Nighttime Entertainment at Disneyland and California Adventure

Fantasmic!

What is Fantasmic!?
Fantasmic! is a nighttime show at Disneyland that takes place on Pirates Lair and The Rivers of America. This spectacular show follows Mickey Mouse through his dream and imagination. The show features many Disney characters, water floats, and pyrotechnics. It is a fun show for all ages.

What Time is Fantasmic!?
Fantasmic! has 2 showings each night, at 9:05 PM and 10:30 PM.

Where Can I Watch Fantasmic!?
You can watch Fantasmic! along the Rivers of America. Most of the seating is sitting on the ground. The seating is first come first serve. There are areas that are for the dining packages only. If you don’t have a dining package you will want to look for the standby areas. You can always ask a Cast Member for help finding these areas. For the first showing, these areas are usually packed and you will have to save your spot for a couple of hours. For a chance at a better spot I recommend watching the second showing. There is usually a lighter crowd for this one. The dining package areas are usually not full during the second showing, so sometimes they will fill these areas with people on standby. Be in the area before the fireworks so you can get a spot after they end. Again you can always ask a Cast Member where you are allowed to be.

When choosing your spot, try to not be on the sides of Pirates Lair. You will have an obstructed view and miss parts of the show. If you can’t see Pirates Lair clearly then you will probably be blocked from some of the show.

Below is a map of all of the seating areas. The stars are where I suggest you try to get a spot if you are on standby.

What Dining Packages are Available?
There are 3 restaurants at Disneyland that have Fantasmic! dining packages. Each Dining Package has to have a reservation.

How to Make a Reservation for a Dining Package
To book any of the dining packages visit this link to Disneyland’s website. Here you can place your reservation for any of these restaurants, if you are wanting lunch or dinner, and which Fantasmic! show viewing you want. You can even add any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have.

On the day of your reservation you will check-in with the Cast Member at the front of the restaurant a few minutes before your reservation time. Here you can make sure you have the Fantasmic! Dining Package. You can also let them know if you or anyone in your party has any allergies. You will be given the special Fantasmic! Dining menu to order from.

River Belle Terrace:
Premium Dining Package: You will sit outside with a view of the Rivers of America. This dining package is a 3-course prix-fixe menu. A starter, entree, dessert, and a nonalcoholic drink is included in the price. Prices begin at $94.00 for ages 10 and up and $49.00 for ages 3-9. This meal is only offered starting at 7:15 PM. You will watch the first showing of Fantasmic! from your table. These views from the restaurant can be obstructed.

Lunch or Dinner: Lunch begins at 10:00 AM and dinner begins at 2:00 PM. This dining package is a prix-fixe meal with a starter, entree, dessert, and nonalcoholic drink. The prices start at $64.00 for ages 10 and up and $36.00 for ages 3-9. Each person will be given a voucher for one of the showings of Fantasmic!.

I have done this dining package and it was worth the price. The food was delicious and we had a wonderful view for the show without having to wait for hours for it. We got in line by the Harbour Galley for the first showing at 7:15 PM and our voucher said to be lined up around 7:30 PM. So I recommend you line up about 15 minutes before the time on your voucher says if you are wanting to sit in the front by the railing.

Cafe Orleans Lunch or Dinner: Lunch begins at 11:00 AM and dinner begins at 4:00 PM. This dining package is a prix-fixe meal with a starter, entree, dessert, and nonalcoholic drink. The prices start at $64.00 for ages 10 and up and $36.00 for ages 3-9. Each person will be given a voucher for one of the showings of Fantasmic!.

Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Lunch or Dinner: Lunch begins at 11:00 AM and dinner begins at 3:30 PM. This dining package includes a meal and nonalcoholic drink. The prices start at $39.00 for ages 10 and up and $28.00 for ages 3-9. Each person will be given a voucher for one of the showings of Fantasmic!.

The Fireworks and Projections

What Are The Different Fireworks and Projection Shows?
Throughout the year, Disneyland has different fireworks and projection shows. During part of the year you will see one of Disneyland’s standard shows. Some of these include “Wondrous Journeys” and “Mickey’s Magic Mix”. During Halloween time you will be able to see the spooktacular “Halloween Screams”. Starting in November for the Holiday season, the festive “Believe… In Holiday Magic” runs.

