For many families, Fantasmic! has long been the show that ends a perfect Disney day. The nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is known for blending fireworks, fountains, projections, and live actors into one sweeping production that brings Mickey’s imagination to life. After years of tweaks and upgrades, Disney has now confirmed that another change is on the way—this time, to the show schedule itself.
Updates That Kept the Magic Alive
When Fantasmic! returned in 2022 after an extended break, the show received a noticeable refresh. New sequences were introduced, spotlighting characters like Elsa from Frozen 2 (2019) and Moana from Moana (2016). Alongside the character additions, the lighting and water projection technology received major upgrades, keeping the show modern while still preserving its classic narrative .
Guests this summer enjoyed performances almost every night, with a reliable 8:30 p.m. show and an added 10 p.m. slot on busy evenings. This gave visitors two chances to see the production, with the later performance often appealing to night owls who wanted to end their day on a high note.
September Brings a New Plan
That double-show setup is about to disappear. Disney’s official calendar now shows that the final 10 p.m. Fantasmic! is scheduled for Friday, September 12. When the show returns on Thursday, September 18, it will debut its new single nightly performance at 9:30 p.m.
This adjustment eliminates both the 8:30 and 10 p.m. slots, streamlining the entire experience into one nightly show. According to Disney’s schedule, this format will remain through October 26.
How Guests Will Be Affected
With only one performance available, guests hoping to see Fantasmic! may need to plan ahead. Fewer shows means higher demand for seating, and with the amphitheater regularly filling up, visitors should consider arriving earlier than usual or taking advantage of Disney’s reserved seating options.
Still, there is an upside: 9:30 p.m. could be a sweet spot. Families who found 10 p.m. too late and those who felt 8:30 was too early may find this new time more convenient.
Looking Toward the Holidays
The big question is whether Disney will reintroduce a second performance during the high-demand holiday season. As of now, the calendar only runs through late October, leaving November and December up in the air .
Regardless, Fantasmic! continues to shine as a must-see Disney World experience—just now with a different rhythm to the night.
