The incredible nighttime show Fantasmic! at Disneyland starring Mickey Mouse is not to be missed. Read pro tips, viewing locations and more! Make sure you put this on your must do list at least one night during your vacation. In this show along the Rivers of America, Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Watch across an enormous screen of water memorable scenes from Disney classics such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Tangled and Peter Pan to name a few. Plus you’ll see some of your favorite characters come out on the Mark Twain Riverboat. It’s a fantastic show every Disney fan should see when visiting Disneyland. 
Fantasmic! viewing tips
This show runs twice a night at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. during busier times like spring break, summer time, fall break and the holidays. Starting May 24th it’s every night. But when September hits it will most likely go back to only Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we will see. Always look at the entertainment calendar on the Disneyland website for current info. If you want to see the first show there are a few options. This is a popular show and not a lot of space to view it so you need to have a plan. This photo below was taken 25 minutes before the show started. People on the ground are dining package guests. The people standing are regular viewers who have been saving a spot.
Two hours before the first show starts cast members allow you to save a spot. If you want a good spot you have to camp out. The views from up top of the bridge over Pirates are great. The steps behind the dining package seating area are a good spot too. Or the spaces next to the dining package seating. See the graphic below with an “X” marking these areas.
You can just leave one person at the spot and rotate while someone else takes kids on rides if that’s your group type. You could also find your spot, mobile order some food and send someone to go pick it up. Then eat while you wait for the show. The least amount of time I would say for an ok spot would be an hour before the show starts. Ask cast members what’s available when you arrive but it will be slim pickings. The later show always has less people and is easier to find a spot but that’s late for kids. And that’s why I suggest a dinner dining package if you don’t want to wait as long. More about dining packages below. Fantasmic! is 27 minutes long and is standing room only (unless you do a dining package) so keep that in mind.
Fantasmic! Pro tips:
If you watch the 9 pm show stick around after it’s over and watch the fireworks show above you to the right.
The preferred way to see fireworks and Fantasmic is to watch the fireworks FIRST at 9:30 p.m. and then come over to the Rivers of America to find a spot for Fantasmic. It’s not as crowded during the second show of Fantasmic at 10:30 p.m. After either show don’t follow the crowds out of the park. Either do a ride and then go home. Or turn around and head to the train station in New Orleans Square (currently under refurbishment so this option is not available). Hop on the train and ride it around to Main Street and exit that way. You’ll avoid all the masses trying to leave the park after the show!
Fantasmic! dining package options
To save your feet and save time I do recommend a dining package with reserved seating areas. You can get a dining package at Rancho del Zocalo (new option), River Belle Terrace (2 options) or at the Blue Bayou. Make dining reservations on the Disneyland website or in the app under dining. If you can’t get a reservation consider signing up for FREE dining alerts here. Let’s breakdown each dining option and I will show you where the seats are for the show. Plus I’ll give you my recommendations. I also made a YouTube video with lots of details about the dining packages and my complete review!
There are two River Belle Terrace dining package options. The Premium package requires a dining reservation for 7:15 pm. Dinner is $89 per adult; $45 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity not included. You will enjoy your dinner and the evening’s first performance of Fantasmic! right from your table on the outdoor patio.
Also available at the River Belle Terrace is the Standard dining package. Make a dining reservation starting at 11:00 am for brunch or starting at 4:00 pm for dinner. You could also check on the day you’re there to see if they have availability. River Belle Terrace lunch or dinner Guests can request the Standard Package from their server. Brunch and dinner prices are $55 per adult; $30 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity not included. The menu below is from when I did the dining package in 2022.
The Blue Bayou Fantasmic! Dining package is also available to book. Make a dining reservation starting at 11:00 am for lunch and 4:00 pm for dinner. If you can’t get a reservation on the day you’re looking for sign up for FREE dining alerts here. Lunch and dinner prices are $89 per Guest (ages 10+); $35 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included. Choose from a wide variety including, Surf and Turf, Oscar-style Filet Mignon, Blackened Ribeye and Bourbon Shrimp, Gumbo, Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad, Strawberry and Pistachio Salad. And for dessert, enjoy a Fantasmic! inspired chocolate decadence tart!