“Fire of the Rising Moons” is a fireworks show in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You can see the typical fireworks bursting above Batuu set to the iconic Star Wars music. You can view this show near Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, The Droid Depot, or Black Spire Surplus.

To see which fireworks and projection show will be running during your visit check out Disneyland’s entertainment schedule here.

When Do The Fireworks and Projections Happen?
The projections typically take place nightly. The fireworks are dependent on the time of year and the weather. During slower seasons, Disneyland doesn’t always set off fireworks. Also if the wind is too strong or there is a storm there will be no fireworks but the projections with the music usually still run. Currently the projections with fireworks run at 9:35 PM. Be sure to check the Disneyland App to see what time they will run on a specific day.

Where Can I Watch The Fireworks and Projections?
At Disneyland there are many places you can view the fireworks and projections. For all the views, guests are expected to stand during the show. If you are in a wheelchair or ECV you will not be asked to stand but you might have your view obstructed depending on where you view them from.

Castle Views
Watching the fireworks and projections in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is my favorite. I love seeing the projections on the castle with the fireworks above. It makes a beautiful and picturesque view. Also, for most fireworks shows, you can see a character fly from the Matterhorn. Some of these characters are Tinker Bell, Buzz, Baymax, even the house from “Up” has been seen floating. Watching the fireworks from the castle is the only place you can see this happen.

Right in Front of the Castle
My most favorite place to watch the fireworks and projections is right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. This has the best view that allows you to see both the fireworks and projections on the castle. This view is great for me because I don’t have to look over a bunch of people to be able to see. To watch the show from here you will have to save your spot at least 2.5 hours before the show is scheduled to begin.

By the Walt and Mickey “Partner Statue”
Another place to be able to see the castle during the fireworks is by the Walt and Mickey Partner Statue. This statue is located in the middle of “The Hub” that connects the lands to Main Street. Standing to the side of the statue gives you a view of the projections on the castle and the fireworks above. This is another place where you usually have to wait a while to reserve your spot.

On Main Street
The last place you can see the Castle and the fireworks is from Main Street. The closer you are to “The Hub”, the better view you will have of the castle. The farther you are down Main Street the less you will be able to see the castle. However, they do show the projections on the stores down Main Street. You don’t usually have to wait as long for this view. I have gotten a spot on Main Street about 30 minutes to an hour before the fireworks show is about to begin.

In front of Small World
You are able to view the fireworks and projections from in front of Small World. The projections are shown on the outside of Small World and you can see the fireworks just to the left. This is a less crowded place to watch from. You can usually get a spot an hour before.

Sometimes we have a couple people save spots and others will go on rides, meet characters, go shopping, or get snacks while we are waiting. Just make sure you save the whole area so the people who leave the spot have a spot to come back to. Also be sure to come back to the spot in plenty of time to get through the crowd of people. You don’t want to not be able to get back to your awesome saved spot.

In front of the Rivers of America facing Pirates Lair
After the first Fantasmic! showing, you are able to watch the fireworks and projections from in front of the Rivers of America. The projections are shown on water screens on the river and the fireworks can be seen above. This is a great place to watch the show from and not have to wait a long time. The fireworks show and projections are usually scheduled to start just a few minutes after the first Fantasmic! show. After Fantasmic!, the seating area for the show usually clears out quite a bit. Be sure to be over in the area so you can get a spot quickly. If you watched the first Fantasmic! show you are able to stay and watch the fireworks and projections. However, you will be asked to stand for this show.

On certain rides…
If you are able to time it just right you can even see some of the fireworks from some of the rides. Big Thunder Mountain, Casey Jr. Circus Train, and Storybook Land have some amazing views of the fireworks. Storybook Land does stop running while the fireworks are going but you can view the show if you are already on a boat or from the line. Casey Jr. and Big Thunder Mountain both still run during the fireworks. I have had the pleasure of happening to be on Storybook Land during the fireworks and being on Casey Jr. another time.

