Walt Disney World is no stranger to dazzling stage shows, complete with fireworks and musical accompaniment that takes your breath away—but when it comes to ultimate dramatic art, Fantasmic! in Hollywood Studios takes the cake.
Any show with Mickey as the star is bound to be a hit, and I think I speak for Mickey fans everywhere when I say Sorcerer Mickey is the most magical in all the land!
You’re invited to take a front-row gander of one of Hollywood Studios‘ most beloved night shows in the 4K video below, then learn a few surprising facts about Fantasmic that could surprise you!
Fantasmic isn’t just a night show, it’s more of a theatrical experience and one that is chock full of magical Disney details and little known tidbits.
1. Add One More to the Disney Mountain List!
Resembling a mountain and standing at 57.5 feet tall, this stage show is encompassed by a moat and is the fourth highest ‘mountain’ in Walt Disney World.
Look at those water streams jetting up behind Mickey Mouse! Photo by Brett Svenson
Over one million gallons of water (environmentally conscious recycled water, of course!) create the depth, spanning from 1.5 to 6 feet of water.
All that water requires several HUGE mist screens that are 50 feet tall and 100 feet wide, using 800 gallons of water—a literal drop in the bucket compared to the 1.9 million gallons used for this show.
2. Broadway in Walt Disney World
There are a huge cast of characters in this nighttime show! Photo by Cliff Wang
Giving Broadway in New York City a run for its money, this show uses nearly 50 performing cast members. The massive show even underwent some changes when it returned in 2022, adding scenes from movies like Moana and Mulan into the mix!
3. The Nina, The Pinta, and the Steamboat Willie
You know the boat that Steamboat Mickey is steering at the end of the show after he has defeated the dark forces of his nightmares is giant. It is 80 feet long and 70,000 pounds, to be exact!
Mickey captains the Steamboat Willie. Photo by Rich Ramos
But did you know it’s bigger than the Nina, The Pinta, or the Santa Maria? (The ships Christopher Columbus used to sail the ocean blue).
Onboard are 26 of your all-time favorite Disney characters from Jasmine to Stitch, all smiling, waving, and wishing you the most magical evening!
4. Triple Feature
Check out Fantasmic in three Disney parks worldwide! Photo by Brett Svenson
It’s common for Disney attractions to be repeated throughout the parks, and Fantasmic is so popular that it appears not only in Walt Disney World, but also in Disneyland in Anaheim, and at DisneySea in Tokyo Disneyland.
While each of the aforementioned parks offers a unique twist on this beloved performance, the magic that is Fantasmic shines through the same in each variation.
5. Nearly Impossible to Miss
This 26-minute long show takes place most nights at Hollywood Studios, and twice an evening during peak times of the year such as the holiday season and summertime.
See Sorcerer Mickey two times an evening during peak season! Photo by Cliff Wang
While there isn’t a bad seat in the house so to speak, we recommend viewing the second show during peak times if possible to get the best view—and don’t forget to sit a few rows back if getting a bit splashed with a small amount of water is not your thing!
Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios is a thrilling night show that takes you through the albeit, scary dream of the conductor, Sorcerer, and Steamboat Mickey.
From one end of the moat to the other, it’s impossible not to be dazzled by the entirety of this nearly half-hour-long Broadway-style show.
Every Disney character you hold dear (and even many of those you fear) are featured in this Disney classic that has been entertaining park-goers for over two decades in Walt Disney World.
This show truly encompasses everything we love about Disney, and we look forward to many more years of this feature starring the mouse who started it all!
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