Fantamic Dinner Package advantage?

[Mom2Evie]

Since you no longer get to use a separate entrance for the Fantasmic show when you have the dinner package, what's the advantage? I know there is reserved seating, but will I still have to wait in that crowded line for an hour? I have a 4:50pm F! reservation at Hollywood & Vine. We would then get to go to the 8:30 Fantasmic! show. Honestly, would could just eat anywhere, like 50PT and go see the 10pm show.

Have any of you done F! dinner package lately? Was it worth it to you?

 

[KatMark]

Since you no longer get to use a separate entrance for the Fantasmic show when you have the dinner package, what's the advantage? I know there is reserved seating, but will I still have to wait in that crowded line for an hour? I have a 4:50pm F! reservation at Hollywood & Vine. We would then get to go to the 8:30 Fantasmic! show. Honestly, would could just eat anywhere, like 50PT and go see the 10pm show.

Have any of you done F! dinner package lately? Was it worth it to you?

Just an FYI. We did that last year (we ended up going to see Fantasmic twice). We went to the later show. We waited in line for an hour, they let us in late becasue they had to clean up from the previous show (popcorn, cups, etc.) and the place was packed...there was not an empty seat in the theater. We thought the later show would be less crowded with little kids--wrong! We've not decided if we are doing the package this year or not or just skipping Fantasmic.

 

[maj42169]

I didn't even know that they did away with the seperate entrance for the dining package. If you still have to wait in the line, then it isn't anything "special". How are they making sure that others are not setting in the reserved seating section.

 

[TDC Nala]

Until shortly before showtime, you must present a ticket to sit in the reserved seating section.

I think the difference may be waiting 1 hour in line as opposed to waiting 2 hours in line and taking a chance on being stuck in standing room.

And if you're on basic DDP you get an appetizer.

Other than that, there is no advantage to the package that I am aware of.

 

[derrickmom]

I had no idea! I thought if you did the the package you had a special line. Did this change?? So you have to stand in the line, but you will get a seat???

 

[glitzybabes]

according to disneyworld.com there is still the separate entrance by the gas station...
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/dining/fantasmic-dinner-package/

 

[TDC Nala]

The separate entrance has not been in use since last October.

 

[derrickmom]

TOTALLY bumbed ! It just does not seem worth eatting at 4:15 for a 9:00 show!

 

[catne]

We liked the separate entrance last year, but even without that, we're still doing the dinner package on our May trip. Because I'd rather join the line 45-60 minutes before show time & know I have a guaranteed seat...

Because of fewer showings each week, there have been reports of the theater being closed as much as 30 minutes before show time because it is full. Reports of people being in a massive line 2 hours before showtime (they open the theater 1 hours before show time -- so people are waiting in line for an hour to get into the theater & wait another hour.) And some people getting in that 2 hour wait, being at the end of that line & getting in to find there's no seats left.

So we think the dinner package is worth it...we can show up 45-60 minutes before the show (after the theater has opened & most of the non-reserved seats line has funnelled into the theater) Then, when we get in there, we are guaranteed a seat. Even eating dinner early is worth it if Fantasmic is a priority must-see for your group.

 

[TDC Nala]

Agreed, unless it was part of the plan to see Fantasmic anyway. If Fantasmic is skippable for your party, the dining package is of very little value unless you are on the basic dining plan and want to squeeze an appetizer out of the Mouse. If Fantasmic is a must do, it might still be advantageous to get the reserved seating and, unless you arrive quite late, eliminate the possibility of being in the standing room area or missing the show altogether. Fantasmic has been drawing enormous crowds since the frequency of the showings was severely cut back starting in January.

You do not pay extra for the package than you would if you were ordering the same meal a la carte; the only concession you'd have to make is agreeing to a very early dinnertime.

 

[dreamsensei]

I suppose the real question is :

"Is Fantasmic WORTH all the trouble"?

Some people have no problem with the mob scene inside the amphitheater, but my wife and I are a bit particular about our personal-zone of at least a foot.

Also, and this is not directed at ANYONE in particular, there are tons of families that visit Disney that lack even the basics of common courtesy. When it comes to their kids getting to see what they think they should see, you are a non-issue in their eyes. They will mow you down, push you, shove you, cut in line, swear at you...whatever is necessary for them to get their own demented version of "Pixie Dust" for their children. I found Fantasmic to be the center of this the two times we went. Again, anecdotal evidence. I'm positive someone will pipe in here and say "Oh, but everyone I've ever seen at Disney is an ANGEL, straight from heaven, and we all get along famously!", which is also anecdotal evidence. Experience is individual, not as a society.

Rambling aside, there isn't much of an advantage anymore, especially with the dismal seating they give you with the package. Should you choose to go to Fantasmic, don't tie it to a dining experience.

 

[marylouwho]

I made my reservations this morning at 7 am.
Got the Fantasmic dinner package, dinner at MM at 3:35 PM

And was told by the CM to use the separate entrance for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. UGH... I'm so confused!!!

 

[TDC Nala]

I'd take the "dismal" seating (never personally thought it was all that bad - it's just not front and center) before I'd watch it from standing room.

It's really going to depend on how badly you and your group want to see it.

It's possible they've started using the separate entrance again - although we don't have any independent corroboration of that so I'm not about to say that's what they're doing. All recent reports have been no separate entrance for dining package.

 

[catne]

I suppose the real question is :

"Is Fantasmic WORTH all the trouble"?

Rambling aside, there isn't much of an advantage anymore, especially with the dismal seating they give you with the package. Should you choose to go to Fantasmic, don't tie it to a dining experience.

Where exactly did you sit that was "dismal seating"? We've used the dining package 3 times and actually sat in the reserved section 3 times...our view was wonderful. They're not front & center seats, but the way the show is set up you do not have to be front & center for a good sight line.

 

[derrickmom]

ME TOO!!! How far in advance do you have to cancel you AR for the package??

 

[dreamsensei]

Where exactly did you sit that was "dismal seating"? We've used the dining package 3 times and actually sat in the reserved section 3 times...our view was wonderful. They're not front & center seats, but the way the show is set up you do not have to be front & center for a good sight line.

I actually don't like those seats and preferred hunting early for our own. I much prefer about halfway back, somewhat center, as it lends to better photography of the event w/o a flash, and a better view in general.

Again, "opinion". All statements expressed on these forums are "opinion".

 

[marylouwho]

ME TOO!!! How far in advance do you have to cancel you AR for the package??

You have up until 2 days before to cancel...
Otherwise, they will charge you $10.00 per person, as per CM this morning.

 

[EEyorelover22]

How do you make it out from the other people in line to get to the front so show someone your Fantasmic! Package ticket.

This seems very odd to me. I would not want to stand in that line...it's HOT!

 

[wrconrad]

If they add shows a couple days out, are there packages available?

I have an ADR for Mama Melrose on a non Fantasmic night. If they add a show, any chance I can add the package to my ADR?

 

[loralie]

My family LOVED Fantasmic the last time we were there and for us it is a must do. I was not happy with the choices of restaurants that are linked with the FDP but we picked MM and made our ADR. We are on the basic dining plan so we are happy to get an appetizer. I agree it all depends on how badly your family wants to see the show.

Loralie