Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the MagicIf you’re planning a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios soon, you may want to take note—Disney has added extra showings of Fantasmic! for a limited time. With the parks expected to be packed due to spring break, this change could help manage the high guest volume and ensure more people get to experience this fan-favorite nighttime spectacular.
The Magic of Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is one of Disney World’s most beloved nighttime shows, transporting guests into the imagination of Mickey Mouse as he dreams up a magical adventure featuring some of Disney’s most iconic characters. The show blends live performances with dazzling pyrotechnics, water projections, and special effects to create a truly immersive experience.
Originally debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the show was later brought to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as MGM Studios) in 1998. Over the years, it has undergone several updates, most recently receiving new scenes and effects in 2022. Despite occasional interruptions due to weather or park capacity limits, Fantasmic! remains a must-see experience for many guests.
Extra Showtimes Added
In response to the growing spring break crowds, Disney has temporarily added extra showtimes for Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios. Typically, the show runs once per night at 8:30 PM, but additional performances have now been scheduled to accommodate the increased demand.
- March 19-22: Two nightly performances at 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM
- March 23-29: Showtimes shift to 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM
- March 30 onward: Returns to a single 8:30 PM performance
Guests can check the My Disney Experience app to confirm updated schedules and plan accordingly.
The Spring Break Effect
Spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at Disney World, as families from across the country flock to the parks to enjoy their vacations. The surge in visitors often leads to longer wait times for attractions, increased crowd levels, and higher demand for popular experiences like Fantasmic!
Disney frequently adjusts park hours and entertainment schedules to help manage the influx of guests. This year, in addition to adding more showings of Fantasmic!, Magic Kingdom has extended its hours on select nights, and other parks have made similar operational changes to accommodate the seasonal rush.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios during this busy season, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best experience:
- Arrive Early: Even with multiple showtimes, Fantasmic! fills up quickly. Consider arriving at least 45 minutes before showtime to secure a good viewing spot.
- Utilize the Standby Line Strategically: If you can’t make the first performance, the later show is often less crowded since many families with young children opt for the earlier one.
- Consider Dining Packages: Some restaurants at Hollywood Studios offer Fantasmic! dining packages, which include reserved seating for the show. This can be a great way to guarantee a good spot while enjoying a meal.
- Stay Flexible: With large crowds, things don’t always go as planned. Be ready to adjust your schedule as needed and take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
Will This Become the Norm?
While the extra showings are currently set to end after March 29, it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney decides to extend them if demand remains high. Summer is another peak season, and if guest levels stay elevated, more performances could be scheduled again in the coming months.
For now, guests visiting during spring break should take advantage of the additional opportunities to see Fantasmic! before it returns to its regular schedule.