The best ways to watch Disneyland Fantasmic complete with viewing areas, including reserved dining, and walk up spots. Please note Fantasmic is NOT currently running at Disneyland Park and will return Spring 2024.
Fantasmic joins the line up nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland Resort which run throughout the year. You’ll definitely want a multi-day park hopper ticket to enjoy these iconic nighttime shows:
- Fantasmic returns to Disneyland Park Spring 2024 and is the show we’re discussing here
- Disneyland fireworks runs on select days over Disneyland Park
- Disneyland parades rotate throughout the year, see which parade is showing here
- World of Color a nighttime show at California Adventure Park over Paradise Bay
Disneyland Fantasmic Spots
Amazing updates to this classic show and viewing areas are coming Spring 2024 making it more spectacular than ever.
This Disney night show runs most days of the year at Disneyland Park. Here’s what to expect, where to watch, what time to arrive and more.
This entire area of Disneyland Park was revamped for better viewing of Fantasmic in 2022. The live show takes you into Mickey Mouse’s imagination in an epic battle of song, stunts and more during a 27 minute long colorful and sparkling show.
Table of Contents
Fantasmic Quick Info
Fantasmic is front and center each night at Disneyland Park. It often features both a first show and a second show.
Here’s a quick look at Fantasmic showtimes and what to expect during your visit to Disneyland Resort.
Fantasmic Showtimes
- First Fantasmic show is at 9:00 pm
- Second Fantasmic show is at 10:30 pm
- Fantasmic run time is approximately 27 minutes long
- See today’s Fantasmic schedule for updated times
Where to Watch Fantasmic
Fantasmic requires theme park tickets for Disneyland Park. This Disney Parks show is displayed over the Rivers of America and is best seen from Frontierland and New Orleans Square. We’ll dive into specifics on where to watch for the best view of the characters and show elements below.
Disneyland Fantasmic Viewing Map
Where does everyone watch Fantasmic? This map outlines the most common options for viewing the live show, most of which are standing room only.
THIS VIEWING PORTION IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING UPDATES. Please check back in Spring 2024 for more news on Fantasmic’s return.
Fantasmic Viewing Areas
If you want to watch from the section I’ve labeled blue, you’ve got to be quick! Blue fills up first and will be filled as guests arrive.
- What You’ll See: as up close to the action as you can get without a paid upgrade.
- Will You Get Wet: possibly mist and cool breezes but nothing that requires a new outfit after.
- Time Commitment: front row of this section typically requires more time commitment than most.
Orange Fantasmic Viewing Area
The orange section is for those who show up a bit later. If you’re looking for a walk up spot for Fantasmic viewing, this is your place. It’s also better for those who want an easy exit spot and lower crowd levels.
- What You’ll See: a lot of backs of heads, cell phone screens in your view and the top of the show.
- Will You Get Wet: Nope, you’re far enough away.
- Time Commitment: Walk up spots can be hard to come by without spending a lot of time. You might even be better off walking the walkway back and forth and catching what you can of the show without stopping.
Green Fantasmic Viewing Area
This viewing space is reserved for those with dining packages. You’ll find more details on each of the dining packages later on in this article.
Be sure to book your dining 60 days in advance and/or set up a free dining alert here.
- What You’ll See: as up close to the action as you can get.
- Will You Get Wet: possibly mists and cool breezes. Lots of people like to bring a light blanket to this area.
- Time Commitment: less time spent holding a spot, instead your time will be spent enjoying a leisurely meal.
If you opt for a dining package, your reserved space will have a view similar to this.
Black Fantasmic Dining Viewing Area
The black section is reserved space for upgraded River Belle Terrace packages. It is so far the only spot with actual seats to watch this show. You are set back, but above the crowd for a comfortable, uncrowded view.
