As the holiday season continues to ramp up at Walt Disney World, the parks are experiencing unprecedented crowds, making it clear that 2024’s Christmas-to-New Year’s week is living up to its reputation as the busiest time of the year. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are all overflowing with eager guests, and while the increase in foot traffic brings plenty of excitement, it’s also putting a strain on the parks’ resources, from attraction wait times to dining reservations.
To keep things running smoothly and help accommodate the massive influx of guests, Disney has made a strategic move: they’ve added a third showing of their iconic nighttime show Fantasmic! to the calendar for the first week of January. This is not something we see often, but it’s a necessary step as the crowds show no sign of easing up.
Massive Crowds and Record Wait Times
Anyone who’s visited Walt Disney World during peak times knows just how quickly the parks fill up. And this year, the crowds have been more intense than ever. Major attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom are facing sky-high wait times, with averages pushing 100 minutes or more. Other popular rides, such as Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, have also been reported to have wait times over 70 minutes.
With Disney’s Park Pass reservations already fully booked, and annual passholders blocked out, the parks are packed with both seasoned visitors and first-timers looking to experience the magic. This means long waits, packed walkways, and tight crowds throughout the day and into the night. Even dining reservations and Lightning Lane passes are in high demand, leaving guests scrambling for any available time slots.
The solution? More shows—and Fantasmic! is taking center stage.
Introducing the Extra Fantasmic! Showtimes
In response to the extreme crowding, Disney has added a rare third performance of Fantasmic! on January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, giving guests an extra opportunity to see the stunning nighttime show. The 6 p.m. show will be a new addition to the regular 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. performances.
For those who haven’t seen Fantasmic!, it’s a must-do. The show is set in a massive outdoor amphitheater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and features some of the most beloved Disney characters, epic special effects, and awe-inspiring visuals. As one of the park’s flagship entertainment offerings, Fantasmic! is a major crowd magnet, with its 6,300 seats filling up quickly. With an additional showing, Disney is ensuring that as many guests as possible can enjoy the spectacle—especially given that the first week of January continues to draw large crowds.
Why a Third Show Was Needed
The reason for the additional showtime is simple: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is facing a major influx of guests, and Fantasmic! is a huge draw. The theater’s seating capacity of 6,300, with another 3,000 standing spots, fills up fast during the busy season. But with the parks jam-packed with people, there’s simply not enough space for everyone in a single show. By adding an extra performance, Disney is providing more options for guests, helping to ease the congestion, and offering more chances to enjoy this one-of-a-kind show.
For guests looking to avoid the bulk of the crowds, the late 9:30 p.m. show is typically less packed, offering a more manageable experience for those looking to enjoy the show without the crush of earlier guests.
The 2022 Update to Fantasmic!
The extra showings come as Disney continues to put its recent updates to Fantasmic! on full display. After a lengthy break due to the pandemic, the show returned in Fall 2022 with several exciting changes. The updated version of Fantasmic! removed older scenes, including those from Pocahontas, and introduced new characters from Frozen, Moana, and Mulan. These new additions, along with a revamped lighting and sound design, have breathed new life into the show, ensuring that it remains as magical as ever.
The changes are part of Disney’s larger strategy to enhance its park offerings and make the experience more immersive for modern guests. The addition of these beloved characters has given the show a more current and inclusive feel, while maintaining the core elements that fans love.
Anticipating Continued Crowds in 2025
While the busiest week of the year may have passed, Disney is still expecting high crowds throughout the first week of January. Many guests continue to visit the parks during this period, taking advantage of the post-holiday lull to experience everything Walt Disney World has to offer. And with large groups and families looking for fun ways to wind down after busy days in the parks, Fantasmic! is a perfect way to cap off the night.
As Disney anticipates more visitors in the coming days, the decision to add a third showing of Fantasmic! is a smart move. It not only helps to alleviate crowd pressure but also gives guests more flexibility in their schedules—something that can make all the difference when navigating the busy season.
Tips for Visiting Disney World in January
For guests planning to visit during this time, here are a few tips to make the most of the experience:
- Arrive Early: With wait times at an all-time high, it’s essential to arrive early to get a head start on the most popular attractions.
- Consider a Late Fantasmic! Showing: If you’re not in a rush, the 9:30 p.m. show tends to be less crowded and offers a more comfortable experience.
- Use Genie+ Wisely: With crowds this large, Genie+ can be a lifesaver, helping you skip the longest lines and make the most of your time.
- Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: With the influx of visitors, the parks can get overwhelming. Remember to hydrate and take breaks when you need them.
Disney World has clearly recognized the need to adjust to the holiday crowds, and adding an extra Fantasmic! show is just one example of how they are keeping things running smoothly. With an extra show to enjoy and a newly refreshed version of the iconic nighttime spectacular, guests will undoubtedly get a memorable end to their magical days at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
