Fantasmic dessert seating

[RweTHEREyet]

Do I have this process right? We have the Fantasmic desert seating package booked for Saturday, May 29.

I have read I need to find the spot to check in and be there around 6:00 in order to select our seats.

And then the CM shows up around what time to check everyone in?

Once the CM checks us in, we can go do what we want until about what time?

 

[jacksdaughter]

Do I have this process right? We have the Fantasmic desert seating package booked for Saturday, May 29.

I have read I need to find the spot to check in and be there around 6:00 in order to select our seats.

And then the CM shows up around what time to check everyone in?

Once the CM checks us in, we can go do what we want until about what time?

The last time I was there the CM showed at 8PM. She had to move the podium because the line was interferring with the vendor stationed there.
We came back at I think it was 830PM but it was so crowded even that was a task.

H

 

[plutorules]

OK-- this is from my notes when I booked Friday night. She said you can pick up your tickets at any ticket booth or guest services when you arrive. No need to wait until the day of. She said a CM will be between Haunted Mansion and Pirates at 7 with a clipboard. She said you check in with them, but no need to wait around, you can go enjoy the park until about 8:30ish (this is for the 9 oclock show)

Hope this helps! Hope to see you there!
Shawn in AK

 

[Lissame]

If you want a good seat, I recommend sticking close by after check-in. The line forms much earlier than the half-hour before that they recommend. It's not based on when you checked in, it's based on where you are in line.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

O.K., the person I booked with was in Vacation Planning, and I had to tell her that Fantasmic was starting up this weekend. She booked it for me and didn't share any details on what to do or when to do it.

I thought I had read that you needed to get in line in order to choose your specific seats and then you can go on and do what you want until right before the show. I just didn't want the 4 of us split up. And actually, I think I would prefer the back row to be able to stand up and possibly use a tripod, well have DH use a tripod.


So, find the CM around 7:00, choose your seats and then go on about your business.


Shawn, you are going Friday, right?

 

[DanT]

When my wife and I did this last October, you found the CM near the Churro cart by the stairs down towards the river.
Line started forming around 6:15. The CMs brought out the podium, chatted with guests and then around 8pm started taking seating requests for guests with Fantasmic Dessert tickets.
Maybe they have streamlined things a bit since then.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Is it just me or does it not seem silly that they don't do this at Guest Services or that you can't be assigned a seat when you book your ressie. This whole DL Fantasmic system seems totally convuluted to me.

 

[DanT]

Is it just me or does it not seem silly that they don't do this at Guest Services or that you can't be assigned a seat when you book your ressie. This whole DL Fantasmic system seems totally convuluted to me.

get in line. that subject has been discussed here many times.
Years ago, when you called for Fantasmic Dessert Seating you would be assigned your seating when you called to make the initial reservation. That is when the seating was in the balcony of the Disney Gallery (now the dream suite)
there is probably some convoluted reason why they do it this way now, but I have no idea what it could be.

 

[seadd67]

Do you actually get seats to sit in, or Is It standing room?

 

[jacksdaughter]

Do you actually get seats to sit in, or Is It standing room?

They are folding chairs. We normally do August and it is just crazy to a point you really can not move around the RoA area very well.

H

 

[plutorules]

Yep! We're going Friday night. The person I spoke to said the lady with the clipboard "assigns" you a seat, so no need to line up. I guess we'll figure it out when we get there. I know my husband and kids are not going to want to stand around for 2 hours waiting for seats. That's the whole point of paying for this thing.... I guess it'll be me in that line. I'm a newbie to DLR, but a WDW vet, so I agree with you-- this whole thing seems odd to me. You'd think with the refurbishment happening, they'd "refurbish" their Fantasmic seating system as well. Obviously it sounds like they've had complaints before and the system needs reworking. Kinda wishing they had a big stadium like WDW does....

Shawn in AK

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Hey Shawn,
We are also had to wonder why drop all that money to have to wait in line for 2 hours? Just to have a chair? So I told the family that I will take the stroller which is huge, SN stroller and just wait for 2 hours on the concrete with a towel holding our spot.

If I have to wait for a chair I think I will just wait while sitting. It seems very strange that they don't assign the seating? Really what is the point in waiting again?

We love the dinner Fantasmic package at WDW and the seating. Sure wish DL would figure out a better way.

 

[plutorules]

Minnie-- you are so right about that! I always felt that Fantasmic at WDW was a nobrainer because I'm all about the food, and I have to feed my family dinner anyways. But this time, I'm paying over $200 for 4 seats, for the privilege to wait in line for 2 hours beforehand? Being I'm going on opening night, hopefully I'll be in for a nice surprise!

You are lucky to have the stroller. This is our first trip to the mouse without one. My 6 year old is WAY to big for that, but wondering how he's going to do walking at the same time. The last time we've been is before we moved up here, where we did a Thanksgiving trip to WDW and he was only 3. It's been a long time for us since we've seen the mouse....