- What You’ll See: a good view with less people blocking your view. If you have some room to splurge in your budget, this is the place to splurge! Especially for a date night or girls night out. Need a sitter so you can enjoy a romantic night out? Nanny-Land comes with you to the parks or tucks the kids in at night! Use crown code HAPPIEST to save!
- Time Commitment: This is meant for an enjoyable dining experience and not to rush.
Fantasmic Accessible Viewing Area
See a Cast Member to be directed to this area for viewing for Fantasmic.
Fantasmic Dining Packages
I covered the viewing options for all spaces above. But let’s get further into the reserved, premium space. Those with a dining package, including the Fantasmic premium dining location at River Belle Terrace.
Blue Bayou Fantasmic Dining
This package will return later in 2024. It’s expected to include:
- $65+ per adult, $25+ per child (up to age 9)
- Reservations for this package begin at 4:00 pm
- One voucher that reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area shown above
- Lunch – starting at $50 for adults; $25 for children (ages 3 to 9)
- Dinner – starting at $50 for adults; $25 for children (ages 3 to 9)
- Get free dining alerts here
River Belle Terrace Fantasmic Dining
There are two options for River Belle Terrace. Make sure you’re choosing the right one for you. Only one includes actual seats during the show with a view from the restaurant.
Premium Package includes:
- 7:15 dining reservation time
- $75+ per adult, $45+ per child (up to age 9), paid at time of booking
- Viewing of the first Fantasmic show of the evening
- Get free dining alerts here
Choose from the regular menu or from special items offered only to Fantasmic! Dining Package Guests, such as loaded potato bites, petite New York steak and scallops, chicken and dumplings skillet, pan-roasted shrimp, chocolate rocky road cake or white chocolate raspberry trifle.
Your seats for 7:15 pm dining will be here, along this elevated area with views of Rivers of America like this.
Since you’re sitting up higher, you’ll be able to see over the standing-room only viewers below. Remember, this is for upgrade 7:15 pm dining only. Everyone else will stand in the reserved area front and center.
Standard Package includes:
River Belle Terrace lunch or dinner Guests can request the Standard Package from their server. It cannot be reserved in advance. Availability is limited.
- Lunch: $50 per adult; $30 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity not included.
- Dinner: $50 per adult; $30 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity not included
- Reservations for this package begin at 11:00 AM for lunch and 4:00 PM for dinner.
- One voucher that reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area shown above
- Reserve your dining between the hours of 11 and 4, then request the Fantasmic package from your sever
- Get free dining alerts here
A review from one of our readers . . .
“We originally booked a normal evening dinner reservation, unaware of the premium upgrade. I then upgraded our seats probably 2 weeks before our reservation, and apparently the earlier you make the reservation the closer to the railing and the better the view. . . . I do have to say though that I just don’t feel like you get enough food for the money you pay. I know you’re paying for the seats and the view, but it’s just so expensive and even the kids meals were pretty small in portion size. They also ran out of dessert options for the kids, though they did offer ice cream as an alternative. And it helped that we had friendly people around us because our view wasn’t the best, so my kids ended up sitting in between a few tables to watch the show. . . . I talked to a few cast members after the meal, and apparently on weekends they offer premium seating for the first show but the restaurant is closed for the second show. The seating area, however, is still open for the second show of Fantasmic and you don’t need to have a reservation or anything to sit there. The advice I got was to look for the cast members in blue shirts and ask very nicely.”
Thank you Serenity F. for that valuable piece of information!
Disneyland Fantasmic Hungry Bear Restaurant Dining
Hungry Bear lunch or dinner Guests can dine on site during their reservation or take their food to-go and dine anywhere in the park.
This package includes:
- $35.00 per adult (ages 10 and up); $25.00 per child (ages 3 to 9)
- Reservations made for 3:00 PM through 6:45 PM will include a voucher for entry into the reserved viewing area for the FIRST performance of Fantasmic!
- Reservations from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM will include a voucher for entry into the reserved viewing area for that night’s SECOND show.
