The Fantasmic Disney World Spectacular Returns

Have you ever seen the wonder that is Fantasmic Disney World? Well get ready, it’s coming back!

There are a lot of wonderful nighttime entertainment options at Walt Disney World. Each Park holds something special for guests. But for as long as I can remember, the Fantasmic Disney World show at Hollywood Studios has been my personal favorite. When I was little, I was scared of fireworks. I’ve overcome that fear as an adult, but Fantasmic holds a very special place in my heart. And while this show does have some fireworks components, it’s more storytelling than spectacle.

During the pandemic, there were many things that we all lost, and missed. For me, when Disney World closed for a time, it was one of the most heartbreaking things. When the phased reopening of Disney World began, it was such a gift. But there were some things that took a little longer to return, such a character hugs. And there’s been one thing that has been missed dearly since the Park closed. The wonderful Fantasmic Disney World show at Hollywood Studios is back! And better than ever.

What is Fantasmic?

The elaborate 29-minute nighttime spectacular takes place nightly. It’s a kaleidoscope of entertainment featuring thrilling stunts, dazzling special effects and a rousing score. These are all based on classic Disney animated films.

“Fantasmic! is a show that will take you on a journey to see so many characters, so many villains and heroes,” says Melanie Gagne, entertainment proprietor for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “It’s one of our biggest shows, and many guests will plan their day or their entire vacation around Fantasmic!

The return of Fantasmic! will include the debut of an all-new sequence that will bring to life heroic moments from Disney stories such as “Moana,” “Mulan,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” and “Frozen 2.” We saw a special preview of this show, and it was so wonderful to see these new elements, plus the classic scenes that I’ve loved for decades!

“In bringing Fantasmic! back, we have a brand-new scene that we’re calling our Disney Heroes scene,” says Matthew Hamel, show director for Disney Live Entertainment. “We get to see some new characters introduced to Fantasmic!, and we get to show their stories in a new, unique way utilizing a combination of projections, lasers and new lighting.”

Fun Facts about Fantasmic Disney World

Fantasmic! Fast Facts:

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.

A Show with Something for Everyone

Read more from the Disney Parks blog:

“Welcome to Fantasmic! …”

I know a lot of people have been waiting a long time to hear those iconic words again. That’s why I could not be more excited to share that “Fantasmic!” returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Nov. 3.

Back and better than ever. The larger-than-life, open-air nighttime musical will boast the live performers, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics you know and love. And it’s complete with a brand-new show sequence!

“Through this entire sequence, we go on a journey with our heroes. We see them faced with a decision, and how hard that can be for them. And then we watch as they find that strength within themselves to push through in a truly spectacular way,” says Disney Live Entertainment Show Director, Matthew Hamel.

And spectacular it is. The new heroes sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts. These have never before been seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan. Fun fact. To help choreograph the authentic Chinese martial arts you’ll see in Mulan’s scene, the creative team brought in Mimi Chan, the original muse and model animators used when bringing the character of Mulan to life for the 1998 animated film.

Fantasmic Disney World returnswith new sequences

“We know this show means so much to people, and we’ve kept that in mind every step of this journey.” says Disney Live Entertainment Producer, Laurice Marier. “Even beyond the new scene, we’ve taken this time to upgrade the lasers, the lighting, and the sound. And this is all to bring this show back even more beautiful than it’s ever been. We’re all really just so excited for guests to see it.”

So, will the powers of Mickey’s incredible imagination still be strong enough, and bright enough, to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey’s dreams? We are about to find out. See you there!