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The lowdown on the new Fantasmic show and tardy dragon

June 15th, 2009, 11:57 am · 18 Comments · posted by Suzanne Broughton, Contributing Writer

Me and mickey

The  new Fantasmic debuted on Friday night at Disneyland.  I was able to get a sneak peek at the new show on Thursday night at the press preview, and it was, in my opinion–awesome!

With HD images projected on to the spouting water screens and a bigger, more colorful crocodile chasing a bumbling Captain Hook, the show was more captivating and seemed a little more contemporary than 18-year-old version I was used to seeing.

Even without Maleficent, the new 40-foot dragon, who isn’t feeling up to the task of two shows a night and has been a no-show since the premiere, the new show is worth catching.

I was assured in my interview below with Doug Mcintyre, Director of Entertainment at Disneyland, the issues with the dragon are mechanical, and not a result of the dragon becoming a diva after seeing her picture on the side of every bus in Orange County and adorning every Disneyland billboard.  ”We are working on it” is the official word, but a definite date for her eagerly anticipated debut wasn’t given.

After I had little “chat” with Sorcerer Mickey on Friday morning at the press video day on the backlot of Disneyland, I am positive he is ready to battle it out with the tardy dragon; his nail biting told me he was scared of her, but his big nod and triumphant arm waving told me he was prepared and confident he will slay her once she arrives.

Mickey has had some practice fighting with the image of Maleficent dragon, projected on to a water-mist screen, that is standing in until the real thing is ready to go. I think that is my favorite part of the show, so I can’t wait to see it with the towering, actual flesh and blood mechanical, fire-breathing dragon.

For the lowdown on everything new with Fantasmic, and some inside tips on the best places to catch the show, check out my my interview with Doug Mcintyre.

http://www.vimeo.com/5169146

Fantasmic shows two times a night at 9:00 and 10:30 p.m.

For premiere seating information and purchasing call (714) 781-4400.  It’s pricey at $59 per person (10-years old and up), but it sounds wonderful and includes a snack box and drink.  I think for a special event, like a birthday of a big Disney fan, it would be worth the steep price.

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For more inside Disneyland talk, check out the webite: MousePlanet.

You can follow “Finding Mickey” on Twitter.

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 18 Comments

  • foolery says:

    If you hadn’t said “caramel apples” I think the man might have fainted. Nice job, Suz! You’re so funny. : )

  • the kid says:

    Great tidbits of info here. Thanks for the video clip of the Fantasmic show after your interview with Doug–love the music at the end too. It’s not only interesting at how many times Mickey changes his clothes during the show, but the the speed at which he changes them is astonishing–how does he do that?

    • Suzanne Broughton, Contributing Writer says:

      That is way it’s called “The MAGIC Kingdom!” He can do anything.

  • Jason Tucker says:

    I’ve always wondered how the preferred seating worked.

  • Gloria says:

    Great interview Suzanne….loved the questions you asked and can’t wait to see the show in person.

  • Love it. MomCrush gets a film crew! They should follow you everywhere, what entertainment that would be. Great insider scoop and I loved the music at the end too!

  • Oh and I love the pic of you and Mickey. Super Suz cute!

  • love it!! You need your own show!!

  • Scott says:

    Very cool! I also noticed the John Addis interview. I can’t believe you got him to do the arm wave. That was so dang perfect, I almost fell out of my chair!

  • Jenny Angelici, Contributing Writer says:

    Fascinating interview. You did a great job, Suz. Looking forward to seeing more…I agree, you need your own show.

  • Martha says:

    Wha, you have to pay now? Did I misunderstand that? You can still get free standing room seating but for really good seats you pay? Okay, whew. I love Fantasmic but I didn’t realize how old it was. It brings back memories of my college roommates who all worked at Disneyland going to the cast premier. Wow. I was the only one of us who didn’t work there, lol.

    • Suzanne Broughton, Contributing Writer says:

      No not for the show, just preferred seating is more expensive. If you get right in the front, it’s just as good.

  • Martha says:

    I forgot to ask who’s mail alert that is sounding over your interview? I kept thinking I was getting a ton of mail and then I realized I’m at work and on a PC. LOL

    • Suzanne Broughton, Contributing Writer says:

      LOL! It was Twirly Bug from the Electrical Light Parade. He was right next to us, and having a good time, as you can hear.

  • Bonnie says:

    Disneyland has always been the best ! And, when they’ve updated parts of it here and there, it’s only better. You did a fine job of “showing off” this newest venue. Can’t wait to see it — this summer.

  • Angela says:

    Nice. Now only if my pass wasn’t blacked out for most of the summer. I guess I’ll have to catch it after August 16th!