Fantasmic Dining... Opinions needed!

[TRBelle84]

A couple of things...

Is it worth it?

And, can we use DDP credits towards it? We'll be on the Deluxe plan.

Thanks!

 

[Aristocath]

We've done Fantasmic with and without the dining package. This trip we are going without it. Our reasons are we don't like the times available for dinner with the package and we don't care for the seats. We'd rather get there early to choose our own seats and have a snack while people-watching.

My kids are old enough (12, 10 &7) to entertain themselves while we wait for the show. When I had a 2 and 4 year old, I did enjoy having the package. But you still need to get there 30 to 45 minutes ahead with the package. If there are big crowds, they will seat them in the section for the FDP people close to showtime.

Yes, you can use the DDP for this. What time of year are you going?

 

[soulmates]

Us too, we've done it w/ & w/out. To us, the food on the packages aren't that great, so we're opting out this trip. Yes, you have to wait in a line, but EVERY seat there is a good seat. Also, the BEST seats are at the top. Your closer to the bathrooms & food AND the FIRST ones to leave. When the show is over, it is a MAD HOUSE trying to get everyone out. Trust me, you want those top seats!!

 

[KatMark]

We've done with and without. However, if there is only one show scheduled during your stay, I would definitely get the package if you can. If not, plan to be there at least 90 minutes before show time.

 

[OrangeJax]

DH and I did the F!Dining Package at the Hollywood Brown Derby last week. It was totally worth it -- we were able to order anything off the menu. Yes, dinner was at 4:05, but we ate a snack mid-day and were able to visit a few rides before our 8:00 pm return time (for the 8:30 show). We showed up right at 8:00 and were able to sit toward the top, as far to the left of the reserved area as possible. The seats were excellent and it was nice to not have to arrive 90 minutes ahead of time. I'm all for it!

 

[Totoro]

We have done it at Mama Melrose. We had to eat really early, around 4:30, but I found that it was worth it. I would not want to wait in line for 60 to 90 minutes.

 

[catne]

we have done the package several times with both Hollywood & Vine and also Mama Melrose. We thought H & V was OK, but we really like Mama Melrose (although service is very slow.) On the regular dining plan, you get an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage when you get the Fantasmic dining package which is nice since you don't usually get an appetizer with the regular plan.

Since they no longer do Fantasmic every night the package is very definitely worth it unless you want to get there 2 or more hours ahead of show time...even during very slow times of year the place fills up. We were there in September 2009...resorts were 1/2 empty, and parks were really empty...no waits on most rides and even the headliners like Soarin' and TSM had only 20 minute waits...but Fantasmic was packed. When they only do 2 shows a week, and they also close the other parks early, then everyone goes to Fantasmic the nights it's on. We were very glad to have reserved seats we could walk in and sit down 45 minutes before the show.

They do open up the F! seating to the public at about 20-30 minutes before showtime, so make sure you get to your seats at least 45 minutes before the show.