Fantasmic! has finally returned to the Rivers of America at Disneyland! We were at the river’s edge for the debut show on May 24th, and our team reports that the lighting is more vibrant, there’s more pyrotechnics and projections, and the fire effects have returned.
Bottom Line: Despite the absence of the 45-foot-tall Maleficent dragon (a sore subject for us all), we’re still very happy to have the iconic nighttime spectacular back at the park.
What’s New And What’s Returning?
The massive dragon may be gone (RIP Murphy), but Mickey’s imagination still conjures scenes from “Tangled,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Jungle Book,” and more.
The Evil Queen also still summons Disney’s most dastardly villains, including Maleficent who battles Sorcerer Mickey in her previous not 45-foot-tall dragon form (AKA “Maleficent on a Stick”).
Fantasmic’s return also marks the return of the show’s original segment featuring Peter Pan and Captain Hook aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia, replacing the Pirates of the Caribbean segment that replaced Peter and Hook in 2017. This time, however, The Lost Boys join Peter and Wendy, which is a nice addition to the swashbuckling scene.
We’ll have to wait and see whether the not 45-foot Maleficent is a permanent change or if some form of dragon will return at a later date. After all, Peter Pan is returning after seven years away, so anything is possible.
If you missed the show (or just want to see it again), check out our video here:
Fantasmic! Dining Packages
Want to make sure you get a great spot for the show without hours of waiting? A Fantasmic! dining package may be for you.
Dining packages for Fantasmic start at $30 per person and include a three- or four-course meal plus a reserved viewing location. Returning restaurants are Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace in New Orleans Square, but Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland is joining the party for the first time (previously, the park offered a grab and go dining package at Hungry Bear).
Blue Bayou Restaurant Fantasmic Dining Package
The Blue Bayou Premium Package includes a four-course lunch or dinner and a voucher admitting them to a reserved viewing location for one of the two Fantasmic! performances that evening. In our experience, the Blue Bayou viewing location offers the very best viewing spot for the show.
Both lunch (starting at 11 a.m.) and dinner (starting at 4 p.m.) offer a variety of menu items, including Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad, Strawberry and Pistachio Salad, Surf and Turf, Oscar-style Filet Mignon, Blackened Ribeye and Bourbon Shrimp, and Gumbo – and for dessert, a Fantasmic-inspired chocolate decadence tart. Diners also receive a souvenir item for nonalcoholic beverages.
Pricing for lunch or dinner is $35 per guest ages 3-9 and $89 per guest ages 10+ (tax and gratuity not included). The Oscar-style Filet Mignon, blackened Ribeye, and Bourbon Shrimp will have a $10 upcharge. A wine pairing is available for an additional charge.
River Belle Terrace Fantasmic Dining Package
The River Belle Terrace offers a standard and a Premium dining package. Both include a three-course dinner and Fantasmic! viewing. But the Premium Package lets you watch the show from your table on the restaurant’s outside terrace. (While this is a convenient option, it isn’t necessarily the best view depending on where you are seated. We recommend the standard package for most guests).
River Belle Terrace – Premium Package
Diners will enjoy a 3-course dinner and the evening’s first performance of Fantasmic! from their table on the outdoor terrace. Entrees include Fried Chicken, Brisket and Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes & dessert.
The price for dinner is $45 per guest ages 3-9 and $89 per guest 10+ (tax and gratuity not included). 7:15 p.m. dining reservation; outdoor seating only.
The River Belle Terrace – Standard Package includes a three-course Southern-style meal for brunch (11 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.) or dinner (4-7 p.m.) and a voucher admitting them to a reserved viewing location for one of the two Fantasmic! performances that evening.
Diners choose from the regular menu, which includes brunch items like Loaded House Fries with Egg, Apple Pie Pancakes, Nashville Hot Chicken and Brisket Mac & Cheese Sandwich, and dinner items like a Pork Chop or Sustainable Fish (plus dessert, of course). The price for brunch is $30 per guest (ages 3-9) and $55 per guest ages 10+ (tax and gratuity not included).
NEW Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante Fantasmic Dining Package
The Standard Package includes a three-course lunch (11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) or dinner (3:30-8:30 p.m.) and a voucher admitting them to a reserved viewing location for one of the two Fantasmic! performances that evening. While this is the most affordable Fantasmic dining package, the show seating won’t be quite as good as the Blue Bayou and River Bell options.
The adult menu options for both lunch and dinner include Chile Verde Riblet, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Taco, Plant-based Potato Tacos, and Sweet and Savory Carne Asada. Adult entrees include radish slaw, cilantro-lime rice, Korean potato salad, refried beans, Cortadillo, and a fountain beverage.
The kid’s menu includes the riblet, plant-based potato taco, and mac and cheese. Kid’s entrees are served with a Cuties mandarin orange, Cortadillo, and a fountain beverage.
The pricing for lunch is $25 per guest ages 3-9 and $35 per guest ages 10+ (tax and gratuity not included).
Here photos of the new menu items from Rancho del Zocalo:
Fantasmic Viewing Tips
If you aren’t able to snag a Dining Package with access to a reserved viewing area, here are a few of our viewing tips:
- We know it may be tempting to stake out a prime spot in advance but keep in mind that if you get there too early, Cast Members are likely to move you out of the area
- Be aware that you will likely be required to stand as you wait to accommodate more guests (on opening night, guests who were seated were asked to stand about two hours before the first show time).
- If Cast Members allow it, a good viewing spot is on the bridge over the Pirates of the Caribbean queue.
- Spots facing the central Fantasmic! stage are preferable to spots on the sides of the island in front of the Haunted Mansion or Golden Horseshoe.
- Last but certainly not least, keep in mind there are two shows, and the later performance is often less crowded.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Who’s excited about Fantasmic’s long-awaited return to Disneyland? Do you like the new(est) version of the iconic nighttime spectacular or are you still carrying a torch for the dearly incinerated dragon? Do you have a favorite viewing location or tip? Let us know in the comments below!
- UPDATED 5/22/24 WITH NEW DETAILS
- UPDATED 5/24/24 WITH OPENING NIGHT INFO
- UPDATED 5/26/24 WITH NEW PHOTOS