"Welcome to Fantasmic!"

...Tonight our friend and host Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to create magical imagery for all to enjoy. Nothing is more wonderful than the imagination. For in a moment, you can experience a beautiful fantasy, or an exciting adventure. But beware! Nothing is more powerful than the imagination, for it can also expand your greatest fears into an overwhelming nightmare! Are the powers of Mickey's incredible imagination strong enough, and bright enough to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey's dream? You are about to find out. For we now invite you to join Mickey and experience 'Fantasmic!' - a journey beyond your wildest imagination.

    So goes the beginning to Walt Disney World's most spectactular nighttime show ever. Fantasmic, which plays nightly at the Disney Studios, is my all time favorite show. It showcases over 50 performers in a firework, laser, water, special effects extravaganza.
     The standard summertime plan was to catch the 8:10 Tapestry of Nations parade at Epcot, stay for Illuminations 2000 Reflections of Earth  at 9pm, and then walk to the Yacht and Beach Club and take the boat shuttle to the Disney Studios for the 11pm Fantasmic show.
     Fantasmic originated in Disneyland on the Rivers of America stage. Then on October 15, 1998 it was brought over the Florida in a brand new amphitheater and updated with recent Disney classics. The show is performed on a gigantic mountside stage which has to be seen to believed.
    This could perhaps be one of Disney's most popular shows so seating is at a premium. Crowds get there over an hour early for the show so it helps to know someone on the inside to help you with seats.

    Here'e my friend Bruce who worked attractions at the Disney Studios. His primary responsibilities were running PAC for the 4 o'clock Mulan parade and the evening performances of Fantasmic. He also worked Theater of the Stars (TOTS) where Beauty and the Beast live onstage is held.
     Bruce was able to hook me up one night with the best seats in the house. Usually reserved for Grand Plan members, these seats, which are the last 2 rows of the Sorceror Mickey section, offer a breathtaking view of Fantasmic. Thanks Bruce!
     About his job, crowd control can be difficult because very frequently you have to tell guests that they can't stand in the middle of the walkway during a parade, or that the theater is full to capacity. On the other hand there is the opportunity to get a crowd pumped and excited for the show or parade before it begins. On top of all that you get to see Fantasmic every night.

    I can't count the number of times I saw Fantasmic that summer but it was never enough. After awhile you start pick out mistakes in the show that occasionaly happen, and also start memorizing the choreography the charcaters do.
     One night we played the soundtrack in my apartment and acted out the entire 27 minute program. Here we are acting like the monkeys in the Lion King sequence. What a fun night!

Here's the thrilling  conclusion to Fantasmic!

Last Updated 9-4-00