F! dining pkg necessity

[Kailua's Belle]

I'm on the fence on trying to book the F! dining package. F! is showing three times during our trip. The day I'm looking at going on is predicted to be a level 4 according to touringplans. I was all set to call and book it and now I'm not so sure it's worth it. We really want to eat at 50's, which isn't one of the choices. Window opens soon, so anyone want to help give me a shove one way or the other?

[Linda67]

We have booked the package for our visit in March but the crowd calendar is showing an 8 so we thought it was wise
As long as you are prepared to get to the show after your 50s dinner in good time you should be fine with a '4' crowd level
Why dont you do the studios early in your trip so that if you have problems you could always go back for another show?
Also, the longer the gap between the days where F! is running the bigger the crowds will be on the next available show

[Brian Noble]

How long is your trip?

If there are only two showings in any seven-day period, I would not see Fantasmic without the package. If there are four or more, you might be able to chance it. Three is a tough call, and I'd probably lean to getting it. So, if your trip is seven days or more, I would either see it with the package, or skip it entirely.

[jennipooh]

I was on the fence as well, this past August. I ended up cancelling the package because we had too many ADR's as it was. We went on a "7" day and I thought that it was only a "7" at Fantasmic! It worked out for us in the long run, but there were moments I second guessed myself.

We arrived late afternoon. Rode some rides, had dinner at a CS. It all was going as planned.... I began getting nervous when it started storming (with intense thunder and lightning!) then the park started getting really busy close to Fantasmic show time. Then a line started forming which spilled out onto Sunset Blvd. We queued up and stood in line "forever" in 10 year old boy time (about 15mins). Once the line started moving there was a line beside us which was roped off and obviously meant for CM's but ds (10) was sooooo upset because he kept seeing guests use it (some to bypass the crowd, most to meet up with the rest of their parties - maybe some had packages ). Anyway, ds did not like seeing that If they could use it, why couldn't we!!!! He kept wanting me to tell them to get in line like the rest of us. I just kept trying to destract him so he didn't start some sort of ruckus.

Once we navigated the line (which took another 15mins) we were seated nearly front row with an awesome view of the entire show and we waited another 15 mins for the show. In all from getting in line to show time we had about a 45 minute wait.

I don't know if this helped, but I think it comes down to how important the show is to you and whether you are willing to gamble on it like we did. We did fine without the package but it really could have gone either way. We have seen it standing, as well..... and that was not as fun.

[Brian Noble]

here was a line beside us which was roped off and obviously meant for CM's but ds (10) was sooooo upset because he kept seeing guests use it (some to bypass the crowd, most to meet up with the rest of their parties - maybe some had packages

I believe this is meant for those with packages, now that they no longer use the Oscar's "back entrance" for package guests.

[Kailua's Belle]

Still slightly on the fence, teetering towards getting it. We'll be there nine days and it's showing three. We'll have hoppers and we're staying at the BWV, so I figure if things don't work out the first night, we can work it in. So, yeah, guess I'm still on the fence.

[J'aime Paris]

I'd say don't do it.

We had done this a few years ago when there was a separate entrance, and that worked out well. No long lines, limited waiting time.

Without the separate entrance, I don't feel it's worth it.

[Linda67]

according to All Ears the seperate entrance is being used again

[jstbcuz]

When I booked it the other day for next week, they told me there is a seperate entrance.