollywood Studios, because there are currently two nighttime shows, and both are fantastic. I get chills every time I watch Mickey's dream turn into "a nightmare fantasmic" in
Fantasmic! and the projections, pyrotechnics, and amazing soundtrack of
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are truly out-of-this-world. On my family's Walt Disney World Resort vacations, we choose to see these shows on separate nights, because the timing and logistics really do make it difficult to see both.
Fantasmic! is about 25 minutes long, and the amphitheater is very large, so it takes quite some time to exit. You can usually catch a glimpse of the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks as you exit the theater and walk down Sunset Boulevard toward the park exit, but it doesn't do justice to the show. I have seen Guests attempt to leave the Fantasmic! theater a few minutes early, but I don't recommend that that: not only is it disruptive to other Guests, but the ending of Fantasmic! is really wonderful, and you won't want to miss it. If you choose to see them on two separate nights, you'll have time to see both shows without rushing, plus the all-important time to get your popcorn and treats and find the perfect spot. An added bonus is that
Disney's Hollywood Studios is just sensational at night, with dreamy neon and shadowy palm trees. Take your time and read the signs in the shop windows as you walk out of the park – they're wonderful.
One last thing, Lynette: showtimes are always subject to change, so check a Times Guide as you enter Disney's Hollywood Studios. With
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening, added shows or extended hours are possible, and sometimes a second showing of Fantasmic! is added. I don't have a dispatch from Princess Leia with any special information, but it’s definitely worth checking those times as you get closer to your visit.
I hope you love both shows as much as I do, and that you have so much fun counting down to your Disney days!
Now, more than ever, it's a
fantasmic time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, with so many new experiences in the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Be sure to read the
Disney Parks Blog for all the latest news as you plan and dream, and stop by and see us if we can answer any more questions.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn