Fantasmic Dessert--Balcony or Premium???

[2belles'mom]

Help!
I am trying to book the Fantasmic dessert buffet, and my choices are the 9:00 Balcony or the 10:30 Premium (which I understand is street level). I have little kids, so the 10:30 show is a bit late, but still do-able in a pinch.

What scared my is that the CM said there was FULL availability for the Premium seating (no one has reserved anything yet!), where the Balcony seating is almost sold out. She said the Balcony always sells out before Premium.

Soooo...does anyone have the skinny on Balcony v. Premium?????
If Balcony is a much better view, I will go for the 10:30 show, but would be happy with 9:00 if Premium provides as nice of a view!

Thanks!

 

[iceskatejen]

While I've never done the buffet (and never will unless someone treats me to it) I do know where they are. The balcony gives a more centered view while the other is off to the side. Personally I prefer a more centered view (which is why I snag my Fantasmic spot at least 3 and usually closer to 4 hours early).

 

[2belles'mom]

Thanks for the info...that helps! Two years ago we got a very peripheral spot...yuck (but that is what you get when you stroll in 5 minutes before show time!). I will probably go for the balcony...with small children (and a VERY impatient DH), snagging a spot even 1 hour in advance is out of the question...

 

[Di$neyDad]

I tried the Premium seating several months ago and posted a quite negative review of it here. Several people replied that the Fantasmic Buffet was great, but most were referring to the Balcony seating. So I would highly recommend going with Balcony.
There's two big differences that make me say this.

First, unless something has changed, the Premium seating requires a couple of checkins prior to the show. First, you checkin quite a while before the show to get a number. Then you come back about 30 minutes prior to the show to be seated based on your number - don't show up on time, lose your number. This was all quite a hassle and pretty much defeated the purpose of doing the buffet in the first place (avoiding having to grab a seat an hour or more before the show). Form other posts, it sounds like this whole pre-checkin routing does not exist for the balcony.

Second, the Premium seating is off to the side and some seats have views partially blocked by poles and/or railing. Everything I've heard about the balcony sounds like it's dead center for the show.

It also sounds like there might be a bit more food variety for Balcony seating.

One other thing to watch out for: make sure the full show is going. Part of my previous negative post dealt with how underwhelmed I was with the show. After other posters replied, it become clear that two major parts of the show were not there when I attended due to refurbishments.

 

[Amy&Dan]

With young children you can't beat the balcony. Even if you are in the second row they can stand up or sit on their knees on their chairs to see. I have sat in both rows with my kids and they are both really great. Also the desserts will keep them nice and awake trust me!

 

[2belles'mom]

Thanks everyone!

I am going to book the 10:30 Balcony, right now!

 

[MamaKate]

Just so everyone knows, the Premium viewing has changed.

It used to be East of the Haunted Mansion and some obstructions (poles). And you also weren't centered for any of the water screens.

Now, it's held at the water on Tom Sawyers raft which is close to the water screen on the left side.

I believe the ressies are still on a 1st come 1st served basis, but I'm not sure.

The price for the Premium Viewing is $49.75/adults & $39.75/kids. The Balcony seating is $49.75 for both adults & kids.

I've done the balcony twice and you can't beat the view, but if it's too late for your kids, the new premium seating will be great and will cost you a little less.

Hope this helps!
,
Katie

 

[castawayfan]

We are just back from DL and did the premium seating. It was great. Yes you do have to check in an hour before and be back 30 minutes before, but we did not mind, we wanted our desserts! The view was great and no obstructions. The one thing that was suggested when we reserved was that we do the 9 PM show so we could stay after for fireworks, great view from our seats. If you do the 10:30 there are no fireworks after.

 

[hmontgomry]

Can you stay on the balcony for the fireworks?? Are they a good view from there??

 

[Vavasmon]

We had second row seats in the balcony last Thursday night for the 9:00 show. We checkin at 8:30 (seats are assigned at the time of purchase). The seats were around small tables arranged by party size. The food and service was excellent. We stood to see over the first row for both the show and the fireworks.

The view of the show was excellent (centered up with the stage).
The fireworks had a good view but watching them from main street was the best (we saw part of tinkerbell's flight from the balcony).