Guests will receive a souvenir item for nonalcoholic beverages. A wine pairing option is available for an additional charge. There is a $10 upcharge for Guests ordering the Oscar-style Filet Mignon or Blackened Ribeye and Bourbon Shrimp. Enjoy your meal and then receive a voucher admitting you to a separate reserved viewing location for one of the two Fantasmic! shows that evening, see viewing location further below.
The last option is new at Rancho del Zocalo. Make a dining reservation starting at 11:00 am for lunch and starting at 3:30 pm for dinner. I will be trying this new option in June and will report back here! The standard package includes a 3-course meal for lunch or dinner and a voucher to a separate reserved viewing location for one of the 2 Fantasmic! performances that evening. Cost $35 per Guest (ages 10+); $25 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
Adult Menu (choose one of the following)
- Chile Verde Riblet
- Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Taco
- Potato Tacos (plant-based)
- Sweet and Savory Carne Asada
Each entrée is served with Radish Slaw, Cilantro-lime Rice, Korean Potato Salad, Refried Beans, Cortadillo and a fountain beverage choice.
Kid’s Menu (choose one of the following)
- Kid’s Riblet
- Kid’s Potato Taco (plant-based)
- Kid’s Mac and Cheese
Each kid’s entrée is served with a Cuties Mandarin Orange, Cortadillo and a refreshing beverage choice.
Seating for the Fantasmic! dining packages
Reserved seating is included with the Rancho del Zocalo standard package, Blue Bayou package and River Belle standard package. Your voucher lists the location of your viewing area, the time you should arrive at your viewing location and the show’s performance time. Both times I did the packages I arrived 20 minutes before it stated in hopes that I could get in a line. One time cast members let us start lining up and another they said to come back at the stated time, so you decide. You can also show up 15 minutes before the show starts and sit down. The reserved seating area for each dining package is shown below, RDZ = Rancho del Zocalo, BB = Blue Bayou, RB = River Belle Terrace. Same graphic I shared above for stand-by viewing locations.
Seating in these areas is on the ground only. You must be seated. But it’s actually nice to sit down. All other guests waiting have to stand and then stand to watch the show. Bring something to sit on cause between waiting and the show time you’ll want some padding! Here’s a great option on Amazon! There is a separate area for guests with disabilities just ask the cast member. Below was my spot for the River Belle Terrace standard dining package.
As shown in the seating graphic above, the Blue Bayou guests get straight on views of the show and then the River Belle Terrace guests and Rancho del Zocalo have views from the side. The views are the same for Rancho del Zocalo and River Belle Terrace guests. Both are fantastic cause you’re in the front. With that being said you need to decide on the food you want to eat. Don’t spend more on the Blue Bayou if you just want to sit in the viewing area cause you’re basically in the same area. In the photo below you can see the rope dividing the River Belle guests from the Blue Bayou guests. 
Is the dining package worth the price?
Honestly for the price of dinner, you’re going to pay around $20 per person for a meal, drink and dessert no matter where you eat in the park. The Rancho del Zocalo meal includes the meal, drink and dessert for $35. So basically you’re paying and extra $15 for a seat to watch Fantasmic, that’s a great deal! If you want to splurge and dine at the other locations go for it, but if you’re just looking for the best deal book Rancho del Zocalo. Let me know if you have any questions. If you’re looking for other entertainment tips you can read more about the following options…
Thanks for the great information! We’ve reserved the Hungry Bear dining package for the end of March. After we claim our seats in the viewing area, will some of my family be able to leave the reserved area (for a snack, bathroom break, etc)? If so, what will they need to show the cast member to get back to our seats?
Yes just leave someone in your seats. Then people can come and go. You can use your ticket they give you to get into the reserved area to go back and forth. Or just tell the cast member as you leave you’re going to the bathroom. Have a great time!