Can you explain Fantasmic Dining Package to me??

[kjccr]

We will on the dining plan in June and was really thinking of going to Sci Fi while at Hollywood Studios, but I've seen bits and pieces about a Fantasmic dining package...just not sure what that is??

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Here you go:

http://allears.net/din/fantdin1.htm

Unfortunately SciFi is not one of the participating restaurants.

 

[kjccr]

Thank you so much! That was very helpful! So of the 2 restaurants that are 1 TS is there one that tends to get better reviews? I really want to try Sci Fi ( I think my boys would love it) but the idea of not having to wait so long to get into Fantasmic is making me reconsider?

 

[catne]

Some things have changed since Disney has cut back on the number of showings -- there's a couple of corrections to make to the info in that link...people are reporting that with the Fantasmic Dinner package they have to show up at least 45 minutes in advance -- at 30 minutes, the "reserved" section is being opened to the public so you better be there before then to take advantage of the seating.

And you DO have to get in the same line with others - no longer a separate entrance. The difference now is that you don't have to line up 90 minutes (or more) When you join the regular line at about 45-60 minutes in advance it will already be moving since the theater will be open by then.

 

[kjccr]

Ok, just so I am understanding this correctly (I am sorry for all the questions!) the theater will open approximately 60 minutes before the show starts, but people (not on the dining experience package) start lining up 30 minutes or so before the doors open. If we were to NOT do the dining package and go to Sci Fi instead and then show up at 60 minutes before the show are we likely to get a seat? I know saving seats is always a no no, but do people do? Can you go into the theater and then part of group leave and return when the show is about to begin? I'm just thinking if we have the ability to just take our kids out to just walk around while we wait for the show to start they may be a bit happier!

 

[catne]

Ok, just so I am understanding this correctly (I am sorry for all the questions!) the theater will open approximately 60 minutes before the show starts, but people (not on the dining experience package) start lining up 30 minutes or so before the doors open. If we were to NOT do the dining package and go to Sci Fi instead and then show up at 60 minutes before the show are we likely to get a seat? I know saving seats is always a no no, but do people do? Can you go into the theater and then part of group leave and return when the show is about to begin? I'm just thinking if we have the ability to just take our kids out to just walk around while we wait for the show to start they may be a bit happier!

Yes, people start lining up 30-60 minutes BEFORE the theater opens. The theater opens 60 minutes before the first show and fills quickly. You may or may not get a seat if you show up right at 60 minutes. People have reported arriving at 45 minutes before show time and the theater already at standing room only. As for trying to save seats, wouldn't try to do it. Used to be you could get away with saving seats, but now that there are fewer shows others are not being tolerant so it's not such a good idea. Seems to be the consensus that if you want the seats, your family better be in them waiting. There have been reports that people were in there early, saving seats, but when their family tried to join them later, the other family members were turned back at the gate because CMs told them the theater was at capacity.

 

[cajunprincess]

I've eaten at both the Sci-Fi and the Mama Melrose's restaraunts. Personally, we didn't care too much for either one. To me, sci-fi was just a little bit too much. Although I know some of my friends enjoy it. It just wasn't my thing. So with that said, we decided we want to try the F! package this trip. It was a no brainer as to which restaraunt to choose for the packager. It was either Mama Melroses' or Hollywood & Vine (we didn't want to use 2 TS credits for Derby). Since we had never been to Hollywood, we decided to go with that one. I haven't heard any better reviews for Hollywood over Mama Melrose, but at least we are getting the preferred seating at F!. That's enough for us in and of itself!!!

 

[AlternateEgo]

I also remember reading a report when a dad took a kid to the restroom and a lady took their seats. When the mom said something to her, she snapped at her... So make sure your kids go potty first

 

[dvcdisney]

I also remember reading a report when a dad took a kid to the restroom and a lady took their seats. When the mom said something to her, she snapped at her

That seems excessive. We have often seen people go up and get some food or beverage at the back of the theatre while their family holds their seats. I don't believe anyone should hold seats for people who are not even in the theatre. But if a child needs to go to the bathroom, I don't see a problem with their seats being held.

 

[mommapea]

When we had the Fantasmic pkg two summers ago, we arrived about 20 min 'til. We still had a seat. This was when they had sep. lines, and we ended up on the side. I would have rather been somewhere in the middle. We were also near the back. I guess all in all, there aren't terrible seats anywhere in the place...I'd just like to not be on a side. This time, I'm willing to wait in line a little longer in line in order to try a different restaurant. We ate at MM, last time, and want to try 50's PT. I have assumed that they have the Fantasmic pkg's attached to those restaurants bc/ they are trying to even out the ADR's. Might be wrong about that . MM was good...even for my picky parents.

 

[summermac]

Some people are waiting and hour and half for F!

Oh that's nuts. It's a pretty awesome show but not 1.5 hours awesome.