Cafe Orleans Fantasmic Question

[Tink_1991]

Hi!

My husband and 2 kids (age 2 and 4) are going to Disneyland at the end of April! I was planning to book the Blue Bayou Fantasmic package but I see it has been replaced by Cafe Orleans.

Looks like I have to make a normal reservation and then upgrade once we are at the restaurant. Does anyone know if these packages are running out? I really don’t want to risk not being able to upgrade.

Also, how early should we plan to get to the viewing area? Our kids are young and will get impatient so I don’t want to get there earlier than needed.

Thanks!

 

[LKing]

Cafe Orleans has only been offering it since Jan 10. I haven't heard of them running out but, to be safe, you might want to book a lunch reservation instead of dinner.

Regarding how early to get to the viewing area, it depends on how close to the front you want to sit. They start walking people down from the Harbour Galley meeting area at 7:45 pm. If you are there by then, you are likely to get in the first couple of rows. If you don't care about where you sit, I would make sure you arrive by 8:30 pm.

The seating area is relatively flat. Your kids will need to sit during the show, so if there are adults in front of them, they may have a more difficult time seeing. We usually pick up dessert prior to walking down and have a dessert picnic while we are waiting for the show. You can also have someone leave after you are seated (to pick up food, use the restroom, etc) but they need to check in/out with a CM. We bring a picnic blanket and jackets and put them a locker early in the day and then pick them up after dinner.

Note, if you want to pick up dessert or snacks prior to the show, mobile order them earlier in the day and choose a pick up in the evening. Harbour Galley cookies usually sell out well before Fantasmic unless you have a mobile order.

 

[Tink_1991]

Cafe Orleans has only been offering it since Jan 10. I haven't heard of them running out but, to be safe, you might want to book a lunch reservation instead of dinner.

Regarding how early to get to the viewing area, it depends on how close to the front you want to sit. They start walking people down from the Harbour Galley meeting area at 7:45 pm. If you are there by then, you are likely to get in the first couple of rows. If you don't care about where you sit, I would make sure you arrive by 8:30 pm.

The seating area is relatively flat. Your kids will need to sit during the show, so if there are adults in front of them, they may have a more difficult time seeing. We usually pick up dessert prior to walking down and have a dessert picnic while we are waiting for the show. You can also have someone leave after you are seated (to pick up food, use the restroom, etc) but they need to check in/out with a CM. We bring a picnic blanket and jackets and put them a locker early in the day and then pick them up after dinner.

Note, if you want to pick up dessert or snacks prior to the show, mobile order them earlier in the day and choose a pick up in the evening. Harbour Galley cookies usually sell out well before Fantasmic unless you have a mobile order.

Thanks those are great tips about mobile ordering dessert in advance. That would help keep the kids entertained for sure!

We will head back to the hotel for a nap around lunchtime so i don't really want to book a sit down lunch. Perhaps we will aim for an early 4pm dinner to hopefully avoid them selling out.

 

[JohnR5101]

You sit on the ground in the seating area, right? how hard is that to sit on the hard ground for an hour, plus show?

 

[LKing]

You sit on the ground in the seating area, right? how hard is that to sit on the hard ground for an hour, plus show?

Yes, you sit on the ground. You can stand while you are waiting for the show. A couple of minutes before the show begins, you'll hear an announcement that the lights are going to be dimmed. That is when everyone sits down.

Personally, we bring a picnic blanket and go between standing and sitting. We usually take turns leaving the area to use the restroom (located either by the train station or at the entrance to Adventureland) which lets us stretch a bit. The show itself is 27 minutes. After the first show, everyone is asked to stand for fireworks which start at 9:30.

In this picture, I was standing in the Cafe Orleans (formerly Blue Bayou) seating area. The people on the other side of the tape are in the Rancho del Zocalo seating area. This picture was taken at 8:40 pm. You can see that some people are standing and some are sitting.

