fantasmic and seating?

[matosfam]

OK, background first...

We are planning our first family trip to Disney for early September and have an 5:20 ADR for Mama Melrose's (Fantasmic dinner package).

My question is kind of odd so bear with me please!

Since we will be doing the dining plan we thought the dinner package was a good value (since for some reason it still includes an appetizer even though the appys were dropped from regular TS on the ddp). So, does that mean we HAVE to sit in the dinner package section of the ampitheatre? I mean, I've heard that the reserved seats aren't the best and that crowds may not be bad in September depending on the day. I'm wondering if we could do the meal part and then, when it's time, just wait and enter at the main entrance with the rest of the crowds if it seems that we can get "better" (more centered) seats going that way...?
I would appreciate any input on this! Thanks!

 

[rgf207]

no you do not have to sit there. the package gives you the convenience of not having to wait in the huge line that forms for the other seats.

I do not think you can use the dinner package enterance and go elswhere though but I could be wrong

 

[matosfam]

bump

 

[Stittsville]

We went in May 2007 (to MM as well), and we moved over a couple of sections from the reserved seats. I asked a CM and he said it was fine. It filled up quickly, so we did not even try to get a center section seat.

 

[ilovecountry]

We ran super late & ended up getting there about 10 minutes before showtime. For some reason, the first 2 rows were completely empty, we asked if they were reserved but the CMs said no. I guess a lot of people don't like that area but we saw everything perfectly, and this was in June on a Saturday.

 

[lovetotravel07]

It was a few years ago. But, we thought our Fantasmic Seats were more than fine. You are escorted to a ropped off section. It is the first time we never waited in a Disney line! You cannot use their private entrance and then take seats of people that waited online maybe for hours. If everyone is already seated I suppose you could move if their is an open seat or two.

But, they were really good seats and so low hassle. Even when the parks are "empty" by park standards, lol, there are always lines for shows and Fantasmic is so awesome. Every time we have seen it, it fills right up!

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, once you are in the theater, you can sit where you want to. Only the package seats are guaranteed for you though.

I've done the package several times and now realize it's not necessary in the off season. One year (Sept), I did the package for the last time. I decided to just walk in the main entrance with everyone and see how good the seats were (at about 1 hour before) and if it were crazy packed, I'd just leave and go to the package entrancw with my voucher. Well, we got seats right in the center, half way back so I just saved my package voucher as a souvenir.