Most efficient scenario? Fantasmic/fireworks/rides

[annafab]

On a night where there is a Fantasmic showing right before the fireworks, and a second Fantasmic showing later, when would be the best time to skip Fantasmic and go on rides? (We want to watch Fantasmic once as well as the fireworks.)

[Amy]

I would probably enjoy the attractions during the first showing of Fantasmic, watch the fireworks, and then catch the last showing of Fantasmic. I would think the second showing would be less crowded, but I haven't been there in a long time so I am not sure...

[elizabethswann]

That seems to be the best thing to do, Amy!

[Akyriel]

agree... watch the fireworks in front of the castle, but then get to rivers of america through frontierland NOT adventureland.... you'll get a better place to view the show.... 2nd show is always best...

an even better solution is to get priority seating so that you are guaranteed a good seat and not worry about finding a good spot and can enjoy the rest of the park.. I've done that many times... worth every penny I got my tickets for June 9th..
1-714-781-4400

[Josh Q]

Agreed! Fireworks then Fantasmic. But I would not go and ride anything during the first Fantasmic as the crowds in front of the Castle will be packed! Although they might not be that bad when World Of Color is going on. Hmmmm. This World of Color show is throwing a wrench into this I think.

[Akyriel]

I noes!!!!
I made my priority seating for Fantasmic on June 11th, then remembered that Nightastic begins on the 11th and the WoC debut is that night too (sheesh)... so imma do the 10:30 Fantasmic with priority seating on June 9th... then save Friday night for WoC... I'll try and see if there is priority seating for that show yet...

[Josh Q]

That would be cool to have priority seating for WOC.

[MmeLeota]

annafab ~ I agree with everyone here too. Check out the fireworks first and hit the second showing of Fantasmic! - it's usually less crowded and after the fireworks there's a mass exodus leaving the park. I also agree with grabbing a spot in front of the castle for the fireworks the going through Frontierland to get to the RoA for the show.

[Len90]

I have found from experiences in WDW in the two runnings of Spectro that the later showing is usually a lot less crowded. I would say enjoy the rides during the first Fantasmic and then get a spot for fireworks that would enable you to make your way towards fantasmic without dealing with the mass exodus of the crowds from fireworks.

[MmeLeota]

I have found from experiences in WDW in the two runnings of Spectro that the later showing is usually a lot less crowded. I would say enjoy the rides during the first Fantasmic and then get a spot for fireworks that would enable you to make your way towards fantasmic without dealing with the mass exodus of the crowds from fireworks.

The only problem is that you will want to be kinda toward the front near the castle to make a bee line for Frontierland after the fireworks. They have a strange way if funneling people out of the area after the fireworks, so you'll want to try and keep out of that mess.
The fireworks usually start within minutes of the first Fantasmic! ending, so you'll want to make sure you have your spot for fireworks. But you should have a good 45 minutes to an hour or so before F! when everyone is staking out spots for the shows to hit some rides with small lines.

[Dr. Ravenscroft]

A Few minutes is a bit of a understatement, they start the fireworks within 5 minutes of the end of fantasmic. If you want to go see the 2nd showing hang around the Hub, towards the left side of the castle, and you will get to fantasmic easier. You will have to try and fight through the crowds to get to Frontierland but you will be fighting far fewer than if you were on the right side or directly in front of the castle.

[Josh Q]

A Few minutes is a bit of a understatement, they start the fireworks within 5 minutes of the end of fantasmic. If you want to go see the 2nd showing hang around the Hub, towards the left side of the castle, and you will get to fantasmic easier. You will have to try and fight through the crowds to get to Frontierland but you will be fighting far fewer than if you were on the right side or directly in front of the castle.

100% Agreed! It's very easy to get to the Rivers of america especially if they have the gate open by Rancho Del Zocalo I think that's the name of the restaurant over by the pavilion area where people perform on the Left side of the castle.

[MmeLeota]

Dr. Ravenscroft is correct. Stay around the hub toward the left side of the castle and it will be much easier to get to Froniterland after the fireworks.

Sorry if my "within minutes" confused anyone. By that I meant, less than 5 minutes. (if everything goes as planned, F! starts at 9 and ends approx. 22 min. later ~ the fireworks are scheduled for 9:25...this doesn't always happen, but it has in the past)

[horizons1]

If you're gonna ride rides, Tomorrowland is best during Fantasmic and especially during fireworks.