Disney Confirms That Fantasmic! Is CLOSING Soon

It has only just reopened, but it seems even magic needs some maintenance.

Fantasmic! is one of Disney’s most beloved shows, featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Maleficent, Pocahontas, Moana, and more in a journey through Mickey’s imagination.

The popular Disney nighttime spectacular returned with new sequences after a long closure during the pandemic, returning May 28, 2022 to Disneyland Park and November 3, 2022 to Walt Disney World. And now, Disney has suddenly revealed that Fantasmic! will be closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, disappointing many Disney World Guests with previously booked Park reservations.

With much anticipation for its big return, Guests have been flocking to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park amphitheater to catch the nighttime spectacle that is Fantasmic!

When the show returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, new characters joined Mickey in his imagination. The show sees new scenes from Moana (2016), Frozen (2013), and Aladdin (1992) alongside Ariel, Snow White, and Belle, as well as some updated lighting and effects.

Fantasmic! takes place down Sunset Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The venue can seat a whopping 6,900 Guests – but often fills up. There is at least one show per night; showtime is typically at either 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. on evenings with only one show, while twice-nightly performances are usually at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

All of the water effects, lighting, fireworks, and stage magic for Fantasmic!, however, require some maintenance once in a while. Guests heading to the Walt Disney World Resort soon may want to take note in case Disney Park reservations need altering.

Disney sent a message to Guests today, April 14, revealing that Fantasmic! will be closed for maintenance on May 1-2. Anyone with reservations for the dining package can cancel their reservation with no penalty, or keep the reservation for the regular menu:

Thank you for booking a dining package for Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1. 

Fantasmic! will be temporarily closed on May 1-2 for maintenance. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Though the show will be unavailable, we will honor your current dining reservation at the regular menu price. If you choose to cancel your reservation, you may do so at any time with no penalty. Please note that the name associated with your current reservation will not change. 

Please contact Walt Disney World Guest Services at (407) 939-2744, 7 days a week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST if you have questions. 

As of right now, there is currently no Lightning Lane, Genie+, or DAS (Disability Access Service) option for Fantasmic!, so the dining package is a great way to secure a good view. Your dining package includes an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or a full buffet, plus the reserved seating. Dates around May 1-2 now may get pretty booked up as Guests change their reservations to see the popular show.

Of course, another nighttime fireworks show option is the newly returned Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, which replaced its successor, Disney Enchantment, on April 3, 2023.

Fantasmic! opened in Walt Disney World in 1998, after originating at Disneyland in 1992 and showing previously at Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort. Fantasmic! takes Guests on a journey through Mickey Mouse’s imagination that culminates in a battle against the Disney Villains. The Florida version of the show takes place at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, while Disneyland’s Fantasmic! occurs on the Rivers of America.

It fast became a Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Resort favorite, often beating Magic Kingdom and EPCOT nighttime shows in Guest top lists. With standby seating, reserved seating, and a large viewing area, it’s usually a packed house with those wanting to see Sorceror Mickey, Steamboat Willie, and other Disney characters amidst fireworks, water effects, and pyrotechnics.