Fantasmic Desert seating?

[surgefest]

How does the Fantasmic Desert seating work?? How early can you book it?? Is it available every night that fantasmic is??? Any tips or suggestions?? and how was your experience?? Thanks!

 

[mvf-m11c]

How does the Fantasmic Desert seating work?? How early can you book it?? Is it available every night that fantasmic is??? Any tips or suggestions?? and how was your experience?? Thanks!

F! dessert package is a way for people to watch F! without having to stake out a spot when the show starts. People wait hours right next to the walkway of the roa to watch F!. When you have ordered the tickets, you must go to guest services and pick up the tickets the day that you are doing the F! dessert buffet. About an hour before the first F! show starts, there will be a booth right next to the Churro cart by the HM, and you go to the booth and the CM assign you spots for the show you are attending. All the guests who are doing the 1st or 2nd show will all be in line when the booth opens one hour before the first show starts. The earlier you get in line for the dessert buffet, you can get a better shot of getting a front row seating. About an hour before the show, you head back over to the booth and check-in for the show.

The F! seating is set up along the roa on the 2nd level, it is in the area front of the haunted mansion. You can book it 30 days in advance of which day you want to book the F! dessert package. Yes, it is available every time when F! is running. It costs $59 per adult (10+) and the children is $49 (3-9). To reserved a seat, you have to call 1-714-781-4400 and you must have your credit card with you to purchase the seats. You can also go to City Hall or Guest Services around the resort to purchase the tickets. There is no discount for the dessert package.

If you want a front row spot, people have waited around a half an hour in line to get a front row seat. It is good to do the first show because when F! is over, guests can remain in the seats to watch the fireworks.

I did the F! dessert package last year in June when Summer Nightastic debut the new F!. It was way worth it for me when people waited 7+ hours to see the new F!, it was also disappointed not to see the new dragon (murphy) that whole summer until September. It also gives me the opportunity to go on rides and just come back anytime until it is time to go to my seat and enjoy the different variety of desserts. People do not like to wait

Here is the link for the F! dessert package:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland-california/disneyland-fantasmic.htm

Thread from pp:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2469233&highlight=fantasmic+dessert+package

 

[skiingfast]

When you have ordered the tickets, you must go to guest services and pick up the tickets the day that you are doing the F! dessert buffet. About an hour before the first F! show starts, there will be a booth right next to the Churro cart by the HM, and you go to the booth and the CM assign you spots for the show you are attending. All the guests who are doing the 1st or 2nd show will all be in line when the booth opens one hour before the first show starts. The earlier you get in line for the dessert buffet, you can get a better shot of getting a front row seating. About an hour before the show, you head back over to the booth and check-in for the show.


If you want a front row spot, people have waited around a half an hour in line to get a front row seat. It is good to do the first show because when F! is over, guests can remain in the seats to watch the fireworks.

Would you please clarify.

I understand that you make a reservation ahead of time on the day of your reservation you go to Guest Services at the park and pick up your F! ticket.

But then you go to the F! booth on the HM side of ROA and check in one hour before the first show to be assigned a good seat.

Then a half hour before your show you wait in line again to get a good seat?

So is it assigned the first time you wait at the booth or not?

 

[Raindown]

So is it assigned the first time you wait at the booth or not?

You take your tickets (that you picked up earlier in the day) then head over to 'check-in.' You will actually pick the seats for the show (they can help you). Once you 'check-in' those seats are yours. Even if you show up five minutes before show time they are saved for you.

You want to get there at least 30 mins before show time in order to maximize your time enjoying your reserved seating and food. They won't let you into the chairs till about 30 mins or more before showtime. But recall you still have to get there earlier you 'check-in' if you want front row. Only one member of your party need check-in, but they NEED to have all the tickets with them.

Overall, you save a bit of waiting time for great seats. Plus IMO it is a great experience. I really want something like this for WoC. The preferred dining for WoC, doesn't touch this IMO.

EDIT:
The check in is not really a 'booth' but more like a little stand a host or hostess would stand at. You can also pick up the tickets at City Hall (my preferred location).

