Fantasmic Dessert Buffet Tickets....got 'em!

[ItzKaren]

Hi there!!
Just registered to participate in these forums......glad to see they're still here!! Went on WDW/DCL trip 3 years ago....and learned SO much info from these boards.

Getting ready to go to DL....will be there July 1-8....staying at DLH.....and thanks to the info on these Boards...heard about the Fantasmic Dessert Buffet.....also previewed some pretty cool pictures!! I called the "ticket and reservation number" (714)781-4400 this morning, and I'm now the proud owner of 4 tickets for the Fantasmic Dessert Buffet, 9pm show on July 7th.....it will be our last night at DL....and what a great way to say so long.....being lucky enough to get a balcony seat for the greatest show on Earth....Fantasmic at Disneyland!!

Yes...I'm getting excited.....it's DH, DS (15) and DD (turning 10 in DL) and myself....getting ready for a road trip next Sunday....we're driving half way down first day.....then up and early Mon morning to arrive in DL rested and ready to go. Just had knee surgery 2 weeks ago....so trying to pace myself by cutting the 7 hour drive in half.

Anyone else attempted DL 3 weeks post knee surgery? I know I'll carry my ice pack with me....and sit down and elevate the leg as much as possible. DL trip was planned way before knee surgery.....and I can't think of a better place to "rehab"....will be spending some quality time in the new DLH swimming pool

Would like to see more info about DL trip planning.....read lots about WDW.....what's up with the DL people?!?

So glad there's so much info packed into these boards....will keep looking.....in the meantime, just wanted to share that ressies for the Fantasmic Dessert Buffet are available by phone.....and it's $41 per person. She did say that there's "no assigned seating" and you are seated in the order you line up on the night. Also, tickets will be delivered to Concierge at DLH one day before the show.

Till next time...take care!! ItzKaren

 

[ivanova]

So, what kind of knee surgery?

I had arthroscopic (torn cartiledge) in November ... did DLR the 2 days before (a bit of a last hurrah). Then did WDW for 2 weeks in April. There were days I had to rely on electric cart, other days I just needed my knee brace & ice pack.

Just take it easy & enjoy & don't try to be a hero. If you need a cart or wheelchair, get one.

 

[ItzKaren]

Hi Ivanova,
Had arthroscopic surgery on right knee June 5th....for torn cartlidge (meniscus)...and some repair to the knee cap. Started physical therapy last week....doing well....but still gets swollen and a bit painful. But hurts less than BEFORE surgery!! I had a few "last hurrahs" before surgery....I really stretched to the limit before having it done.

I have been wondering about a wheelchair....or the electric thing. I read some interesting tidbits on the DisAbilities board....about "what people think".....I wondered about using a wheelchair for getting from Point A to Point B....but then getting up and standing in line or walking around. Sounds like it's done regularly....and it is what I would need. I want to "last" as long as I can! I hope to see some big improvements in the next week......I will be attempting DL 3 1/2 weeks after surgery.....but one thing is for sure. It wouldn't have been any better if I had postponed surgery.....so I say we just keep the ice handy......the medication......and I sit down whenever I can!! Also plan to take a break each day and do some "water therapy" in the DLH pool!

Oh....and where do you get the wheelchairs? Is it by the front entrance to DL? Thanks for your help!!! Karen

 

[ivanova]

Ah, yes, th wonders of Vicodin.

Unless they've moved them, carts/wheelchair are inside the front entrance to the right where the strollers are rented.

I opted for an electric cart at WDW so that I didn't have to deal with family members pushing me around in a chair. If the knee was doing okay, I'd stand in line and use the cart for rolling from one end of the park to the other (was GREAT in Epcot!!). Carts are $30 and wheelchairs are $7, but someone has to push the wheelchair which is a consideration. And the carts have a small basket in front where you can put water bottles, small bags, etc.

The water therapy at the DLH pool sounds great, I'm jealous.


Whichever way you go, I'd probably have DLH call over to the park (if they can) to "hold" a cart or chair for you if you need one.

 

[ItzKaren]

Susan,
Thanks for the tip about asking DLH to call about "reserving" a cart. Chances are that we'll try that a time or two......I can't imagine driving around in a little cart....but I can't imagine walking for more than 20 minutes at this point....and that just won't cut it in DL!! Like I said....hopefully my strength and stamina will return somewhat in the next week.

Appreciate all of your input.....looking forward to our trip......staying at the DLH, conceirge, and hoping for Sierra Tower. Have you stayed at the DLH lately? It's been 5 years for us....and everything has been changed......one week from tonight....we'll be there!!! Again...thanks for the info, Karen

One more question...Inquiry mind wants to know.....what's that little black dot on my "envelope" on the Board? Can't figure that out...and my "envelope" is the only one with a black dot!! Thanks for the answer!!

 

[honeymom]

If your knee is bothering you, you don't necessarily need to do a lot of walking. I don't know for sure at DL, but at WDW they do help disabled visitors onto the ride and allow them to wheel up close. You might want to speak to someone in guest relations before going.

 

[madaboutmouse]

The black dot means that you have posted on the thread.

