Am I the only one who thinks----?

[andychris14]

I feel like a cheapstake but I do not think I like the new fantasmic package.
We just got back from disney and ate at h&v two times, one for the fantasmic and the other for lunch. The food was outrageous.
We paid $17.99 for the dinner buffet with drinks included, and we had many free refills. We paid $16 for the character lunch w/drinks also.
We got the pass to go to fantasmic and the seats aren't great. They are off to the side, so the music is off!!
Last trip we ate at the brown derby and thought it was okay. I wouldn't pay $39.99 for a dinner just to see the show.
We didn't pay nearly that much last time. If you add up for a family of 4 it is probably$130. I think this is crazy!!!
We would love to go back to h&v next trip but to pay an extra $15 or so just to see that show is crazy.
This is only my opinion.

 

[MadMadamMim]

I think your opinion is shared by many

I think I would rather take my chances standing in line than having to order from an overpriced 'alternate' menu (or so I've heard they have at MM and BD) and getting not so great seats....

 

[las3888]

I am just on the restaurant section of the boards for a while now, starting to thinking about restaurants for our upcoming trip, so this is the first I'm hearing about it.

Let me get this straight - they offer H&V for a set amount ($22?) for a buffet - no drinks included, or MM for $32 or BD for $39. I think MM and BD include appetizers??? At any rate, with the purchase of these dinner plans you then can get the Fantasmic priority seating?

I have to agree with you then, andychris14, it is alot of money for what you get. We used to get the priority seating at BD and MM previously, but we didn't spend nearly that kind of money (it's just me and DH). Sounds like it's just another way of Disney pulling the money out of our wallets.

I guess it won't be an option for us this year then...just as well, DH isn't crazy about Fantasmic anyways...

 

[kdibattista]

I would never pay that price at Mama Melrose's - we have an early regular PS and will wait for Fantasmic. We did the dinner package for the past 2 years (when you didn't have to pay for it) and there was still plenty of "regular" seating available.

 

[CamColt]

We have done the FDP at MM 3x(once never made it to the show because of rain), doing it the old way. I never had a problem with the seats and thought it was a wonderful deal.
The new way, I really have reservations. After eating at MM with the new menu last month, we were very disappointed...and we used to love MM(went once on each of our last 5 trips!). After that meal I felt we would only go back there for the FDP and probably stick to pizza. The new way, there is no way Ill pay that money for a pizza and entree that I wont even like. I was happy with just a pizza! We have talked about maybe trying H&V since weve never been, but that menu doesnt look too great to us either.
So, Im with you, I wish they hadnt changed the FDP!

 

[alexandra uk]

What happens if it is cancelled due to whether ?
When I booked my package, the CM said that the show would go on whether rain or shine, but when I posted it on the boards, someone said "no way" because it is all done outside

 

[CamColt]

The old way if the show got cancelled after you had your dinner, you just lost out. Since you only paid for dinner, which you ate, there wasnt really much recourse. We had this happen to us last month. I wouldnt had minded so much but the meal wasnt the greatest and we were only doing it for Fantasmic so we sort of wasted a whole evening. If its lightning out, they dont hold the show.
I dont know how it will work now since you are technically paying extra for the show included in your dinner price.

 

[Dana_Buckley]

We were at Disneyland (CA) today, Fantasmic is just outside, like a parade, but on a stage across the water. And people were beginning to 'stake' their spots for 9pm Fantasmic at 6:30pm!! It is horrible! We didin't stay tonight. I would gladly wait 1 hr for Fantasmic & a seat at MGM. JMHO

 

[ellyn2000]

We've never done the package and always get great seats for the show. You just have to stand in line for awhile, and I don't mind that. I wouldn't pay extra to have an overpriced meal just so we could walk in.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Fantasmic does occasionally not go on due to malfunctions or weather conditions. Think about thunderstorms and lightening -- you are sitting on metal bleachers!
I would not do the new FDP unless they offered good perks to go with it -- like REAL PS, center seats, late entry, first guests leaving, A PIN ...
And I don't see that happening. They even still want guests to be there earlier than I think they should for PS. I will just take my chances and watch it the regualr way...And eat somewhere of MY choice and what I choose...
Just not enough options with the FDP and too much $ for too few options. It's a win situation for Disney. But I don't see it's any big deal from a guest's perspective. If you were going to eat at one of places anyway and spend that much money normally, then it would be fine. Otherwise....
If guests follow through with their opinions of this new package, it will soon flop anyway.

 

[BCV23]

I, too, think the prices are out of line. At MM you apparently get one flatbread to share and a salad served family style along with an entree/person.

I also hate the new trend to not include drinks in pre-paid meals. I think it is just a ploy to get people to buy more alcoholic drinks rather than just go with the ones that used to be included.

 

[kdibattista]

from all of the negative feedback, I don't think it will last much past the "test phase"

 

[madcoco]

We have used the dinner package numerous times in the past and enjoyed it but really hope this new test system goes down the drain.Said we would never stand in that line again, but foot is in the mouth.

 

[marn913]

I think the only way that the package is really worth it is if you were planning dinner at one of the participating restaurants in the first place. Either way (if you arrive really early for a good seat or if you do the package and spend time in the restaurant) you are still missing out on those last minute rides at the end of the night that you could have squeezed in if you weren't eating or standing in line. I've been to Fantasmic three years in a row, all during regular to peak season. The wait was never more than the wait for a popular ride (up to 45min), and we always managed to get a seat! I think the show is well worth the wait!