- One voucher that reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area
- Get free dining alerts here
Fantasmic FAQs
The brief overview at the beginning of this article gives a quick glimpse into Fantasmic logistics. Here we deep dive into specific questions you may have about Fantasmic
Don’t see an answer to your question? The comments are always open!
Do I need a Park Hopper ticket to see Fantasmic?
If you’re not starting your day at Disneyland Park, you will need a valid park hopper ticket. I suggest getting your ticket at a discount from my partners here.
How long is Fantasmic?
The show is approximately 27 minutes long. Total time commitment is about 60-90 minutes when you include showing up to your spot an hour before, along with time to exit the area.
What time does Fantasmic start?
Returning for nightly performances in 2022, Fantasmic will run at 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Check the Disneyland App for undated schedules on the day of your visit.
Can I stay here to watch fireworks after Fantasmic?
Yes and you should! Some people will leave this area but it’s best to stay put. Fireworks views are excellent from this vantage point. You’ll also get the music and projection screens over Rivers of America.
Do I need Disney Genie+ for Fantasmic?
No, you do not.
Will you be watching a Disneyland Fantasmic during your vacation? What is your favorite way to watch this classic nighttime show? I’d love to hear your tips for enjoying Disneyland Fantasmic!
I appreciate the viewing map in this post. I’m interested in seating that isn’t on the ground. Does the Blue Bayou Fantasmic Dining have seated viewing in their reserved section? Thank you
Hi Casey, the only viewing not sitting on the ground or standing in the back is premium dining at River Belle Terrace.
Hello! I want to purchase the Hungry Bear dining package for Fantasmic in June. Is the preferred area that you get worth it the cost? Can you buy the package, eat when you want and just return at the designated time?
The preferred area is center, along Rivers of America. I feel it’s definitely worth the cost because you get a meal and less stress trying to get a decent view, since it’s already included in your meal cost. When you make a dining reservation, you select a time that’s available to pick up your food. You can eat it at Hungry Bear or save it and carry with you to eat somewhere else. You do not dine at the same time or place as Fantasmic itself. Hope that helps!
Yes it helps a lot!! Thanks you!! I’ll be doing that for sure!
So glad to hear that. Would love to add your review once you return.
Planning a 1st time Disneyland trip for my family, from Hawaii, 2 adults and 3 kids (13, 10, 8), and want to plan for the Fantasmic show as best as possible on a budget. How can we get right up at the railing for the show, after which dining option, what time, and weekday or weekend night better? Gosh sitting for 1-1.5 hours before the show, guess we should bring a beach towel to sit on, something to do? other tips? This may be a one time trip for us, so want to make it count. Thanks!
Aloha Keala, your kids are older so I suggest doing the second Fantasmic show of the night, if there are 2 shows running while you’re there. Less people come to the second show, so your chances of getting front seating is better. You can do this the free way with a FASTPASS, but you’ll need to keep an eye on FP distribution to make sure you get FP for the 2nd show. Then be ready to arrive back an hour before the show to claim front row seats. Another option of course is to get the Hungry Bear dining package and arrive about 20 minutes before the stated return time says on your reserved seat. You could also get the Hungry Bear dining package and simply show up 30 minutes before, you’ll still be in front but just a few rows back. Sounds like a fabulous vacation! I hope you have a great time. Let me know if you need help with park tickets or hotels, always happy to give tips.
So if I make my reservations for River Belle 60 days in advance sounds like I would have a better chance at a “good” seat. Is it still a good viewing area or should we just do Blue Bayou? I actually think my kids will do better being a little further away so the villain scenes don’t scare them as much. Thoughts?
Yes, Steffanie that is the idea. And I think your idea is perfect to be set back a bit so your kids aren’t too scared. The Fantasmic! schedule does change throughout the year, some times it runs every day and some times it’s only on weekend nights. If you don’t see availability for your date be sure to call Disneyland dining and they can verify if it’s running that night or not.