There are three nighttime experiences that take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two of them are well known, and the third is more of a hidden gem. One thing you need to be aware of, if there is only one showing of Fantasmic! it can be next to impossible to experience all three in one night. You might want to use Park Hopper and hit Disney’s Hollywood Studios on two different evenings.
Disney Movie Magic
This show is kind of a bonus for those who are waiting for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. It’s a projection show that takes place on Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Classic movies across generations are featured, and unlike Once Upon a Time at the Magic Kingdom, live action film clips are shown. Disney Movie Magic usually takes place right before the nightly fireworks, and gives people who are waiting an extra treat.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is a little bit hard to explain, so you might as well go see it. The show uses water screens, live actors, animation, lasers, and more. Fire and water add to the experience, and if you’re sitting towards the front you could get wet. Fantasmic! goes inside Mickey’s nightmare, and it’s more intense than you might think. It can be scary for little ones, especially when they see Mickey in trouble, but remind them that it’s only a dream and that everything will turn out fine. The theater where Fantasmic! is held is huge, but those spots go quickly. If there are two shows, the second show is usually a lot less crowded.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
This is my personal favorite nighttime show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and not just because I’m a Star Wars fan. The action comes from many different directions, and you’ll feel as if you’re part of the saga. There are projections from all the Star Wars films on Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, laser effects, fireworks, and the classic score by the legendary John Williams. The end will put a smile on the face of any Star Wars fan, especially if the night is clear. It is possible to be too close, so ask a Cast Member where there’s a good place to see it all.