A fantasmic disapointment !!!!

[louisianatigger]

I was just wondering if there was anyone else out there DISAPOINTED to find out that the Fantasmic Dinner Packages were sold out the week you were going to be there? This is July and We are not going till the week of Nov 27-Dec 5. During this wk they will only have two shows. I find this amazing that Disney would not have more shows with the amount of people that are evidently going to be there that wk. Even this far out had problems getting ressie's we wanted. To me that says big crowd going that wk. Seems like they would add a show or two. Anyway how far ahead of time will we have to get in line to get seats for show say towards the front?

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

I'll be there for two weeks in December and there were only 4 showing during the time. I also booked mine over a month ago and could only get reservations for the 13th, that was after trying for several days. I'm sure it's virtually impossible now. Sorry you weren't able to get a reservation.

You could be waiting an hour or more to get seats up front as everyone has the same idea.

 

[alyssa810]

We've been burned by this a few times. In fact, we went to F! in January, and it was the first time we'd been in over 3 years! And this from someone who goes to WDW about 3x a year. We lucked out in January with a Fantasmic lunch package from H&V, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the meal! It was a HUGE improvement from the last time we ate there. As for Fantasmic, we sat fairly close to the front, but in the designated area way on the right, and our DS enjoyed it, but was a little scared too. I still think the package is a great way to go...if you can get it!

A tip that the CM from WDW DINE said was to call daily close to when we were going, because people cancel last minute and right before they get charged.

 

[louisianatigger]

THANKS, Hope we can get CP package !!! Wow that would really be a disapointment !!!

 

[catne]

they only set aside a relatively small percentage of the seats for the Fantasmic dinner package so it does sell out quickly. Does not necessarily mean the resorts or parks will be packed. Fantasmic will be full, regardless, and the packages generally sell out that dinner package within the first day or two the reservations are open for the day. That week I'd guess if you show up about 75 minutes before the show you should be able to walk in and get a seat...might not have your choice of seats, but the view is good from everywhere in there. Take in some snacks, if you have little ones bring along a spinny-light-up toy (or be prepared to spend mega $$$ to buy one there, lol.) Enjoy the sit-down rest before the show.

They don't add shows because F! is the most expensive show in all of the parks -- until the economy "booms" again, would not expect them to be adding shows. They'd rather have every seat taken for every show than be playing to 1/2 empty theater.

 

[louisianatigger]

We went three time in one year between April of 06 and April 07 Never had this problem with F! or with C P Packages. Guess things have changed alot. We went on cruise last year so didn,t go to parks but two days after cruise. Didn,t try F! then.

 

[catne]

We went three time in one year between April of 06 and April 07 Never had this problem with F! or with C P Packages. Guess things have changed alot. We went on cruise last year so didn,t go to parks but two days after cruise. Didn,t try F! then.

Yep, things have changed MAJOR! Economy crash caused cut-backs at Disney, and Fantasmic showings were a big casuality (it's the most expensive show to produce on property, so cutting the number of showing saved big $$ on the Disney budget.)

They used to do F! just about every night, even in slow seasons and often twice a night. Now they only put 2 shows a night on if the resorts/parks are full and unless it's a major holiday week (like Christmas-New Years week) they won't do more than 2 or 3 nights, tops.

 

[louisianatigger]

I was thinking the parks would be full mainly because of the free dining plan. When we called not a lot of resturants left to pick from and like I said it's only july. But would Disney add a show if they saw how soon the two for that week had sold out as for as the Dinner packages go? I would rather not have to stand in line.But I will !!!!

 

[mcd2745]

I'm new around here, and I'm sure this dead horse has been beaten pretty good already...but it's ridiculous to only have this show twice a week.

 

[MerriH807]

I have tried for two trips to get a F! package with no luck. Thanks to the wonderful people on this board, I dont feel bad about it. There are plenty of suggestions on the board on how to get to see F! without a package. For example, read one post that suggested doing a CS meal and eating on line or during the show. I know it's not ideal, but my point is that if you read enough stuff on here, it may help you think outside the box to see the show. Good luck have a fantastic time!

 

[catne]

I was thinking the parks would be full mainly because of the free dining plan. When we called not a lot of resturants left to pick from and like I said it's only july. But would Disney add a show if they saw how soon the two for that week had sold out as for as the Dinner packages go? I would rather not have to stand in line.But I will !!!!

Parks are not anywhere close to "full" with free dining plan...they offer the free dining in an attempt to fill some hotel rooms during the slowest time of the year. The most popular restaurants may be full, but if you're flexible about where & when you eat I think you'd find a lot of availability. We have gone during free dining the past two years, and frankly, after Labor Day, the parks are wonderfully small crowds...and the hotels are far from full. The most popular restaurants may be full during "prime" meal times, but early and/or late times there are many empty tables. Even the week you're going is relatively slow...as it gets closer to Christmas, they'll increase park hours, shows, etc. to reflect the huge holiday crowds. But after Thanksgiving/before Christmas breaks are not all that crowded at Disney.

On the Fantasmic dinner packages...the number of packages selling out every time will not make any difference on the number of showings because the F! seats are limited - that's why they sell out. They only set aside a small part of the theater for "reserved" packages...the rest of the theater is open seating, first come/first served basis to allow for anyone with a park ticket to have equal chances to get a seat. Many people prefer to eat elsewhere, bring their own food, have fast food, etc. and would rather wait in line instead of pay $$$ for the restaurant package tickets.

 

[louisianatigger]

Guess I will be standing in the first come/serve line this year !!!!!!!! Thanks for the information. I will keep calling maybe a late cancellation will come thru, after all there is Magic in that place U know !!!

 

[creativeamanda]

I've never had the Fantasmic dining package and never had a lot of trouble getting a seat. We usually get there an hour before time, get a seat, and get soemthing to eat sitting there.

They sometimes add additional shows if the rooms start filling up, but that's closer to the week you get there. Try calling back the week before and see if there are more seatings.

 

[cat83]

I went that week last year (and this year again)...and originally there were only 2 shows scheduled.
Closer to the trip, more F! dates were added. I'm not sure when, or how it works with booking a package- but just keep watching, it may happen again!

 

[louisianatigger]

That is great news !!!! If they do add a show that week maybe we can get F! dp at H and V. I did see the next few weeks after we are there they have 3 shows a week. But my DS is a senior this year and we have to be back that next week so he can have time to review for semester test.

 

[su_A_ve]

Note that I was told by CMs many times that the F! dinner packages are only good for the 6:30pm show. They might add an 8pm show on other days (usually not the same day) for those slow weeks, but might open more dinner packages for the ealier show. Never for the late show as historically it never filled up.

 

[jlk806]

Wow things must have changed - when I booked the Fantasmic dinner package in 2006 I booked it like 4 weeks before our trip and had no trouble! I did notice there are only 2 shows the week we are there but we arent really interested in it this year I dont think our son would sit through it yet, he will do better for the MK and Epcot night shows because he can sit in his stroller. But now I know for next year if im interested, to get it booked immediately!