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Credit: DisneyA big change is coming to one of Disney World’s most beloved nighttime spectaculars.
Disney has officially announced that Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be shifting to a new performance schedule starting in November. The update comes right as the holiday season kicks off and Jollywood Nights returns to the park, making things a little less predictable than usual.
A Show That Defines Disney Magic
Fantasmic! isn’t just another nighttime show—it’s a cornerstone of the park experience. Since 1998, it’s been captivating audiences with its mix of fireworks, fountains, lasers, live performers, and classic Disney characters.
The show follows Mickey Mouse as he steps into a dreamlike world filled with heroes, villains, and unforgettable moments. That final scene, with Sorcerer Mickey standing tall against a backdrop of water and pyrotechnics, is something that sticks with guests long after they leave.
Because it’s such a fan favorite, Disney typically runs multiple performances each night to help ease the crowd levels. October’s schedule has reflected that, but starting next month, things are about to get a little more complicated.
October: A Predictable Pattern
For most of October, Disney is sticking to a familiar schedule. Fantasmic! typically runs twice a night at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. This gives guests plenty of flexibility to plan their evening around the show, whether they want to end the night with fireworks or squeeze in another attraction before heading out.
There are a few exceptions sprinkled throughout the month—some nights will only offer a single performance at 9:30—but overall, it’s a straightforward setup. That’s about to change.
November: Things Get Messy
Once November begins, the Fantasmic! schedule starts to shift. Some nights will still have two shows—8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.—but others will only offer one at 9:30 p.m. And then, on Jollywood Nights event dates, the performance time moves up dramatically, with a single show scheduled at 6:30 p.m.
That early showtime is tied to the start of Jollywood Nights, which officially kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Guests without event tickets will need to leave the park after that point, so the earlier show allows them to still enjoy Fantasmic! before the party begins.
Jollywood Nights Brings the Holiday Energy
Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed holiday event that blends vintage glamour with festive fun. Guests can expect holiday entertainment, themed food and drinks, exclusive character appearances, and lower wait times for popular rides.
This year, there are six November event nights: November 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29. On these dates, Fantasmic! will only run at 6:30 p.m., so timing will be crucial if catching the show is a priority.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Missing It
With this new schedule, guests will need to pay closer attention to showtimes than they might in other months. One night could have two shows, another just one at 9:30, and then an entirely different time on Jollywood Nights. If someone isn’t paying attention, they could miss Fantasmic! altogether.
If you’re planning a November visit, it’s a good idea to check the daily entertainment schedule before heading to the park and decide in advance which showing works best for your plans.
A Sparkly but Busy Season
This shift doesn’t mean Fantasmic! is going anywhere—it just reflects how busy the holiday season has become at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Between Jollywood Nights, holiday crowds, and regular day guests, the entertainment calendar is packed.
Whether you’re catching the early 6:30 p.m. show on a Jollywood night or sticking around for the classic 9:30 performance, November is shaping up to be a lively and festive month for fans of this iconic Disney spectacular.