Disney World has shared a massive new update about one of the most beloved fireworks shows on planet Earth.
Disney World Update: Beloved Fantasmic! Show Gets Huge Update Just in Time for 2026
The night air over Disney’s Hollywood Studios crackles with energy. The echo of familiar music rolls across Echo Lake, mingling with the cheers of thousands who waited hours for the spectacle to begin. Beneath the glow of pyrotechnics, Mickey Mouse faces off against his darkest nightmares, and the crowd erupts in thunderous applause—an unforgettable finale to a perfect Disney day. But what if you got more chances to witness this moment than ever before?
Starting this holiday season, that dream becomes reality.
Disney Quietly Expands Fantasmic! Holiday Schedule
In a welcome move for fans, Walt Disney World has added several additional performances of “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to help handle sky-high holiday crowds. The expanded show schedule covers late December through early January, giving guests multiple chances nightly to see the beloved nighttime spectacular.
According to the official Walt Disney World Entertainment Schedule, here’s when you can catch Fantasmic! over the coming weeks:
Fantasmic! Holiday Showtimes (December–January):
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December 19, 21, 23–26: 7:30 PM & 9:00 PM
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December 20 & 22: 6:30 PM only (limited due to Jollywood Nights)
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December 27–31 and January 2–3: 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, & 9:30 PM
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January 1: 8:00 PM & 9:30 PM
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January 7: 8:00 PM
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January 2 and beyond (excluding January 7): 9:30 PM nightly
Disney notes that showtimes may vary due to special events and weather, so guests are urged to check the My Disney Experience app for most accurate daily schedules.
A Welcome Surprise for Holiday Travelers
For many parkgoers, Fantasmic! isn’t just a show—it’s a ritual. The nighttime spectacular blends live performers, massive water projections, animated sequences, fireworks, and fire effects into one of Disney’s most unforgettable finales.
Adding extra performances might sound like a small operational update, but it’s a major win for visitors during one of Walt Disney World’s busiest times of year. Christmas week and New Year’s Eve crowds regularly fill every seat of the Fantasmic! amphitheater long before showtime. With multiple nightly performances, guests now have a better chance at securing a spot without sacrificing precious hours of their park day.
Even better, staggered showtimes help disperse guests more evenly across the night, easing crowd congestion and improving overall traffic flow across Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
Why Fantasmic! Still Captivates Decades Later
Debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1998, Fantasmic! remains one of the most celebrated productions in Disney Parks history. The updated version, which returned in 2022 after a lengthy refurbishment, introduced new characters and scenes inspired by Moana, Mulan, and Frozen 2, reflecting Disney’s continued investment in keeping the show relevant for new generations of fans.
“I grew up watching the original show, and seeing it evolve while keeping that same emotional punch gives me chills every time,” one frequent guest shared after the announcement of the new performance schedule. “It’s amazing that Disney is giving us even more opportunities to experience it this season.”
Planning Your Perfect Fantasmic! Night
If you’re visiting between Christmas and early January, here are a few quick tips to make the most of your Fantasmic! experience:
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Arrive early—even with added times, prime seats fill fast.
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Check My Disney Experience before you go; schedules can shift daily.
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Consider a Fantasmic! Dining Package for guaranteed seating and an easy meal reservation.
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Stay late—the 9:30 PM show often sees lighter crowds after the largest surge passes.
The addition of more Fantasmic! performances is emblematic of how Walt Disney World adapts to seasonal demand. Much like adding extended park hours or late-night showings of fireworks, these schedule adjustments show Disney remains focused on enhancing guest satisfaction during high-traffic seasons.
A Spark of Magic to End the Year
Whether you’re standing along the water’s edge or sitting high in the bleachers, there’s something undeniably powerful about watching Mickey triumph over the forces of darkness—especially during the holidays. Between the shimmer of fireworks, the roar of applause, and that iconic “Some imagination, huh?” finale, there’s no better way to close out a night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
With more showtimes now available, there’s simply no reason to miss it.
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