At a Glance
Duration: 29 minutes
Look Out For: many scary sequences, Disney villains, loud noises, and overwhelming visuals
Opening on May 13, 1992, Fantasmic is a magical fireworks extravaganza featuring all of our favorite Disney characters. But how scary is Fantasmic? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Fantasmic has a duration of approximately 29 minutes. As a stage show with live actors and moving set pieces, it can of course, be a bit longer or shorter by a few minutes.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Fantasmic has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. However, I would caution those prone to sensory sensitivity or guests who are easily frightened. Be sure to see the Is It Scary section for more details.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Fantasmic outdoor theater seats 6,900 guests with room for 3,000 more standing. Much like Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or Beauty and the Beast Live, this attraction is entirely outside. However, since every show takes place after dark, there is no need for roofing or cover from the sun.
4. How Does Fantasmic Work?
In many ways, Fantasmic works like a standard stage show, utilizing live actors, practical set pieces as well as smoke, fire, and water effects. All of the dialogue, music, (and various other noises) are piped-in and there is both dancing and fighting choreography as well as acrobatics on stage. Disney really pulls out all the stops with this attraction and treats its audience to some amazing water projections, fireworks, character appearances, and large-scale puppeteering.
5. Is Fantasmic Scary?
Fantasmic is very scary due to its many Disney villains, spooky visuals, and intense sensory overload. In my opinion, this fireworks show gets the top spot when it comes to Disney frights and I can’t recommend it to anyone prone to sensory sensitivity or who may be easily frightened.
Throughout the show, you’ll encounter the likes of Maleficent, Chernabog, Ursula, the Evil Queen, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, Scar, and Frollo – most of which appear several times on water projections cackling or screaming. Some characters like the Evil Queen and Maleficent will be seen on stage and undergo their terrifying transformations into the old hag and a fire-breathing dragon respectively. Others, like Jafar and Maleficent’s dragon, appear as massive puppets and animatronics, pursuing Mickey on-stage.
Jafar’s cobra is an astonishing 16 feet tall and 100 feet long while Maleficent’s dragon reaches a chilling 45 feet high. Not only are these characters imposing in their own right, but they also have glowing eyes and dramatic practical effects like fire and smoke at their disposal.
Aside from the spooky villains, the entire show features very loud music and sound design, some chaotic or overwhelming visuals, and many practical effects that could pose a problem to those prone to sensory sensitivity. While it’s without a doubt an incredible show, just be aware of what to expect if you or anyone in your party might find the attraction a bit intense.
6. How High is Fantasmic?
Fantasmic does not involve heights. As a Disney stage show, you and your seat remain on the ground at all times.
7. How Fast is Fantasmic?
Fantasmic does not go fast. Unlike some Disney shows, there are no 4D effects or moving seats, meaning you will remain stationary for the entire duration.
8. Does Fantasmic Have Drops?
Fantasmic does not have drops. In fact, there is no movement or thrill ride elements whatsoever on this attraction.
9. Does Fantasmic Cause Motion Sickness?
Fantasmic should not cause motion sickness for most guests. With its outdoor theater and lack of any screens, spinning, or 4D effects, there is really nothing in this attraction that could cause nausea.
10. Is Fantasmic Claustrophobic?
Fantasmic should not feel claustrophobic for most riders. Just like Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or Beauty and the Beast Live, this show is one of the easiest to exit if needed with its outdoor theater. It should be noted, however, that you may have difficulties getting around the people on either side of you if you’re seated in the middle of a row. To remedy this, try finding a seat on the end of a row or in the back of the theater for easy access. In addition, you can always ask a cast member for assistance.
11. Are There Animatronics on Fantasmic?
There is a very scary animatronic of Maleficent the Dragon in Fantasmic. Standing at an imposing 45 feet tall, she has glowing yellow eyes and “breathes fire” – making her not only the largest audio animatronic in the parks, but also the most terrifying.
Fantasmic Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Sunset Boulevard section of Hollywood Studios. Once entering the line, you will simply walk up an outdoor ramp towards the stage and find your seat. With such a massive theater, you will most likely get to decide where you would like to sit – especially if you arrive early. Also, with its long metal benches, you may not have to be squished right up next to the party beside you if the show isn’t filled to capacity. Once seated, you’ll just sit back and wait for the show to begin.
Fantasmic Walkthrough
The performance begins with Mickey testing out his magical imagination with fountain and water effects. We get a glimpse of the sorcerer’s hat scene from Fantasia projected on the water which gives way to a beautiful flowery display. You will then see a fun Lion King-inspired segment complete with boats, live actors, puppets, and of course, more projections and music.
You’ll then be treated to a series of projected bubbles depicting our many heroes and scenes from various Disney movies. After that, though, you’ll find yourself staring into the massive eye of the whale from Pinocchio. He “splashes” around (still projected) before Mickey reappears, asking for help.
You will then get a lovely montage of more Disney heroes – some projected and some involving choreographed sequences and acrobatics with live actors. There will then be a segment with three different boats containing three Disney power couples – Belle and the Beast, Snow White and Prince Florian, and Eric and Ariel – where they dance romantically to a medley of love songs.
After this, the Evil Queen makes an appearance, transforming into the old hag while other villains appear on the water projections. Jafar will then appear in cobra-form, chasing Mickey around the stage with beaming eyes until our hero rubs the lamp and unleashes the evil genie, Chernabog, and finally Maleficent.
Maleficent rises high above the stage before transforming into the 45-foot animatronic dragon that breathes fire down on Mickey. He, however, will not be deterred – stating that it’s his dream and he can defeat the baddies with his imagination. He does just that, using his water powers once again as the villains fall (via projection.)
Then, it’s time for the finale and all our favorite character reappear on Steamboat Willy as you’re treated to a brilliant display of fireworks, fountains, and lighting effects. With that, the show comes to an end and you’ll be on your way.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Fantasmic? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
