This is a must see, especially for those on their first trip to Disneyland. Personally, I think this is better than the fireworks, but it will depend on what your crowd wants to do. As a warning, if you have younger kids, there is a scary part in the later half of the show but if they have seen the movies they should be okay for the most part. The fire sometimes freaks them out too, but it is pretty dark during the “villains” section
If you are worried about whether it is better for you to watch this or the fireworks, then you can find full versions of the show on YouTube. But they are nothing like seeing the real thing. I have watched Fantasmic! every time I visit the part and it never gets old. With all the different special effects you can’t help be drawn into Mickey’s imagination and root for him, especially after all the wonderful things you see as part of his imagination.
Glimpsing into Mickey’s imagination is almost like looking into Walt Disney’s imagination, with all the fun and exciting things you get to see. Not only do you get to see three of the princesses and their princes dancing on beautifully lit rafts, but you also get to see an epic sword fight between Peter Pan and Captain Hook! And don’t forget Pinocchio or the Heffalumps who just want to come out and play. All of the pieces combine are part of the Disney classics that everyone loves. In fact, it’s like watching a new movie with all your old favorites!
Depending on the park hours the shows are usually at 9pm and 10:30pm, you can check your map when you first get to the park for the times that day. But I have seen people starting to save spots at about 5pm with one parent reading a book while the other one is off with the kids. Don’t let this scare you way, each showing can accommodate about 9,000 people, so you are sure to find a spot. And while seating may be easier at Walt Disney World, Disneyland does accommodate for handicap like they do all over the park, but it is pretty much reserved for wheelchair only. The spot is to the right of the viewing area pretty much in front of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. I have sat her once and these seats were just as good as any other, but they can also fill up, so you might want to get there early as well. Reservations will cost you $60 per person and $50 for kids 3-9 (2 and under can sit on your lap for free) but you get guaranteed seats for the show, a desert box with tasty treats and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. It is recommended that you call more than a month in advance, and like with any Disney reservation you can call up to 180 days in advance.
I am a HUGE Fantasmic fan! It is my favorite thing at Disneyland! And I loved your review! But there is one correction that I would like to make and that is in the elephant sequence it is actually the Pink Elephants from Dumbo not the Heffalumps. That mix-up happens all the time!