Tom's Honest Review of Fantasmic! 

Is Fantasmic! now the best nighttime spectacular at Disney World?

As one who went in incredibly nervous about the updates, I came out totally happy. The key for me is that the original musical score was kept. That keeps the show feeling very familiar despite how much it has actually changed.

Thank you for taking the time to put this together. While we might not always agree on everything, I love that you still make these, and I will always watch them. I find them invaluable and appreciate them. Never stop! I can't wait to go back and watch this new version of Fantasmic.👏

Fun fact: the original plan for Fantasmic which was actually built and almost premiered with the show had Mickey walking on water.

The update gives me a weird sense of hope that Disney imagineering "gets it" right now. They've seen the response to beloved attractions and shows being removed and changed so they took that into account when updating Fantasmic

You can tell from the crowd’s reactions, the popularity of ❄️Frozen and 🌀Moana are still very, very strong. See Bob: 1.) Adults do enjoy animated films! I’m still a Lion King fan! 2.) it IS possible to make everyone happy! 😁

I'm so relieved they kept the original soundtrack. Nothing is more nostalgic to me than hearing that theme. I will say that I was really hoping to get more of the colors (?) from DL's show. That initial segment with Mickey surrounded by vibrant spirals of rainbows & stars would have looked amazing, especially on a bigger scale/ stage. The more dull tones we have just aren't quite as whimsical.

I totally agree with you. They updated it, but kept it true to what we all know. They should have done the same thing to Illuminations.

I mean Tom’s always honest. But I love the honest reviews.

The new show really shows what Disney can do, and what we all expect of them. This was probally one of the best refurbs Disney has done in recent times. Disney has definitely learned their lesson on what not to do with nighttime shows. Now let's just wait and see what they do to HEA.

I used to go to Disneyland back in the day just to see Fantasmic. I liked sitting on the pavement close to the water and the stage. I always got chills during the opening scene with its inspiring soundtrack, the innovative water screens, the Columbia shooting it's cannon, Peter Pan and Hook battling high in the air, all those characters waving at me from the steamboat, the up-close fireworks, the magical ending... It was perfect. And I couldn't wait to return and see it again and again. The new variations at DL and HS are also good, but they don't hold a candle to experiencing the original show back in the 90s. Disney fans would happily camp out on the river's edge for hours. And afterwards, they'd leave the park smiling. There was just nothing else like it back then.

Great review! It was a massive success and a huge welcome back!!😊

Watching Mickey on top of the mountain doing his thing. Made me cry even though I was sitting on my couch at home. This has always been my favorite show I'm so happy it's back and it still feels like the show I grew up with.

Wish they had done the same with 'Illuminations.' Don't scrap the show, just update it with today's tech.

Thank you for honest review about Fantasmic returning at WDW. My parents took me, and my sister to see Fantasmic, and I have vague memories of that moment. More recently in August of 2019, the rest of my family was at Hollywood Studios watching Fantasmic while I was either at a another park, or I was at our resort room sleeping. Hopefully, the next time I go to WDW, I will see Fantasmic.

Tom you are correct. Fantasmic definitely "DISNEYS very hard." But I think that ONE MAN'S DREAM at DIsneyland 1991 was spine tingling. Fantastic cast, excellent costuming, brilliant choreography, and flawless performances over and over. Did you get to see it?

Before watching this review I wasn’t planning on seeing this show when I visit in December, as when out-of-state people visit, time is at a premium. Now I think I’ll give it a try and see what it’s giving in person.

Thank you for braving the crowds to see this, and then giving a thoughtful review. I really liked the brief history of the show at wdw and around the other parks. It provided context for the changes. I had forgotten.

I'm glad you enjoyed it Tom - treasure the memories because, as we know, within a month, half these effects won't be working and TDO won't bother fixing them. Why should they when all the rubes keep coming?

Theatre director here. Another slight addition- which was smart. In the opening with actor Mickey, before it merges to water screen, the actor strikes the same pose as the water screen animation.

GREAT CHANNEL Fantasmic I loved that show when I saw it years ago.

I kinda wish they would do like a tuesday and thursday night Wishes show. Be a good gimmick for them to boost attendance on certain nights. Not that they need it as its sooooo packed still.

❤ “it’s a big strong moment” which translates to “I cried.” I cried too Tom and I was watching RU-vid. Disney is magical & amazing!! Your videos and info are amazing too. We turn to you!

Wow… so many thoughts. I will easily say that I am an eternal fan of the original Fantasmic at Disneyland. To even attempt it without the Columbia and Mark Twain is just a waste. I have been honored to be a part of the production team on both productions here so yes, I am VERY biased. To see what WDI can REALLY accomplish you really need to see the opening of Believe! Sea Of Dreams at TDS on Oct 11h. It truly transcends any production to date. I can only hope you get the chance top see it soon and validate that status. Thank you again for all of your posts. I look forward to your honest and well considered revues.