 

[LKing]

I took this picture to give people an idea where the River Belle premium seats are compared to the dining package seats. River Belle is the restaurant that is lit up. The premium Fantasmic seats are on the patio on the right side of the photo. There is a walkway between the dining package seats and the premium seats and there are large trees that can interfere with your view. If you want to see a video of what the view is like from the premium seats, I recommend @crystal1313 's video here.

 

[ashaway12]

Two follow-up questions, is the Cafe Orleans viewing location right in the middle of the dining package reserved areas? And second, after Fantasmic, can you see the fireworks from this location? Was thinking it would be worth doing the dining package if you get a spot like that where you can see both.

 

[LKing]

Two follow-up questions, is the Cafe Orleans viewing location right in the middle of the dining package reserved areas? And second, after Fantasmic, can you see the fireworks from this location? Was thinking it would be worth doing the dining package if you get a spot like that where you can see both.

Yes, according to reports, the Cafe Orleans is in the middle where the Blue Bayou seating used to be.

The first Fantasmic show ends at 9:27 pm and fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. You will be asked to stand for fireworks and can view them from the same place. The projections will be on water screens on the Rivers of America. As soon as Fantasmic is over, they open that area to all guests. Sometimes standby guests rush in to get next to the railing before Fantasmic guests have time to stand and gather their belongings. Just before Fantasmic begins, I would pack up everything and have it on your lap so that you can stand and move forward (if you want) as soon as possible for the fireworks show.

 

[jrub]

Hi. Searched but couldn't find anything... Is there a separate allotment of package tickets for lunch and dinner or is first come first served in that they could all be bought up during lunch on a busy day?

 

[LKing]

Hi. Searched but couldn't find anything... Is there a separate allotment of package tickets for lunch and dinner or is first come first served in that they could all be bought up during lunch on a busy day?

Currently, you request the Fantasmic Dining Package once you are seated. You should make a reservation for Cafe Orleans, but there is no special reservation for the Fantasmic Dining Package. I haven't heard of them running out of Fantasmic seats, have you @joseph821?

 

[joseph821]

Currently, you request the Fantasmic Dining Package once you are seated. You should make a reservation for Cafe Orleans, but there is no special reservation for the Fantasmic Dining Package. I haven't heard of them running out of Fantasmic seats, have you @joseph821?

@LKing No. I have not heard of Cafe Orleans running out of seats for F! package or a reservation not allowed to get a F! package at Cafe Orleans.

 

[anaconda]

Thank you.

 

[wendlle]

You sit on the ground in the seating area, right? how hard is that to sit on the hard ground for an hour, plus show?

I have a bad back but find it fine. I have inflatable cushions I got which are smaller than your hand when rolled up. They were perfect for sitting on waiting for fantasmic.

 

[Kdisneygrl]

Has anyone done this package recently? Wondering if it includes a beverage for the adults?

 

[Carlieseuss]

I’ve heard the cafe orleans package is changing to be bookable in advance, instead of upgrading at restaurant…
Apparently this starts from may 23 with bookings opened on May 1.

I’m going end of May/June and already made bookings via the old way when they opened for my dates.

Can anyone confirm this change, and whether they have been able to book the package as a reservation?

 

[LKing]

It was news to me. I checked the website and sure enough, it is listed. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/fantasmic-dinner-packages/

Starting May 23, 2025, watch Fantasmic! and enjoy a dining package at Cafe Orleans. Bookings coming soon.

Starting May 23, 2025, you can also delight your tastebuds with a standard dining package at Cafe Orleans. Enjoy the delectable French Quarter flavors of a 3-course lunch or dinner. Then, take in prime viewing of Fantasmic! at a separate location.

Cafe Orleans – Standard Dining Package, Starting May 23, 2025
Enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner and receive a voucher admitting you to a separate reserved viewing location for your choice of one of the 2 Fantasmic! performances that evening.

For lunch and dinner, your menu options are the same.

