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Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the MagicIf you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year, you might want to double-check your nighttime plans—especially if you were hoping to end your day with a splash of fireworks, fountains, and good old-fashioned Disney magic.
That’s because Fantasmic! is getting a new showtime. And while the update might seem small on paper, it could actually change how you plan your evening at the park entirely.
Let’s break it all down.
The New Show Schedule
Starting September 18, 2025, Fantasmic! will move from its current 8:30 p.m. time slot to 9:30 p.m. That means the nighttime spectacular will now kick off after the park officially closes.
You read that right—Hollywood Studios will still close at 9:00 p.m., but Fantasmic! will begin a full 30 minutes later. It’s a notable shift, especially considering that lately, the show has usually happened right before closing.
This change might seem minor, but it actually opens up some new possibilities for guests who want to squeeze in a few more rides before settling in for the show.
Why This Matters
If you’ve ever been to Hollywood Studios on a busy day, you already know that getting everything done before the park closes can feel a little… ambitious. With so many major attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror, time is precious—especially in the evening.
Pushing Fantasmic! back to 9:30 p.m. gives you a bit more breathing room.
Let’s say the park closes at 9 p.m. You could easily grab a final ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or even catch a late-night snack at Woody’s Lunch Box before making your way to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. And since the show starts after official closing time, you won’t be cutting into ride time by heading over early.
Only One Show Per Night (For Now)
Sometimes during peak seasons, Disney schedules two showings of Fantasmic! in one night. That’s not the case right now. As of the latest update, there’s only a single show each evening—and it’s the 9:30 p.m. one.
So, if this nighttime spectacular is a must-do for your trip, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Lines to get in can form quickly, and seating is limited. Disney recommends showing up at least 30 minutes early, but honestly, during busier times, 45 minutes to an hour might be more realistic if you want a great seat.
Don’t forget that this is a stadium-style venue with a first-come, first-served setup. And while the amphitheater holds a lot of people, it does fill up.
What Is Fantasmic! Anyway?
If you’ve never seen it before, Fantasmic! is one of Disney’s longest-running and most beloved nighttime shows. It’s a blend of live-action stage performances, dazzling water effects, colorful projections, music, and fireworks. The story centers on Mickey Mouse as he dreams—and then battles Disney villains who try to turn his dreams into a nightmare.
You’ll see characters from The Lion King, Pocahontas, Frozen, Moana, and more. There are boats, flames, water screens, and even a giant fire-breathing dragon. If that sounds like a lot—it is. And that’s what makes it such a fan favorite.
It’s a unique show in that it combines everything Disney does well into one larger-than-life experience. And it’s the kind of finale that makes you want to come back and do the whole day all over again.
Will This Impact Crowds?
This later showtime could shift crowd patterns a bit. If families decide to leave earlier to avoid a late exit, we may see smaller crowds for the show on some nights. On the flip side, others may use this opportunity to maximize ride time knowing they’ll still catch the show after the park officially closes.
Either way, this kind of schedule change is one of those small tweaks that savvy Disney guests keep an eye on—it can make a big difference in how smooth (or hectic) your evening feels.
Also, for those relying on Disney transportation back to resorts, don’t worry—buses and Skyliner service will continue to run after the show ends. Disney won’t strand you at the amphitheater.
Other Nighttime Options Around Disney World
Don’t forget that Fantasmic! isn’t the only way to end your day with a Disney bang. Over at Magic Kingdom, you’ve got Happily Ever After lighting up the skies most nights. EPCOT’s show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, adds a little drama (and a lot of lasers) to World Showcase Lagoon. Animal Kingdom typically closes earlier, but guests there can still enjoy a nighttime ride on Avatar Flight of Passage or see Tree of Life Awakenings.
But if you’re looking for something with live performers, a storyline, music, and effects all wrapped up in one, Fantasmic!is tough to beat.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been to Hollywood Studios recently, you know that the park’s energy shifts after the sun goes down. Everything feels a little more exciting. Whether you’re riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at dusk or watching the Tower of Terror glow against the night sky, there’s something extra magical about closing out your day here.
And Fantasmic! is the cherry on top.
With this new 9:30 p.m. start time, guests have a bit more flexibility—and maybe even a less stressful end to their evening. Just make sure to grab a snack, find your seat early, and prepare to be amazed.
Because when Mickey takes the stage, you know you’re in for something unforgettable.