Yes, yes, and even more Yes Tom! You capture all of my feelings and more on this review! Fantasmic is literally truly timeless. Seeing it with my mother every time we've gone to Hollywood Studios truly makes us believe in the power of dreams and magic, every single time. Still the best night time show out there hands down. Out of curiosity, would you do a review of Galaxy's Edge and Rise of the Resistance?

Anytime I see a honest review pop up I gotta watch. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. So kind so sweet✊🏿

Been waiting for this!!!

I posted earlier that Tron could open for cast previews in December and you replied "Not earlier than January", well the word is, this month (November) Disney will be doing cast member preview signups for Tron.

Now all we need is a updated dragon like the one at Disneyland and it would be perfect

World of Color was the first time I saw WDI iteratively perfect things in the show to bring it closer to their imagination. I'm glad we could be a beta test.

These honest reviews are awesome.

Tom's happy review makes me happy.

I agree completely with Tom about keeping the essence of the original attraction and just do some updates. I am extremely happy that this is what they did with Fantasmic. It still has all the elements and scenes I have watched over the years. Sadly, this did not happen with Illuminations and the Great movie ride. They did not need replaced, only updated with new scenes, film clips in the great movie ride and globe scenes in illuminations(keep the soundtrack, it was great!) I got off runaway railroad the first time and said "they replaced the great movie ride with this?" You can also say it happened to Test Track, they replaced a great theme of practical testing with just a lot of fluorescent paint on black plywood. Thankfully, they reverted back to a fights of wonder type show in Animal Kingdom, replacing the terrible UP themed show. One argument, is that attractions have to be completely new to keep Guests coming back. I disagree, I think most people crave the nostalgia of a good show and would be ok with only occasional updates not to mention all the thousands of first time guest that are watching a show for the first time. With a Fantasmic type refurb, you are pleasing everyone. If you want a runaway railroad attraction, great, but build a new building. I can only hope they rebuild illuminatons and wish Splash mountain and spaceship earth during its refurb...when ever that happens. And please leave Tower of terror alone.

Thanks for the in-depth review. Now I am really excited to see the show again.

Heart of Te Fiti feels so right, punctuating the entire show to the next level!

After the horrendous mess that was harmonious I was nervous about the update to fantasmic. Even though the updates were very small it was better than nothing. Some things that stood out to me is the lack of performers specially during the Aladdin and Mulan segments. The stage just seemed empty and lacking of more action. Most don't like change but in order to evolve change is needed, yes you run the risk of disappointing but thats something I like more about DL over WDW.

“the arts and crafts dragon” 💀 I enjoy the updates but the heroes segment is a little too much lip-syncing for me, the frozen and Mulan segments were missed opportunities, the Moana segment was perfect.

I will not take the Disney Mania songs slander pre show. Those were great Tom.

We’re just gonna pretend that the Roman candle oops I mean dragon doesn’t need a update

Appreciate the revue Tom.

Thanks for this! I appreciate all your insights greatly and I’m glad you pointed out the changes to the steamboat in the end, I knew something was different! 😎

Tokyo DisneySea's version is definitely just a different version of the American Fantasmic. Not similar, but has it's own thing going on. Still love it second to Disneyland's version, still feel like Disney World's version is still inferior to both versions.

They can take the dragon from Tokyo Disney seas and replace the dragon head on a stick to add to Hollywood studios.

What if Disney does a Christmas version of Fantasmic?

Hello Tom. How do you feel about the dragon. Keeping the old one and not upgrading like Disneyland?

They should’ve updated the dragon

The music is terrific

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 This is a great review & exactly how i felt even just watching from home! I do wish we would have been given the same quality animatronic dragon as the updated one for Disneyland. But overall, this is the mentality Disney should use when they incorporate new IP into an existing show, ride, experience

I agree with your review. It’s definitely so much better. I still think the transitions in and out between the old soundtrack to the new hero scene is still strange to me. As a musical composer, it’s weird that they change the instrumentation of the orchestra between the scenes. Although the re-harmonization of Disneyland’s Fantasmic 2.0 is reminiscent of DisneySea’s, it most definitely is NOT the same at all as you’ve suggested. In fact, I didn’t like DisnsySea’s version at all but Disneyland’s, I LOVE! As for the new hero scene, after all the hype of the newness of it, people will realize that it’s actually staged pretty sparsely and definitely needs more actors (or something) on stage. Overall, I love it! My favorite part of the updated version is probably all the new lighting effects. P.S. I still think that bubble sequence is way too long. It still kills the trajectory of the show a bit.