Adult Menu
Appetizer (choice of one):

• Cup of Chicken Gumbo
• Melon Arugula Salad
• Crudité

Entrée (choice of one):

• Braised Beef Short Rib with Cajun Garlic Shrimp
• Braised Beef Short Rib
• Cajun Butter-Roasted Chicken
• Smoked Tomato Risotto (Plant-Based)
• Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich
• Battered & Fried Triple Cheese Monte Cristo

Dessert (choice of one):

• Crème Brûlée Tart
• Chocolate Decadence Tart

Plus, a nonalcoholic beverage (excluding the Bayou Punch).

Kid’s Menu
Appetizer (choice of one):

• Vegetable Crudité
• Cup of Chicken Gumbo

Entrée (choice of one with 2 sides):

• Sauteed Shrimp
• Petite Beef
• Chicken Strips
• Cheesy Macaroni

Dessert (choice of one):

• Fresh Fruit
• Confetti Trifle

Plus, a refreshing beverage (excluding the Bayou Punch).

How to Book
Select “Check Availability” on this page to reserve this dining package.

Package Pricing

• Lunch: $58 per Guest (ages 10+); $32 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
• Dinner: $58 per Guest (ages 10+); $32 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.

There is a $10 additional cost for Guests ordering the Braised Beef Short Rib or Braised Beef Short Rib with Cajun Shrimp

Reservation Times
Starting at 11:00 AM for lunch and 4:00 PM for dinner

 

[Carlieseuss]

Wish they had announced the change before bookings opened. Not really sure how it will work now. It says coming soon and none are showing available to book for later in July…so I guess now I wait to find out when they go live.
I like to be prepared and organise…and these late changes do my head in.

 

[LKing]

Which they had announced the change before bookings opened. Not really sure how it will work now. It says coming soon and none are showing available to book for later in July…so I guess now I wait to find out when they go live.
I like to be prepared and organise…and these late changes do my head in.

I also have a reservation booked the old way. I will call tomorrow and let you know if I learn anything.

 

[Carlieseuss]

I also have a reservation booked the old way. I will call tomorrow and let you know if I learn anything.

Appreciate it.

 

[joseph821]

It was news to me. I checked the website and sure enough, it is listed. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/fantasmic-dinner-packages/

Starting May 23, 2025, watch Fantasmic! and enjoy a dining package at Cafe Orleans. Bookings coming soon.

Starting May 23, 2025, you can also delight your tastebuds with a standard dining package at Cafe Orleans. Enjoy the delectable French Quarter flavors of a 3-course lunch or dinner. Then, take in prime viewing of Fantasmic! at a separate location.

Cafe Orleans – Standard Dining Package, Starting May 23, 2025
Enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner and receive a voucher admitting you to a separate reserved viewing location for your choice of one of the 2 Fantasmic! performances that evening.

For lunch and dinner, your menu options are the same.

Adult Menu
Appetizer (choice of one):

• Cup of Chicken Gumbo
• Melon Arugula Salad
• Crudité

Entrée (choice of one):

• Braised Beef Short Rib with Cajun Garlic Shrimp
• Braised Beef Short Rib
• Cajun Butter-Roasted Chicken
• Smoked Tomato Risotto (Plant-Based)
• Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich
• Battered & Fried Triple Cheese Monte Cristo

Dessert (choice of one):

• Crème Brûlée Tart
• Chocolate Decadence Tart

Plus, a nonalcoholic beverage (excluding the Bayou Punch).

Kid’s Menu
Appetizer (choice of one):

• Vegetable Crudité
• Cup of Chicken Gumbo

Entrée (choice of one with 2 sides):

• Sauteed Shrimp
• Petite Beef
• Chicken Strips
• Cheesy Macaroni

Dessert (choice of one):

• Fresh Fruit
• Confetti Trifle

Plus, a refreshing beverage (excluding the Bayou Punch).

How to Book
Select “Check Availability” on this page to reserve this dining package.

Package Pricing

• Lunch: $58 per Guest (ages 10+); $32 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
• Dinner: $58 per Guest (ages 10+); $32 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.

There is a $10 additional cost for Guests ordering the Braised Beef Short Rib or Braised Beef Short Rib with Cajun Shrimp

Reservation Times
Starting at 11:00 AM for lunch and 4:00 PM for dinner

On the app too.