Dining package for Fantasmic on a busy day?

[mtrib]

We're hopping Epcot to HS on a very busy holiday weekend. Picked TSMM as our Tier 1 FP and hoping to get 4th FP for RNRC and maybe ride one or both a second time with subsequent FP selections. Currently have reservations for H+V at 4:45 with Fantasmic package. Little nervous about having a TS reservation on a day where we are going to be constantly trolling for additional FP times. Def don't want to waste a FP on Fantasmic for the same reason. But definitely want to see Fantasmic then scoot out for fireworks. Thoughts?

 

[CAS239]

I'm confused on why you're nervous about having a dining reservation? If it's because you'd rather a quicker meal to ride more and use more FP's, then ditch the Fantasmic dining package and eat at a quick service. Whether you do dining package, FP, or standby, you'll want to get to the Fantasmic arena 45-60 min prior to showtime for best choice in seating.

Dining package does not guarantee you a seat when it gets close to showtime.. And you don't have to have a FP or dining to make it into Fantasmic. To add, it's usually fairly easy to get as an extra FP as you're heading to the arena to see Fantasmic.

I'm assuming you're wanting to watch Fantasmic then try to see the star wars fireworks. Depending on the timing between them, it's set up so you have to pick which to watch. If you're trying to hurry out and see the star wars fireworks then I'd recommend sitting toward the top of the arena for a quick exit.

 

[mtrib]

I'm confused on why you're nervous about having a dining reservation? If it's because you'd rather a quicker meal to ride more and use more FP's, then ditch the Fantasmic dining package and eat at a quick service. Whether you do dining package, FP, or standby, you'll want to get to the Fantasmic arena 45-60 min prior to showtime for best choice in seating.

Dining package does not guarantee you a seat when it gets close to showtime.. And you don't have to have a FP or dining to make it into Fantasmic. To add, it's usually fairly easy to get as an extra FP as you're heading to the arena to see Fantasmic.

I'm assuming you're wanting to watch Fantasmic then try to see the star wars fireworks. Depending on the timing between them, it's set up so you have to pick which to watch. If you're trying to hurry out and see the star wars fireworks then I'd recommend sitting toward the top of the arena for a quick exit.

Thanks. Yes, I'm concerned a FP for RNRC will come up right at the time we have dinner reservations. I didn't realize dining package didn't guarantee me a seat. If I still have to get there early, I'm ditching reservation and just doing QS. I appreciate your help!

 

[CAS239]

Thanks. Yes, I'm concerned a FP for RNRC will come up right at the time we have dinner reservations. I didn't realize dining package didn't guarantee me a seat. If I still have to get there early, I'm ditching reservation and just doing QS. I appreciate your help!

The dining package will guarantee you a seat up until about 15 min before the show. Once it gets close to showtime it's not uncommon for them to open up all areas to fill the arena. So this is why I recommend getting there 45+ min ahead of showtime.

Some that do the dining package don't realize they should still get there early, think they can go in 5 min until showtime, then get mad the dining section is full already or have a CM tell them it's at capacity.

My advice for dining packages: if you really want to eat at one of the participating restaurants, then do the dining package. If you don't already plan on eating at one of the restaurants, then don't do the dining package.

 

[portcityw]

We do it every trip. We like the location of the seating, and it has gotten us a seat when it was packed and closed to any additional guest. It's probably not worth it, but you have to eat somewhere. We just try to treat it as a dinner show(in our mind, LOL), so it doesn't seem like such a waste.

 

[mtrib]

The dining package will guarantee you a seat up until about 15 min before the show. Once it gets close to showtime it's not uncommon for them to open up all areas to fill the arena. So this is why I recommend getting there 45+ min ahead of showtime.

Some that do the dining package don't realize they should still get there early, think they can go in 5 min until showtime, then get mad the dining section is full already or have a CM tell them it's at capacity.

My advice for dining packages: if you really want to eat at one of the participating restaurants, then do the dining package. If you don't already plan on eating at one of the restaurants, then don't do the dining package.

Thanks. That's a really good way to look at it. We've eaten at H+V before and it was good but not great. No other reservations open right now. I think we'll skip it this time since we are so pressed for time. Do you have a favorite QS/CS at HS?

 

[CAS239]

Thanks. That's a really good way to look at it. We've eaten at H+V before and it was good but not great. No other reservations open right now. I think we'll skip it this time since we are so pressed for time. Do you have a favorite QS/CS at HS?

I usually eat outside the parks but the ABC commissary is probably one of the best QS at HS