Thank you for sharing the Video and your thoughts

Seriously great review Tom, I could tell you were torn on what to say and that simply shows you care about this stuff 😀 People are programmed to hate change, as a Project Manager I know! if it was me I'd have Happily Ever After and Reflections of Earth back as well 😆having watched it through from your video I agree they've done an amazing job, to keep the essence of what the show was and to inject new more recent IP is a great idea and they HAVE to do that across other similar projects, it just keeps everyone happy. I do miss the pyro on the boat at the end before it illuminates, so not sure if that was just an issue at the time and it will work again, but I genuinely can't pick fault at it. Don't get me started on Harmonious 🤣

It was odd hmm they kept the word "MAN" cut out from Mulan scene from the song "I'll make a man out of you" song was playing in the background

Whenever you create magic…. Which includes effort, attention and heart you DO PLEASE EVERYONE!

Let's be honest here: a lot of the original stuff came back because it's cheaper. Even something as simple as Snow White and Prince Charming dancing on a barge requires a lot of time and money to change. The new lighting and music was probably the biggest expense here, so the "thoughtful little changes" are what Imagineers now do for a living. Never being given a proper budget forces them to focus on little changes. Often these changes are little more than Scotch tape on an open wound, but it sounds like here they are making a difference. That's nice because Fantasmic deserves better.

But why is Cinderella not on the boat at the end? I need Cinderella!

For Disney world I've always wanted them to update the dragon... Not like Disneyland's but I've always wanted the dragon to come from above the mountain and be massive... It can still be on a stick but I've always just wanted to see a huge dragon head come from behind the mountain with maybe some arms / hands either side.. I dunno. That's all I want. That would make this fantasmic epic.

I agree with your critique. The updates are welcome and well done. Did you get into the second show?

Only thing I’m sad about is them not updating the dragon. Only hero seen I didn’t like was Aladdin’s. As I wish they would of had him and jasmine on the magic carpet.

Excellent review!

But I heard you hate everything Tom? 😂😂 Only seen from the videos, but it does look stunning and agree entirely with your review! All the updated scenes just fit really well, without ruining anything we had before!

I cant help but wonder if the updates came as a result of the show lights and water fountains being exposed to the Florida elements (rain, sun, wind, heat) and caused the mechanisms to seize up or lock up and become rigid or inoperable. I'm super glad that they did this update, but again, was it because they were kinda "forced" to fix some things due to the lake being drained for over a year not being used? And maybe decided to get in there and do a major update. I LOVE they did this!!!!! Now I can only hope they can create a SpectroMagic 2.0 much like how Paint the Night is essentially MSEP 2.0

Replace loved EPCOT show that had original music with Disney Movie songs: everyone hates it. Update loved DHS show that was more about live action than music (other than the main song of course) with Disney movie songs: everyone loves it. What?

Is this an improvement on the previous iteration? Yes. Is it better than Disneylands version? No.

I really wish they did better projection mapping like the update in Disneyland.

Proof Tom has a heart.

I honestly appreciate the review but maybe there’s a difference between seeing it person or live. I’ve seen the original fantasmic a million times and to me, there was an air of disappointment when after 2 years , they bring the show back and change the scene sequences out. I was shocked and didn’t know what to think of it. I love many of the scenes. I was disappointed that the new scenes were singular characters and it seemed like cutting cast members out to save money. But I’m grateful they didn’t change the music, villains or water boat scenes

I hope this is a big turn around point for imagineering

Sounds like its the new show you have always loved

I think you’re quite taken by it Tom. Great review, thank you.

Is there a picture of the scared Mickey face?

Wonderful

Having seen the been able Mickey Mouse Review I'd still argue that that is the most Disney thing Disney ever did.

So happy they kept the original soundtrack! I’m still bummed they changed Disneylands soundtrack in 2017😢

Yes, makes sense. Worried that we are past "Peak Disney"; where the past, Wishes, EPCOT-IllumiNations are better than current. Maybe Fantasmic! can be a renaissance in WDW shows. Animal Kingdom Lion King show has mostly returned to former glory(no pre-show audience interaction) AK Tarzan(replaced by Nemo) is the best stage show WDW ever produced, I morn loss) Still waiting for the complete "Beauty & the Beast"(where is Lefou) show to return. Yes, worried that "Peak Disney" is behind us.

I can't help to think that the failure of Enchantment and Harmonious led to Disney being more careful with this refurb. Hopefully the lesson is learned and the Magic Kingdom and Epcot get nighttime offerings next year that receive this kind of feedback and positive buzz.

More reviews!