 

[mvf-m11c]

Would you please clarify.

I understand that you make a reservation ahead of time on the day of your reservation you go to Guest Services at the park and pick up your F! ticket.

But then you go to the F! booth on the HM side of ROA and check in one hour before the first show to be assigned a good seat.

Then a half hour before your show you wait in line again to get a good seat?

So is it assigned the first time you wait at the booth or not?

Just like what the pp said that is correct. I like to call it a booth than a stand, but that is just me.

But like what Raindown said that you don't have to show up half an hour before the show starts. You can show up half an hour early or just show up 5 min before the show but it is good to get there early to eat those great desserts and drinks.

When I did the F! dessert package, I didn't get to choose where I want to sit during that time. I was disappointed of not choosing my seating area, but it was a great experience to do the dessert package.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Just like what the pp said that is correct. I like to call it a booth than a stand, but that is just me.

But like what Raindown said that you don't have to show up half an hour before the show starts. You can show up half an hour early or just show up 5 min before the show but it is good to get there early to eat those great desserts and drinks.

When I did the F! dessert package, I didn't get to choose where I want to sit during that time. I was disappointed of not choosing my seating area, but it was a great experience to do the dessert package.

The last 3 times we got to choose our seats. I was told last week we could pick up the tickets at the front desk of the Grand if we were staying there.

Jack

 

[guarian22]

In May I was able to get a reservation at the guest relations booth in the PPH where I was staying the day before the show (probably because it was not high season) and they printed out my tickets on the spot, so I did not have to pick them up that morning. Waited in line about 30-40 minutes to check in but I wanted to be sure to have front row seats so my DD6 could see. Then we came back about 20 minutes before showtime and were seated right away and brought our deserts and drinks. Great way to see the show without waiting all day or getting a blocked view, but having it done it once I don't know if I would spend that kind of money to do it again. Just my opinion.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

The last 3 times we got to choose our seats. I was told last week we could pick up the tickets at the front desk of the Grand if we were staying there.

Jack

I ordered the package today and asked about picking up the tickets at the Disney Hotels and was told no, that never happens and I have to go to Guest Relations in the Park. I wish the CM's were all on the same page with what actually happens. I know others have posted that they had stuff waiting for them at check-in.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I ordered the package today and asked about picking up the tickets at the Disney Hotels and was told no, that never happens and I have to go to Guest Relations in the Park. I wish the CM's were all on the same page with what actually happens. I know others have posted that they had stuff waiting for them at check-in.

I agree with the ticket situation. Just got off the phone with my VP planner (had to change a couple of times)and she stated again they would be waiting when we arrive, so who really knows. I guess I will find out when I get there.

Jack

 

[sierranevada]

I ordered the package today and asked about picking up the tickets at the Disney Hotels and was told no, that never happens and I have to go to Guest Relations in the Park. I wish the CM's were all on the same page with what actually happens. I know others have posted that they had stuff waiting for them at check-in.

I agree with the ticket situation. Just got off the phone with my VP planner (had to change a couple of times)and she stated again they would be waiting when we arrive, so who really knows. I guess I will find out when I get there.

Jack

CM is wrong! I have always picked up the tickets at the DLR hotel - never had a problem with that!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

CM is wrong! I have always picked up the tickets at the DLR hotel - never had a problem with that!

That has always been our experience, as well. I always make the reservations through Vacation Planning. When I arrive at the GCH, the tickets are part of my check-in package. I do have to sign that I received them. It is always so convenient.

One thing, I always ask Vacation Planning to send my tickets to the hotel along with our itinerary for our trip.

Hope that helps.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I figured that since the VP planner said they would be there I figured they would be. We are coming up on the 30 day mark soon so hope to have all the reservations in place. Now if gas prices will stay down.

Jack

 

[Lissame]

When we did the F! dessert package a couple of weeks ago, I got in line at 7 and waited for an hour for check-in. The rest of my family went and rode Splash, HM, and Winnie the Pooh while I waited. when I got there at 7, there were two other groups ahead of me: 1 for the first show and one for the second.

