Brown Derby or Mama Melrose Fantasmic package?

[jbuey22]

Which do you prefer? Are they both 1 TS credit? We have done Mama and have necer eaten at the Brown Derby. We actually love Mama Melrose specifically for the Chicken Parm. But I kinda like trying new things since we have been to Disney so many times. So can anybody convince me to switch to BD? or should we just go with what we love?

 

[JZCubed]

Brown Derby is substantially more expensive than Mama Melrose. Entrees at Brown Derby are over $30 (and as high as $40).

But if you'd like to try something new, Brown Derby is a lovely restaurant.....maybe I'll see you there.

 

[deakam]

The Brown Derby is a signature resturant and will cost you 2 dining credits if you are on the dining plan.

 

[squirrel]

BD is 2TS credits, Mama Melrose is 1TS credit.

 

[wdwislife]

Brown Derby is a signature restaurant, but it is well worth it! I had my favorite WDW meal of all time there this past December.

 

[OrangeCat04]

What if you are not on the Dining plan? How much is the F! package OOP at Brown Derby? And does it include appetizer, entree and dessert? Thanks!

 

[Pakey]

Brown Derby is the worst value on the dining plan as it's offerings are significantly less expensive than the other signature restaurants that require 2 credits.

I think the package was $59.95 to pay OOP there. We've done it a few times but I don't remember the price.

 

[OrangeCat04]

Brown Derby is the worst value on the dining plan as it's offerings are significantly less expensive than the other signature restaurants that require 2 credits.

I think the package was $59.95 to pay OOP there. We've done it a few times but I don't remember the price.

Thanks! 60$ is quite expensive... Will need to think about that one! Although.. if it includes App, Entree and dessert that might not be too bad of a deal...

ETA: Sorry for hijacking your thread OP! FWIW we have done the Mama Melrose package a few times and have loved it each time. They have surprisingly good food and it is an excellent use of 1 TS credit on the Dining Plan because appetizer is included.

 

[jbuey22]

for some may reason I thought the Fantasmic package was only 1 TS wheather it was at MMR or BD. So I must be wrong. But how is the food? is it worth the extra credit when we love MMR so much. Not convinced or nobody has tried very hard to sway me to the BD. But I have to research the cost.

Thanks keep replying!

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

My family and I have done both. We prefer Mama Melrose. Brown Derby is indeed 2 TS credits, but really probably not the best value compared to the other signature dining places. The Fantasmic package does include app, entree, dessert and drink no matter which one you choose.
Personally I would save the extra dining credit if you are on the dining plan and stick with Mama Melrose. However if you really want to eat at Brown Derby, go for it. The service is kinda slow (we've never had a bad server at Mama Melrose) but the food is really good. The Cobb Salad is very very tasty.

 

[jbuey22]

I am booking the Mama Melrose Package. Was trying to find a reason to change it but we love MMR and the fact that BD is 2 credits seals the deal for MMR. Besides we love the Ckicken Parm and my inlaws both love the strip steak. cant go wrong for 1 TS credit.

Thanks

 

[Wings3496]

I'm not sure the Fantasmic package is a good idea, no matter which restaurant you choose. The section of reserved seating for people on the package is on the far right side, and offers pretty bad views. Also it doesn't mean you get to skip out on waiting - you still have to get there at least 30 minutes early (more like 40 minutes if you want "good" seats in this bad section) or they shut you out of the package section and you have to hope there are regular seats still open.

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this to our restaurant board.

 

[gometros]

I'm going to move this to our restaurant board.

Glad you did, since I came here with a question on this very subject. I got one answer about the DDP credits, but how far out can you make the ADR? I booked all my ADRs for my October trip today, but it did not allow me to book Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package. So for now, I took a regular ADR.

 

[Mazz519]

Mama Melrose definately. BD is 2 TS to me its not worth the price. MM has much better food anyway

 

[TDC Nala]

for some may reason I thought the Fantasmic package was only 1 TS wheather it was at MMR or BD.

That isn't correct. DDP costs for the Fantasmic package are the same as regular DDP costs for that restaurant. Brown Derby is a 2 credit restaurant. The other two restaurants that offer Fantasmic packages, Mama Melrose and Hollywood and Vine, are 1 credit restaurants. Hollywood & Vine is a buffet.

To me, another reason not to do the dining plan. I like Brown Derby and I wouldn't want to tell myself I have to skip it just because it isn't a good DDP value.

how far out can you make the ADR?

180 days. However, the packages are not always available for booking right at 180 days, so you may have to check back. You will have to cancel your regular reservation and rebook with the package as you can't just add the package to a regular reservation.

 

[gometros]

180 days. However, the packages are not always available for booking right at 180 days, so you may have to check back. You will have to cancel your regular reservation and rebook with the package as you can't just add the package to a regular reservation.

Thanks. Since I book online, it'll tell me I already have a reservation and will allow me to cancel it.

 

[jdisnut]

I wouldn't spend the extra credit on the Brown Derby, even though it is a nice restaurant. I just don't think it is up tot the same standard as some of the other signature locations. Mama Melrose's is a perfectly acceptable one-credit option, especially if you know you already enjoy the food there.

 

[candy0730]

I'm not sure the Fantasmic package is a good idea, no matter which restaurant you choose. The section of reserved seating for people on the package is on the far right side, and offers pretty bad views. Also it doesn't mean you get to skip out on waiting - you still have to get there at least 30 minutes early (more like 40 minutes if you want "good" seats in this bad section) or they shut you out of the package section and you have to hope there are regular seats still open.

Sorry to hijack but I need to find out if this is really true. I have read multiple times that while you are directed to the far right side (since that is specifically for people booked the package) that you do not have to sit there. Isn't it true that you can choose any seat you want - even in the middle of the theater? I thought the benefit to the package was that you can show up 30 minutes and get a seat (even at the far right side) but at least you don't have to wait 1-2 hours.

 

[jbuey22]

We did the package in '08 as well and yes the seating is all the way to the right. I didnt mind the seating, plus we have wheel chairs in our party so not only were we all the way to the right, but we were all the way up top where the handicap spots are. But I know that alot of people are really crazy about being dead center, but we dont mind and we enjoy the show either way. Truthfully I dont see what we would be missing anyway, but that is just me. Its a great show from any angle.