Attractions That Close During The Fireworks Shows
All of Mickey’s Toontown
Some of the Fantasyland Rides
The Monorail
Sometimes the Disneyland Railroad
Sometimes Small World

You can always ask a Cast Member which rides will be closed for the fireworks.

World of Color

What is World of Color?
World of Color is a fountain and projection show at California Adventure. There is fun songs, dialogue, and characters that makes this show a blast. Like the fireworks, there are a few versions of World of Color. “World of Color Happiness!” is a fun show that is hosted by the emotions from Inside Out.

Another show is “World of Color – Season of Light”. This show is only available during the holiday season. During this festive show, you can enjoy seeing beloved characters with a holiday twist. The music is all different holiday tunes. “World of Color – Season of Light” is one of my favorite World of Colors.

What Time is World of Color?
World of Color has 2 showtimes nightly:
9:00 PM and 10:15 PM

Be sure to check Disneyland’s entertainment schedule to see showtimes for a specific day.

Where Can I Watch World of Color?
All of the viewing areas are along Paradise Bay. Some of the areas are blocked off and are reserved for either the virtual queue or a dining or dessert package. There are some stand by areas that are first-come, first-serve. Below I have a map showing all the different areas. All areas are “standing only” except for a designated accessible area. If you are in a wheelchair or ECV and want to watch the show from the front, you are able to use the ramp to get to the spot and you may remain seated for the show. If you have any questions ask a Cast Member that is in the area.

How Do I Get a Virtual Queue?
One of the ways to have a reserved spot for World of Color is a virtual queue. This is a completely free option. Everybody in your party will have to have entered California Adventure or have entered Disneyland with a Park Hopper ticket to be able to join the virtual queue. There are 2 colors that will indicate where you will go for the show. You will either be in the blue or yellow group. You can join the virtual queue at 12:00 PM. I recommend starting the virtual queue process at least 30 minutes before it opens.

Here are the steps to join the virtual queue:

1. Log into your Disneyland App.
2. Be sure everybody in your party’s tickets are linked.
3. Scroll down on the home page until you see “Virtual Queue”.
4. Click on “Join Virtual Queue”.
5. Refresh the page seconds before 12 PM.
6. Quickly click on the “Join” button the second it pops up.

Now you should see if you need to go to the blue or yellow area when it’s time.

Warning: Some days this Virtual Queue fills up quickly, within minutes.

I like watching the show right by the water. I usually go to the area about 1 hour before the showtime to be able to get a spot right up against the water. You can sit and save your spot but close to showtime Cast Members will ask you to stand. You do get a little wet standing by the water and it can sometimes be cold. I recommend you have a sweatshirt incase you get cold.

What Dining and Dessert Packages are Available?
There are 2 dining packages available for World of Color. Both of these packages have to be reserved.

Character Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe at The Grand Californian Hotel
Dinner for this dining package begins at 5:00 PM. This dining package includes all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet and a nonalcoholic beverage. The prices start at $79.00 for ages 10 and up and $44.00 for ages 3-9. Each person will be given a voucher for World of Color.

Wine Country Trattoria in California Adventure
Lunch begins at 11:00 AM and dinner begins at 4:00 PM. This dining package is a 3 course prix-fixe meal for adults with a starter, entree, dessert, and a nonalcoholic drink. For kids it’s a 2 course prix-fix meal with entree, dessert, and a nonalcoholic drink. The prices start at $73.00 for ages 10 and up and $44.00 for ages 3-9. Each person will be given a voucher for World of Color.

World of Color Dessert Party
Another option is the World of Color Dessert Party. For this party, you will have designated seating around tables. From here you will be able to watch World of Color while you enjoy a delicious assortment of snacks and desserts. When booking you will choose if you go to the 1st or 2nd showing. You will check-in on the Disneyland App. You are able to check-in 2 hours before your reservation. I recommend you check-in as soon as you can. Prices start at $94.00 per person.

Visit Disneyland’s website are more details about the World of Color Dessert Party and World of Color Dining Packages.

Between Disneyland and California Adventure there are so many fun nighttime entertainment options. I have a hard time choosing which one is my favorite. Next time you are at The Disneyland Resort be sure to check out some of these entertainment options.