You might consider renting a motorized cart thingy from an outside company. If you get one in DL you can't take it out to DCA. You have to check it in and then get a new one at DCA. Very inconvenient if you plan on going back and forth between parks. I know of someone recently over on LaughingPlace.com who rented one for her hubby to use and found it very convenient. The company even had it delivered to the DLH the day of their arrival. I will try to find the thread and post it or you could post a message on the Trip Planning forum. Let me see if I can get the URL for you.

Mad

Here is the URL for the LaugingPlace.com discussion boards. If you post a question in the trip planning forum, you will probably get an answer pretty soon. Of course, that's if you are interested.

Mad

 

[ivanova]

Renting from an outside company would also prevent the possibility of the parks being out of electric carts (i.e. you return the one at DL and walk across to DCA, but their carts are all rented).

Also, you'd be able to use the electric cart to toodle around Downtown Disney if the knee is being uncooperative at the time.

The only disadvantage that I see: I don't think there's any way to take the electric carts onto the monorail, so you cannot use that transportation option from DLH to DL (doesn't stop at DCA). I don't know about the trams ... I think I've seen trams that have a special car wide enough for electric wheelchairs, they may be able to accomodate carts too. I've also seen small vans/buses that they use to transport guests in electric wheelchairs. Once again, don't know about carts.

It might be worth a call to DLH and ask someone there about how to get from DLH to DL/DCA when an electric cart is involved (the obvious answer: your group walks all the way from DLH; or you roll via cart and they take the tram/monorail and meet you at the park entrance).

 

[npoon]

Can anyone call and get the tickets or do you have to stay at the Disneyland hotel or other resort hotels? Also, how far in advance can you book?
thankx

 

[ivanova]

I think if you are not staying on property you have to wait until "day of" and inquire at City Hall/Guest Relations inside DL.

 

[ItzKaren]

Hi npoon,

Don't know the answers to your question, but here's the number to call to find out if you can:
1) Purchase advance tickets if you're not staying on site, and
2) How far in advance can you purchase tickets.

The phone number for "tickets and reservations" is:
(714) 781-4400

They are open "regular" business hours....8a-5pm

Hope this helps! Karen

 

[jlima]

This morning I called & purchased 2 dessert buffet tix for Sat July 6; they had seating available for both shows. The agent never asked me if I was staying on property. She also didn't offer to send the tix to our hotel; she said they had to picked up at guest relations on the day of the show. She said to line up at the bottom of the stairs to the Disney Gallery (either side); and that they opened the doors at 8:30 for the 9pm show.

She also said there was only seating for 21 people. Shouldn't it be harder than this to buy these tickets? I didn't expect this to be this easy; I hope they don't oversell it!

 

[ivanova]

I doubt they'd oversell them ... but I'd guess that if you no-show you still get your credit card charged.

As for why it's so easy to get ... it's probably one of DL's better kept secrets.

 

[npoon]

I am very excited and happy for you (jlima). I presume that when you made the ressies that they charged your credit card right away. You will have to tell us all about it when you get back. Also, I noticed that you are from vegas and we were planning to drive to vegas when we are there. How long is the drive?

 

[ivanova]

You're probably looking at anywhere from 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.

 

[jlima]

ivanova is right; if you drive without stopping at all you can do it in about 4 hours; DH's record time from Orange County to LV is 3 hrs 45 mins. But if you leave Anaheim at 4:30 on a weekday be prepared to sit in traffic on the 91 fwy!! If you need to stop I suggest the Lenwood exit in Barstow. We've had trips that took 6.5 hrs if you stop once for a meal, once for a potty stop + sit in traffic. I would suggest driving early in the day; i.e., leave Anaheim at 7am & you'll be in LV before noon.

The agent said they would charge the card immediately for the dessert buffet tickets.

 

[ivanova]

Okay, the 91 freeway will suck during morning & afternoon rush hour. Part way you would have carpool lane availability.

The I-15 freeway (San Bernardino to Vegas) will suck Friday afternoon/evening, Saturday morning, and then Sunday afternoon/evening (on the return trip). No carpool lane available.

So plan on driving up midweek, leaving Anaheim in the morning. And returning from Vegas any day but Sunday.

 

[jlima]

OK, here's the scoop:

Get to the Disney Gallery at 8 - 8:15pm. Don't wait at the bottom of the stairs; the Gallery was still open & they went upstairs & were told to wait in the courtyard there. At 8:20 there were already about 12 people waiting; at 8:30 each party was escorted from the courtyard to the balcony. They got seats in the front row of the balcony. DH had chocolate cheese cake & plain cheese cake; and DS8 had an eclair & chocolate cheesecake. He also tried creme brulee for the first time & DH finished it for him! After Fantasmic was over the CMs invited everybody to stay for the fireworks, and they did!

When we checked into the GC hotel one of the papers we received plugged the dessert buffet and also the priority seating at CA for the Electric Light Parade. Didn't know they did that! There's also priority seating outdoors near the Haunted Mansion where you get a boxed dessert in a keepsake box.

Next trip it's my turn!!!

 

[Riverview]

We are staying offsite and were able to get 2 tickets for the dessert buffet for the 9:30 show on Sunday 7/21. They never asked us where we were staying.

Riverview