Fantasmic!, the big closing extravaganza at the Disney/MGM Studios, is indeed one of the best done and most popular shows in all of Walt Disney World. But because it is so popular, you need to have a strategy for getting in and out of the stadium.

In the busy season (i.e., summers and holidays), it is advised that you be at the Fantasmic stadium at least 90 minutes before showtime to guarantee a good seat. And you'll need to be there 60 minutes before showtime to guarantee yourself any sort of seat at all. In the off-season, 60 minutes is usually enough. Since this is admittedly a long time to wait, some families leave one family member (along with strategically placed jackets and fanny packs) to guard the turf while the others visit a final attraction or shop. You can also eat in the stadium, so if you're pressed for time you can either buy snacks from the stadium vendors or carry in dinner from another fast-food place within the park. A clever comedy preshow helps to make the wait bearable.

The best seating is as close to the center as possible. The sections at the extreme right or left of the stadium miss a bit of the live action, although the water screens are situated to ensure good viewing for everyone in the stadium. But don't think that a front-row seat is any particular prize. You'll get more of the scope of the show if you're sitting about halfway back. (And you'll also avoid the splashing from the fountains and heat from the pyrotechnics.)

When the show is over, there is a mass exodus toward the gates. The crowd is really something to contend with, since nearly everyone in MGM converges for Fantasmic! In essence, everyone in the park is trying to exit at once.

If you're sitting near the back of a central section (such as Mickey) you have a good shot at being one of the first ones to exit the theater. Get up and get out fast. But if you're down near the front or near the sides, there is no way to make a quick exit. You're better off just sitting still and letting the bulk of the crowd leave before you. The transportation system runs for at least an hour after Fantasmic! closes so there's no real reason to mob the turnstiles. And since it is nearly impossible to push a stroller through the crowd, families with very young children will definitely do better by waiting until the stadium is at least halfway empty before they attempt to exit.

As for the show itself--Fantasmic! is essentially a battle between good (personified by Mickey) and evil, which comes in the form of every bad guy Disney ever dreamed up. The villains turn out in full force for this cartoon armageddon, and any child young enough to be frightened by the bad guys will find the show overwhelming. It's also loud, with fireworks, explosions, a flaming lake, and any number of dramatic special effects. (The fact that all this takes place outside in an open air theater does tend to dilute the scary effects somewhat.)

You won't be surprised to learn that Mickey triumphs in the end and the show concludes on a happy, upbeat note as imagination and love drive out the evil forces. In other words, the story follows the arc of most Disney films, with formidable villains but a happy ending. Most kids 6 and up adore the show, so my feeling is that unless your children are especially afraid of the Disney villains, they'll be fine. It may not hurt to prepare them in advance that Mickey is going to have to fight the bad guys--but that he'll win.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in April 2002.Last Updated February 2006.