Frommer's Review
Disney mixes heroes, villains, stunt performers, choreography, laser lights, and fireworks into a spectacular end-of-the-day extravaganza. This is a 25-minute visual feast where the Magic Mickey comes to life in a show featuring shooting comets, great balls of fire (my apologies to Jerry Lee), and animated fountains that really charge the audience. The cast includes 50 performers, a giant dragon, a king cobra, and 1 million gallons of water, just about all of which are orchestrated by a sorcerer mouse that looks more than remotely familiar. You'll probably recognize other characters as well as musical scores from Disney movie classics such as Fantasia, Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. You'll also shudder at the animated villainy of Jafar, Cruella De Vil, and Maleficent in the battle of good vs. evil, part of which is projected onto huge, water-mist screens. The amphitheater holds 9,000 souls including standing room, and during busy periods (holidays and summers) it's often standing-room-only, so arrive at least 30 minutes early (if you don't mind a late dinner, you can pick up food from a fast-food counter on Sunset Boulevard and picnic in the stands while you wait). There is sometimes an additional show earlier in the evening. Note: The show's loud pyrotechnics may frighten younger children, and earplugs aren't a bad idea for anyone with ears sensitive to very loud noises.
Dinner & a Show -- At press time, Disney was offering preferred seating at the end-of-the-day spectacular, Fantasmic!, along with a fixed-price dinner at one of Disney-MGM's sit-down restaurants. All you need to do is make Advance Reservations (tel. 407/939-3463) and request the Fantasmic! package for the Hollywood Brown Derby ($43.99 adults, $11.99 kids 3-11), Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano ($32.99 adults, $11.99 kids 3-11), or Hollywood & Vine ($23.99 adults, $11.99 kids 3-11). You'll get your line pass at the restaurant and instructions on getting to the special entrance to the preferred seating area of the show.
Note: The prices above are for a fixed-price meal and do not include sales tax, tip, or alcoholic beverages; if you order off the menu, you'll pay more. The prices also don't include a reserved seat at Fantasmic!, only a pass that will get you into the preferred seating area (you must arrive at least 30 min. in advance -- a much shorter wait than usual for good seats).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