Shawn in AK

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yep! We're going Friday night. The person I spoke to said the lady with the clipboard "assigns" you a seat, so no need to line up. I guess we'll figure it out when we get there. I know my husband and kids are not going to want to stand around for 2 hours waiting for seats. That's the whole point of paying for this thing.... I guess it'll be me in that line. I'm a newbie to DLR, but a WDW vet, so I agree with you-- this whole thing seems odd to me. You'd think with the refurbishment happening, they'd "refurbish" their Fantasmic seating system as well. Obviously it sounds like they've had complaints before and the system needs reworking. Kinda wishing they had a big stadium like WDW does....

Shawn in AK

From all I have read, you do have some choice in your seats, which row, etc., at least I hope so. Who knows, it could be a totally different system now that they are starting back up after being shut down so long.

Hey, I know, since you are going on Friday, I think you need to post here what the deal is, so I will know what to do on Saturday, how about that?

 

[jacksdaughter]

From all I have read, you do have some choice in your seats, which row, etc., at least I hope so. Who knows, it could be a totally different system now that they are starting back up after being shut down so long.

Hey, I know, since you are going on Friday, I think you need to post here what the deal is, so I will know what to do on Saturday, how about that?

You will have a choice of seats when you reach the podium where you check in and pick your seats. There further down the line, the less choices available. My Dad likes the front since he takes zillions of photo's. It would be interesting to see if how they do it has changed.

H

 

[wendypooh22]

From all I have read, you do have some choice in your seats, which row, etc., at least I hope so. Who knows, it could be a totally different system now that they are starting back up after being shut down so long.

Hey, I know, since you are going on Friday, I think you need to post here what the deal is, so I will know what to do on Saturday, how about that?

We have done this several times and it's super easy. This has been our experience...

First, you will need to pick up your tickets at guest services sometime during the day.. When it comes time to get in line to check in, you really only need one person from your group to do this. Let the others roam the park and take in a few rides.

The line starts forming at around 6pm in front of the churro cart in front of haunted mansion. (The seating area is behind that churro cart) A CM will set up a podium and have a seating chart where it's first come first served for seat selection. Don't freak out if there is a huge line in front of you. Remember that there are 2 F! shows each night and people can be in line for the other one..
The CM will look at your tickets and show you the seats that are available. You choose your seats and they will be your seats no matter what. They will not give them away to a bystander who happens to come up.

About 1/2 hour before the show starts, gather up your group and make those last minute potty stops.. Head on over to the podium area and a CM will direct your group towards your seats. You will receive your box of yummy goodies and given your choice of drinks (unlimited drinks).. If you are at the first showing, hang out and wait for the fireworks!

I hope that this gives you an idea on what to expect. My family has had only positive experiences during the preferred seating.. Have fun!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks, Wendy, that tells me exactly what to expect. I booked my ressie thru Vacation Planning and was told that my tickets would be at the hotel when I check in, and that is the only difference I think I will have.

My first time to see DL's Fantasmic, and I am most excited. My DH can take or leave the one in WDW, but from what I have read, the one at DL might wow him a little more.

Regarding the fireworks--I think that "Magic" will be showing that night, our first time to see it. Will we be able to see Dumbo fly from that location. We have a Dumbo freak in our group, and I want to make sure she gets a good look.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Regarding the fireworks--I think that "Magic" will be showing that night, our first time to see it. Will we be able to see Dumbo fly from that location. We have a Dumbo freak in our group, and I want to make sure she gets a good look.

We watched Magical from the dessert seating last September. You can see Dumbo, but I wouldn't say it's a good view. DH recorded it and zoomed in on Dumbo and we could see him much better on that after we got home!

 

[plutorules]

From all I have read, you do have some choice in your seats, which row, etc., at least I hope so. Who knows, it could be a totally different system now that they are starting back up after being shut down so long.

Hey, I know, since you are going on Friday, I think you need to post here what the deal is, so I will know what to do on Saturday, how about that?

Well, I'm sorry to let you know this embarassing factoid about me, but I don't even have a laptop. I'll have my iphone with me though. Can you access these boards through there?

Shawn in AK

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

We have done this several times and it's super easy. This has been our experience...

First, you will need to pick up your tickets at guest services sometime during the day.. When it comes time to get in line to check in, you really only need one person from your group to do this. Let the others roam the park and take in a few rides.

The line starts forming at around 6pm in front of the churro cart in front of haunted mansion. (The seating area is behind that churro cart) A CM will set up a podium and have a seating chart where it's first come first served for seat selection. Don't freak out if there is a huge line in front of you. Remember that there are 2 F! shows each night and people can be in line for the other one..
The CM will look at your tickets and show you the seats that are available. You choose your seats and they will be your seats no matter what. They will not give them away to a bystander who happens to come up.

About 1/2 hour before the show starts, gather up your group and make those last minute potty stops.. Head on over to the podium area and a CM will direct your group towards your seats. You will receive your box of yummy goodies and given your choice of drinks (unlimited drinks).. If you are at the first showing, hang out and wait for the fireworks!

I hope that this gives you an idea on what to expect. My family has had only positive experiences during the preferred seating.. Have fun!

This is also our experience. Due to having guests several times last summer we went three times (crazy huh), and it was the same each time.