Fantasmic Fastpass

There have been very few changes in the way guests at Disneyland have viewed Fantasmic! in the last 22-1/2 years. The first change came early in the show’s run as the area between Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion was terraced to create a more amphitheater look, and give guests a better view of the show. The biggest change, however, came on Friday, December 12, 2014, when Fastpass was introduced to the show. Fastpass for Fantasmic was first tested on November 18 at a special Annual Passholder Evening. On that night, you picked up a Fastpass ticket for the show along Big Thunder Trail from a Cast Member. Now you pick up a Fastpass at one of several kiosks, which are just converted Outdoor Vending Carts.

When I arrived at Disneyland on December 15 around 3:30pm, tickets were being distributed for the 10:45pm show. Showtimes have been adjusted for the new Fastpass system. Shows are now at 8:45pm and 10:45pm, with the possible addition of a 3rd show at 11:45pm, if one is necessary based on attendance during peak periods. (Former showtimes were 9:00pm and 10:30pm.) I headed to the former smoking area in Frontierland along Big Thunder Trail to get my Fantasmic Fastpass. I thought I would be able to get it myself, but a Cast Member took my pass, scanned it in the machine, and handed me back my pass and Fastpass. I was to return between 9:45pm and 10:45pm near the Mark Twain dock at 9:45pm, as I was in the Blue section. Return at 9:45pm for the 10:45pm show? Okay. Now what do I do for 6 hours.

Well, we all know the point of getting a Fastpass is that you are able to do other things while you wait for your Fastpass time to come around, but this was a pass for a show I love and have rarely waited very long to see. Mind you it has been around 22-1/2 years! So what did I do? Well, I went to my favorite holiday attraction “it’s a small world” holiday, and enjoyed a cruise around the world. I also saw “Mickey and the Magical Map,” took photos of the “it’s a small world” facade lit up with thousands of bright lights, took a half trip on the Disneyland Railroad, and had a hearty dinner at Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port. But the fun doesn’t stop there! It was now after 7:30pm. There are still over 2 hours left until I can use my Fantasmic Fastpass. So, I made my way to Critter Country and enjoyed a journey through the Hundred Acre Wood, went to New Orleans Square to visit Jack Skellington and his version of Christmas at Haunted Mansion Holiday, and took a very enjoyable Jingle Cruise in Adventureland. By the time this was all done, it was now about 9:10 pm, and the first Fantasmic show had just ended. That meant “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks was about to begin. I listened to them from Rancho Del Zacalo Restaurant in Frontierland while I charged my phone. (Yes, I take a portable charger with me to the Parks.)

After fireworks, it was getting even closer to the 9:45pm Blue section return time. Yay! But there was one problem: there was a traffic jam getting into Frontierland, and no one was moving for quite some time. Around 9:50pm, I made my way to near the Mark Twain dock where Cast Members were checking Blue section Fastpasses, and asking those with Green and Gold section Fastpasses to return at 10pm. Fastpasses were checked a few times before surrendering it once I reached the Blue section. Blue section is the lower viewing area between the French Market and Haunted Mansion. In one part of the section you can sit, but you’ll need to stand everywhere else. From what I can tell, the center section, where most people used to camp out for hours on end (and my favorite place to view the show), is reserved for those who purchased a Fantasmic! dining package.

And yes, for those interested in having a meal before watching Fantasmic!, there are special dining packages available. You can enjoy a “Fantasmic! Dinner Package” at Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace, get a “Fantasmic! On-the-Go Dining Package” at Aladdin’s Oasis, or enjoy a “Fantasmic! Dessert Party” at Hungry Bear Restaurant. Prices range from $13.99 to $61.00 per person. Check with each location for more information. To make a reservation for a Fantasmic! Dining Package, call the Disney Dining Line at 714-781-DINE (3463), or make a reservation at Disneyland.com. Each dining package includes 1 Fantasmic! Fastpass for admittance to a reserved viewing area for a designate showing of Fantasmic that day. (Remember that this, and all information is subject to change without notice.)

If for some reason all this information is overwhelming and you are willing to wait for the show without a Fastpass ticket or Fastpasses run out before you arrive at Disneyland, a Stand-By option is available. Viewing is limited, and you are encouraged to arrive 1 hour before showtime near the Mark Twain Dock. However you choose to view Fantasmic, just know that this is still the same nighttime spectacular we have all come to love and appreciate the last 22-1/2 years.

Overall, my experience with Fantasmic! Fastpass went well. Things are still being tweaked as of this writing so please bring your patience. This is still very new to all Cast Members involved, and many guests are finding out about the new system when they enter the Park.