(18:14) I disagree about Moana. Frozen is the one being “shoved down our throats,” not her. Moana is underrated due to the fact Zootopia came out first before it did in the same year and proved to be the most popular of 2016. Moana needs more exposure in other places too.

Seemed like only half of the cast members were in it compared to before.

Tom isn’t used to giving fantastic reviews!

It's awesome 😎😎

Maybe someone learned something from Barge-moneous

While I agree a lot of what they added in was done tastefully, I felt like the Frozen portion lasted a little too long. Just long enough for me to start to get annoyed by it again. It's not that I'm not a fan of Frozen; Frozen is okay. But I do think it was a pretty mediocre movie that still gets shoved in our faces constantly. Had the Show Yourself portion of Fantasmic been a little shorter, I don't think I would mind it as much. Also, I do kind of wish Tangled would get a small nod like a lot of these other newer movies do. Aside from that, it's still a fantastic show. Would I see it again? Absolutely.

maybe the water screens looked better live. just felt the middle lacked energy. otherwise brilliant.

Kept the feel, tone and theme of the original but added some nice updated scenes. To say I’ve been disappointed in Disney lately is an understatement but we were really happy to see this show. It was great. Haven’t been here for 4 years so we felt like we lucked out seeing this in a great seat without having to line up for it. … but maybe don’t put words in “religious groups” mouths before it’s mentioned? Like- why call out religious groups? Let’s keep it positive cuz there IS something for everyone here.

Did I miss it or did he totally skip how the dragon did not get updated?

I just can’t wait to hear your review/ comparison to Disney SEAs new night show … Believe! SEA of Dreams 😂 I know… I know… Fantasmic isn’t even close 😂

idk, Disneyland's version is far superior than WDW... wanted more changes from a show gone for that length of time and new stuff added. The scenes feel too smashed together that offer no storytelling. Also, those old scenes and transitions are a bit long and getting boring. Just think the pacing is off, whereas DLand's version is crisp and paced well, and the OG feel of it also remained the same with all their changes. I think it is a crime to watch the DLand version before this because you'll hate the WDW version I feel. Im glad its back, but i wont be running to go watch it every chance I get. Having said that, it does give me a bit more of a reason to visit Studios at night again.

Love Disney

Did they fire all the actors?

I Agee with you buddy ❤❤

Don’t be bringing up Wishes……..too soon. 😢

Lmaooo. I don’t know any Christian who would look at Moana “walking on water” and would be offended. Not saying that someone wouldn’t take it that way, but I don’t know any Christian who would. It’s obvious that she’s walking on a bridge that is submerged. Tbh it actually looks like she’s walking the the shallows. I don’t look at it and think she’s walking on water. That’s silly.

You can’t please everyone

It must be better in person than on video. Because I watched your video of the show, and it looks really bad. I am influenced by the Disneyland version, which I have seen maybe ten or twelve times over the past 30-years. I'm always disappointed by how little the actual lagoon is used in the DHS version, and maybe it's my imagination, but the DHS version seems to use projections on the water screens more and for longer durations, which is annoying. And at least in video, the action on stage seems too far away to understand what is going on. Of course, not having a full-sized pirate ship and a full-sized river boat hurts the DHS version too. I've been to WDW once only since it's version of Fantasmic debuted and I elected, at that time, not to see it. After viewing your video, I assume I'll skip it again on my next visit. 🤞 Hopefully soon.

at least they didn't F(antasmic) up the changes like Anaheim did in 2017. hoping to see Anaheim's changes on my trip in December (my first visit back to DL since just after Easter of *2019* )

Tom is getting soft in his old age 🙂

The “dragon” ruined it for me… so lame… so cheap… so sad

Can't wait to see it...unless it gets changed again ?? Nahhhh 🤔

I love the new hero segment the original Pocahontas was mediocre never seen it as negative because it taught history in a sense because of we don't it will repeat itself which I fear will happen because you can't show anything historical accurate anymore without someone getting offended over non offensive subject like we're teach this history to protect y'all so It doesn't happen again

Ok I am gonna be honest. While I haven’t seen the updated version in person I have seen it on youtube and to be honest I wasn’t crazy about it. Still in my opinion Disneyland’s version is better than WDW only because they have the updated Maleficent Dragon which looks phenomenal and that was a missed opportunity that DW didn’t do. Plus those segments with the bubbles how boring wish they would have updated it. Disneyland’s version has the Pink Elephants on Parade and that segment is amazing. Once again another missed opportunity from DW. I do appreciate that WDW did improve the Pocahontas segment it is much better than the bland scene of Pocahontas. So I do give them props for changing that scene. But other then that eh 😐. Disneyland’s version is by far the best in my personal opinion