Dinner while waiting for Fantasmic?

[haydeecm]

I was planning on sending someone to get dinner for us 3 at Rancho while we wait for Fantasmic. Will this work? I am planning on doing this about 8pm, since fireworks start at 8.40 and Fantasmic at 9pm. I was going to try to get the sitting area and was concerned that an hour prior might be too crowded to spread the food and eat comfortably. Also, do the takeout places have "to go" containers? Will this be too messy with kids? I thought I read about ropes going up at some point and people getting crammed in there. If we could combine dinner and waiting, it would be great!

Also, any issues with members of my party getting back in the seating area ? Do they rope it off? As you can tell, I've never seen Fantasmic.

 

[skiingfast]

It shouldn't be a problem. You might want to send two to get the food though.

As an alternative you might try eating at River Belle Terrace. You can sit near the entrance path at a table and get a decent view of the show. When choosing a table mind the umbrellas and trees that could obstruct a view.

 

[Raindown]

How quickly the sitting area fills up depends on attendance for the day. However, they do rope it off making what is viable sitting areas. I'm not sure if Rancho has To-Go containers. You could also get a bread bowl over and that might be easier to handle.

If it is your first time seeing F! invest some time into getting a good spot, the show is fantastic if you ask me. There is a walk way around the seating area for access but if your in the front (at the rail) it can be hard to get back if the area is filled with seated people, a little courtesy goes along way.

I don't know the make up of you party, but you could also try the second showing.

 

[Flitterific]

I've never eaten at Rancho del Zocalo so I am not sure if they have take-out containers. I do know that the French Market in NOS has take-out containers. DBF and I shared the clam chowder and salad duet while waiting for fireworks, and that worked out pretty well

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

My guess would be that Rancho does have to-go containers. You just have to ask. We have gotten our food packed to go at both Pizza Port and Plaza Inn, and a previous poster managed success with this at French Market. If you're going to be there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday or peak holiday vacation night, then I would maybe send the person (people) for food closer to 7:45 to allow enough time for waiting in line, paying, etc. and then wading back through the crowds before the fireworks start.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Rancho is one of my favorite places to eat at DL. We have done your plan many times.

Tips at Rancho: When you order your food, tell them there that you want it to go. They have plastic plates and covers where they serve the food.

Then, when you pay, ask the cashier for plasticware.

I have never seen a bag, so getting food for several could be tricky. Maybe have a spare shopping bag that you send with the "food runners."

Enjoy,
Dreams

 

[haydeecm]

I have never seen a bag, so getting food for several could be tricky. Maybe have a spare shopping bag that you send with the "food runners."

That sounds great, I can bring my own canvas bag, thanks for the tip. I guess I was more concerned about crowds pressing against each other making eating impossible, its hard to know what to expect cause so many posts make it sound so crazy.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I did the food run thing last week. We saw the second show and my DD picked the front railing. We happened to be sitting next to the ropped off area they keep clear for "fire escape". It was very easy to slip under the rope and get food, come back under the rope to my spot an eat. It was very open. I actually finished my clam chowder and salad before the show started and was able to run my tray to the near by garbage can.