Ghost Town at Disney? Fantasmic! “Half-Empty” at Hollywood Studios

Fantasmic! has long been one of the signature experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, inviting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios into Mickey Mouse’s imagination.

The production blends fireworks, live performers, water projections, and beloved Disney characters in a one-of-a-kind performance that builds from dreamlike wonder to a climactic showdown with Maleficent as a towering dragon. Ultimately, Mickey prevails, and the finale fills the amphitheater with familiar faces from Disney’s animated history.

Recently, however, that evening magic faced an unexpected challenge. On Thursday, August 28, inclement weather led to delays for the show. According to a guest report shared with Inside the Magic, the amphitheater remained closed until 8:30 p.m.—normally the start time for the performance. The delay pushed the evening’s presentation to 9 p.m., and crowds hoping to experience the show lined Sunset Boulevard all the way to the Chinese Theatre. A photo from that evening showed an unusually half-empty theater for the typically packed performance.

While weather occasionally causes disruptions, Fantasmic! remains a centerpiece of Hollywood Studios’ entertainment lineup. After returning in November 2022 from a lengthy hiatus, the nighttime spectacular introduced updated technology, an enhanced soundtrack, and fresh scenes featuring Moana, Frozen, Mulan, and Pocahontas, adding new life to the classic storytelling. Guests can expect nightly performances—sometimes two per evening depending on the season—and those looking for reserved seating can take advantage of Fantasmic! dining packages.

These moments come as Hollywood Studios prepares for broader transformations. Soon, the park will welcome a first-of-its-kind Monsters, Inc. land, replacing the former Grand Avenue. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will also lose its Aerosmith theme in favor of the Muppets, while Star Wars Launch Bay will transition into The Magic of Disney Animation, a celebration of the studio’s animated legacy.

Though new adventures are on the horizon, recent experiences remind guests that even at Walt Disney World, plans can shift. Still, the magic always finds a way back—whether through an evening spectacular or the promise of what’s next at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.