We're planning to be in WDW in late Jan. DD and DS are teens and have seen the DL Fantasmic before. Which do you all recommend as a must see?

If you have to choose AND you've seen Fantasmic at DL - I highly recommend seeing Illuminations. (And would make that recommendation even if you hadn't seen DL's version!)

i'm the complete opposite... illuminations is fireworks. whee. bores the heck out of me to be honest. and Remember.. has ruined me for all other fireworks anyway.

i'm all about F!.

the good news is that the DHS version is quite a bit different from the DL version. the bad news is that the DL version is worlds better.

so that's my determining factor. if you want to see the best nighttime entertainment WDW has to offer (in addition to spectromagic that is) just to say you did, F!. but if you don't want to be disappointed when comparing the two, illuminations.

For me, hands down, no matter whether you've seen the DL Fantasmic, I'd recommend Illuminations over WDW's Fantasmic.

Believe and Remember have ruined other fireworks shows for me, but I can't imagine anyone referring to Illuminations as just a fireworks show.

for me, i would definetly say illuminations. i think it is just the best fireworks show. what gets it for me is the music. the music has amazing effect with the big globe in the middle.

Another vote here for Illuminations if you've already seen Fantasmic at DL.

I personally would pick Illuminations. I always thought Fantasmic at WDW was only a clip show from various Disney movies. Why not use original animation? Ugh!

Fantasmic! or IllumiNations? My answer is YES! Oh, you want me to choose? As others have said, WDW's F! is nowhere near as good as DL's version. There's just something about the pacing of the show that's off. Too many filmed segments, too choppy in the way they cut back and forth between film and live action. I think DL's F! is the single best outdoor mixed media show on the planet, but WDW's version is just so-so.

IllumiNations, on the other hand, is my 2nd favorite behind DL's F!. Wonderful music, great fireworks, lasers, lights and water fountaions, and a truly amazing piece of technology in the video globe that's the centerpiece of the show. I'll try to see it 3 or 4 times every visit to WDW, and have never gotten tired of it. Pick your location carefully - make sure you not only have a good view, but are near speaker towers to best experience this music-based show. My favorite spot is right in front of the Canada pavilion, just across from the stairs that lead up into the pavilion. Due to some trees around it looks like it wouldn't be a good spot, so it doesn't fill up at all. I can saunter in 10 minutes before showtime and have an excellent view of the show.

My favorite Disney World show of all time is Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at EPCOT! Although keep in mind that the studio's Fantasmic show is very different from Disneyland's and is worth seeing as well. But if I had to choose, I'd go with Illuminations.
The Rose & Crown pub is an excellent location to enjoy the show from, if you can time a late dinner right around the show. Norway is also a good spot to watch Illuminations from. After the show is over, scoot on over to Test Track. This attraction is typically up and running 10-15 minutes after Illuminations has ended, which means a 5 minute wait or less! Have a great time!

And yet another vote seconding that DW's Fantasmic is less good than Disneyland's and Illuminations is not to be missed. Though I adore Fantasmic as well, but if you can only do one, then Illuminations is more special

If you've seen DLP's Fantasmic!, then don't bother seeing DHS's version of it. It's crap. Pure and utter crap.

Illuminations though... wow. Love me some Illuminations.

Gotta disagree with you there, Burnt Toast. The Studio's version of F! is in no way crap (IMO), but it's not as good as California's version. The pacing of the Florida show is off compared to its older brother, and they use way too much animation. But if you've never seen either, F! is a pretty spectacular event. I think it's worth it to see both F! and IllumiNations if possible. But if one has to choose, go with IllumiNations.

Count me in as a vote for Illuminations. With the whole scope of World Showcase Lagoon as its backdrop, Illuminations is the bigger "event" overall. Don't rob yourself of the opportunity to see it.

While I fully agree that DL's Fantasmic is superior to DHS's, I wouldn't call the latter crap. It's flawed, the Pocahontas sequence blows, and the Disney-movies-in-bubbles clip is way too long. On the other hand, the climactic battle between Mickey and Maleficent is leagues better at DHS, in my opinion. If DL's Fantasmic is a 10, I'd rate DHS's a solid 8.

I do hope you're already planning to see Wishes as well. Even though Remember... may be technically superior, I believe Wishes is the better show. It flows better with the music, and Wishes just tugs on my heartstings a little harder than Remember... does.

I do hope you're already planning to see Wishes as well. Even though Remember... may be technically superior, I believe Wishes is the better show. It flows better with the music, and Wishes just tugs on my heartstings a little harder than Remember... does.


What's Wishes and Remember?

What's Wishes and Remember?

Wishes is the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. Remember is the fireworks show at Disneyland.

Another vote for Illuminations.

Whenever anybody asks what my favorite "attractions" are @ Walt Disney World, without hesitation, my TWO answers are Illuminations & Splash Mountain.

I agree with Monoman, the music is what sets this show apart. The F! shows are good, but in my opinion, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the best fireworks-type show Disney puts on. :D

When you pick your spot, make sure you're clear of any over-head obstacles. I've known folks who happened upon what seemed at first glance to be great vantage points, only to realize when the show started that their view of the air-bursts was blocked by trees, etc--something--that they simply hadn't noticed before.

Illuminations , Reflections of Earth is the best WDW night cap.
It's a great show and a much nicer walk back to your car, or monorail, or bus.
I enjoy leaving Epcot center more than any other park. I know that sounds strange, but I do. I think it's the pixie dust in the walk way.

much mouse

I enjoy leaving Epcot center more than any other park. I know that sounds strange, but I do. I think it's the pixie dust in the walk way.

Next time you see IllumiNations, try doing what I do. Instead of going out with the crowd around the World Showcase, walk in the opposite direction. In about 5 minutes when the crunch of people lets up, you'll have the WS to yourself for a nice leisurely walk. By the time you hit the parking lot it'll be mostly empty, making it very easy to find your car and drive out. Magic!

I suggest neither. After Illuminations, stay by the nearest speaker and listen to the entire soundtrack of Tapestry of Nations. *sigh*

The added benefit is that when it's over, there won't be very much crowd left to deal with.

Y'know, you can hear that Tapestry track during the walk around the WS? It's all part of the vibe that I like so much.

I loved the Tapestry of Nations soundtrack. However, I vote Fantastmic over Illuminations every time.

I hate scoping and saving a seat an hour or more before the show. I find the twirling tv screen ball weird, and I think that Fantasmic! captures my love of traditional Disney magic.

I do go for the Fantasmic dinner pkg so that I don't have to deal with quite as many people waiting for the "go" to the seating arena.

Illuminations.

One more suggestion, though. Look at the flags and trees to get a good idea which way the wind is blowing. The smoke off the fireworks has to drift somewhere and you don't want it to be towards you.

As a fellow teen, i'd say Illuminations hands down.