Spring break is here, and with it comes an influx of visitors to Walt Disney World. To help accommodate the surge in crowds, Disney has temporarily increased the number of Fantasmic! performances at Hollywood Studios. This means more opportunities to experience the dazzling nighttime show during one of the park’s busiest seasons.
The Magic of Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is one of Disney’s most impressive nighttime spectacles, bringing together beloved Disney characters, pyrotechnics, water projections, and fireworks. The show follows Mickey Mouse as he navigates a dream world, encountering heroes and villains from classic Disney films. Originally premiering at Disneyland in 1992, Fantasmic! made its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1998 and has remained a guest favorite ever since.
The show has gone through several updates, with its most recent enhancements debuting in 2022, introducing new sequences and improved special effects.
More Showtimes Added
To accommodate the increased demand during spring break, Disney has updated the Fantasmic! schedule:
- 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: The schedule returns to a single 8:30 PM show
For the latest schedules, guests should check the My Disney Experience app.
Spring Break Crowds Drive Changes
Spring break brings some of the highest crowd levels to Disney World, leading to longer wait times, packed walkways, and full-capacity shows. In response, Disney often extends park hours and adds extra performances for major attractions to help manage guest flow.
This year, Hollywood Studios isn’t the only park making adjustments. Magic Kingdom has extended its operating hours on select nights, and other parks have implemented changes to accommodate the seasonal rush.
Tips for Watching Fantasmic! During Peak Season
If you plan on catching Fantasmic! during spring break, consider these strategies:
- Arrive Early: Even with two performances, seats fill up fast. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime.
- Go for the Later Show: The second performance typically has fewer guests since many families attend the earlier show.
- Book a Dining Package: Some Hollywood Studios restaurants offer Fantasmic! dining packages, which include reserved seating.
- Be Ready to Adapt: Spring break crowds can be unpredictable, so having a flexible plan will help you make the most of your visit.
Could More Showings Become the Norm?
As of now, the extra performances will end after March 29. However, if attendance remains high, Disney may consider keeping additional showtimes during future peak seasons, such as summer and the holiday period.
For now, spring break visitors should take advantage of the expanded schedule while it lasts.