We were told to come back a half hour before the show, which was just about the right amount of time to enjoy the dessert box and get beverages before the show actually started.

There are now two sections of reserved seating, one more toward the center and one a little off to the side (but still fairly close to the center). If you want to be in the front row of the center section, you really need to be there pretty early.

 

[fidoprincess]

Lissame, thanks for posting your experience! Did you end up in the front row since you were just 2nd for the first show?

BlackJackDelta, what night are you trying for? We picked Tue just in case VP doesn't get it or something goes wrong with the show, we would have another chance to do it. Still, it would make so much sense to do it on Friday night when it is so crowded and nothing like a true mob of people waiting to make it feel like we were getting our money's worth! We decided to do BB for dinner Friday night instead of taking a chance. VP told us the actual tickets would be at the desk at check in too.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Lissame, thanks for posting your experience! Did you end up in the front row since you were just 2nd for the first show?

BlackJackDelta, what night are you trying for? We picked Tue just in case VP doesn't get it or something goes wrong with the show, we would have another chance to do it. Still, it would make so much sense to do it on Friday night when it is so crowded and nothing like a true mob of people waiting to make it feel like we were getting our money's worth! We decided to do BB for dinner Friday night instead of taking a chance. VP told us the actual tickets would be at the desk at check in too.

We get into town on a Sun afternoon, so we made reservations for 1730 on Monday, but I am going to grab FP's Monday AM then we will decide what to do. I am also waiting for more experience with the board members who will pass the info along.

Jack

 

[Raindown]

If it helps, I think part of the value of preferred is to be somewhere else instead of in line. Yes, you have to check in but one person can do this. You can be riding rides or at WoC or at the fireworks instead of camping F!

 

[grandpa6]

Could anyone tell me how many seats are available for the preferred viewing? In other words how many chairs are set up for Fantasmic? Ok, just checked the schedule for the fireworks and F when we are there, some have said you can sit and watch fireworks after F. The fireworks are at 8:40p and F's first show is at 9, so does that mean if we get there early enough for dessert, at least 30 minutes like other have said we will see the fireworks from our chairs before F at 9. Thanks.

 

[Raindown]

Could anyone tell me how many seats are available for the preferred viewing? In other words how many chairs are set up for Fantasmic? Ok, just checked the schedule for the fireworks and F when we are there, some have said you can sit and watch fireworks after F. The fireworks are at 8:40p and F's first show is at 9, so does that mean if we get there early enough for dessert, at least 30 minutes like other have said we will see the fireworks from our chairs before F at 9. Thanks.

I think there are around 70ish seats. If you are booked for the 9pm F! you can enter your seats beginning at 8:30 and can watch the Fireworks from your seat. Remember you still have to 'check-in.' The check in process is where you select you seats. It is based on a first come first serve basis among those who hold tickets for each respective show.

 

[skiingfast]

Ok, just checked the schedule for the fireworks and F when we are there, some have said you can sit and watch fireworks after F. The fireworks are at 8:40p and F's first show is at 9, so does that mean if we get there early enough for dessert, at least 30 minutes like other have said we will see the fireworks from our chairs before F at 9. Thanks.

Yes you can in your case watch the fireworks from your F! chairs. Some people say this is a benefit of the desser package. You are guarenteed to sit without a long wait to watch the fireworks. Keep in mind that you miss much of the show from over there. Being able to see the castle is a big part of DL fireworks. It's a give and take situation. In your case though because of timing, you would be hard pressed to get a good spot in the hub fireworks and be able to run over to F! in time.

 

[grandpa6]

Yes you can in your case watch the fireworks from your F! chairs. Some people say this is a benefit of the desser package. You are guarenteed to sit without a long wait to watch the fireworks. Keep in mind that you miss much of the show from over there. Being able to see the castle is a big part of DL fireworks. It's a give and take situation. In your case though because of timing, you would be hard pressed to get a good spot in the hub fireworks and be able to run over to F! in time.

Thank you, we are there for six days so, we can watch fireworks from there, plus another time at the castle.