Fantasmic Dining Package Discussion Thread

[losfp]

I snagged F! dining at BB for Sept 16 at 5:30. Really looking forward to it. Does anyone have any further information on the "premium" add on package with the cushions? Didn't seem like great value to me, for just a sippy cup and piece of foam....

 

[Frozen2014]

The way it has always worked (in the past) is that Fantasmic ends about 5 minutes before the fireworks start. In *theory* that would seem give you time to book it over to the Hub. In REALITY, it's next to impossible, I've tried! You have to exit the riverfront area via Adventureland -- the biggest bottleneck in the park -- with thousands of others with the same idea. If you do make it to the Hub, all of the spots are gone and the Parade Control CMs are waving you to keep moving, no standing there. Or there. Or there.

That's why they do the projections on the mist screens in the Fantasmic area, and you can see the fireworks over the trees with the music piped in. Unless you can watch the early fireworks and do the late Fantasmic show, it's really the only way with the 9:00/9:30 spread.

PHXscuba

Thanks so much for explaining. The 10:30pm Fantasmic show may be late for our kids, but great to know that they do provide the option with the projections.

 

[Chause]

I've seen some conflicting information on whether BB or RBT (not premium upgrade) has the better view. Are they in different areas or are they sat together? Will pay more for BB if the view is a lot better, but not if they are seated in the same area as RBT...

 

[jmcross]

It's the same area
We were RBT and sat beside, behind and in front of BB people with the foam cushions.

 

[jmcross]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick response...and for sharing your experience with all of us. Sounds like it worked out well.

It did. You are welcome. Happy to share the info!

 

[ktlm]

A CM on the phone told me all RBT packages are for the first show. Do you know if that was true? What time was your reservation that got 9:00 tickets? Ours is for 6:10 and I'm nervous...

Does it feel cramped on the floor, or is there room to extend your legs if needed?

We were asked which show we wanted when we checked in. We were at 5:30.

We were 3 rows back in the dead center. The view was amazing!
To answer some questions, the viewing area opened at 8. We got there about 7:30(line up was in front of HM for RBT) .

Thanks! Because I saw your post we got there about 7:15 tonight. They sent us down from the HM are to the entry right near the center of the viewing area. They let people in the area at 7:30 to keep the path clear and we were 2nd and got front row center. It was great! The park was crazy crowded today which may have been why the opened the area so early. We have been in July the last 4 years and this is the most crowded July day we have ever had. The Carousel had a 20 minute wait and Small World posted 25 minutes, but it was 45 minutes! We have been here since Saturday. The weekend was great, yesterday was not bad, but today was awful!

That dessert looks yummy. How was dinner? Did you happen to see the kids menu?

Yikes so you lined up 1.5 hrs ahead.

My DD,11, was not impressed with the adult menu- they let her order from the kids menu. The mac and cheese was a very small portion and it came with green beans and butterscotch pudding. So- basically she ate my tater tots and stole half of DH's dragon dessert. From what we saw in the restaurant, it is a bit of a problem that the kids are stuck with butterscotch pudding and can not get the cool dragon dessert that they alll seem to want
[QUOTE="KatieCharlotte, post: 57916452, member: 262839]

Has anyone seen the mac and cheese they serve at the RBT -- I assume it's more like homemade and not the awful Kraft stuff? And the pudding sounds very delicious to me, but my youngest is totally going to steal my dragon dessert. Which is okay, because that pudding really does sound delicious. [/QUOTE]

Small portion. Noodles were bigger than the Kraft microwave bowls- but it looked like the Kraft you make from a box to me. DD ate it all which means it probably was Kraft. Yes- you can expect your dragon to be stolen. That seemed like an issue in the restaurant tonight- the kids wanted dragons. The pudding was not cutting it when the kids saw the dragons their parents were getting. I didn't taste the pudding- but after DD stole 1/2 of DH's dragon she tasted it and said it was pretty good.

 

[Frozen2014]

My DD,11, was not impressed with the adult menu- they let her order from the kids menu. The mac and cheese was a very small portion and it came with green beans and butterscotch pudding. So- basically she ate my tater tots and stole half of DH's dragon dessert. From what we saw in the restaurant, it is a bit of a problem that the kids are stuck with butterscotch pudding and can not get the cool dragon dessert that they alll seem to want
....
Small portion. Noodles were bigger than the Kraft microwave bowls- but it looked like the Kraft you make from a box to me. DD ate it all which means it probably was Kraft. Yes- you can expect your dragon to be stolen. That seemed like an issue in the restaurant tonight- the kids wanted dragons. The pudding was not cutting it when the kids saw the dragons their parents were getting. I didn't taste the pudding- but after DD stole 1/2 of DH's dragon she tasted it and said it was pretty good.

Same here. Our DD8 is a pretty good eater but my DS12 likes more kiddy food. So most likely they will swap and DD8 will eat the adult meal and DS12 will eat the kiddy meal (mac and cheese with the selections). (Or good to know that they let the older one order from kids menu (I assume at adult price though). Sounds like he might be hungry afterwards though. Thanks for the warning. Sounds like we might need to bring a snack or something for afterwards.

One last thing to confirm...with River Belle Terrace, do you get seat cushions? Or is that only for Blue Bayou?

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Same here. Our DD8 is a pretty good eater but my DS12 likes more kiddy food. So most likely they will swap and DD8 will eat the adult meal and DS12 will eat the kiddy meal (mac and cheese with the selections). (Or good to know that they let the older one order from kids menu (I assume at adult price though). Sounds like he might be hungry afterwards though. Thanks for the warning. Sounds like we might need to bring a snack or something for afterwards.

One last thing to confirm...with River Belle Terrace, do you get seat cushions? Or is that only for Blue Bayou?

My girls in the same age range are similar. They may swap, but more likely they will both split the chicken and the mac and cheese, which should give them both a good meal. They both love green beans. What are the sides for the adult meals?

I wonder if they'll reevaluate the dessert options. Whoever decided that adults would get chocolate dragons and kids would get butterscotch pudding obviously does not have children!

 

[gsrieff]

I am following along in hopes of seeing pictures of the BB menu!

 

[MacMama0930]

I'm so hoping someone will chime in soon with experience on the RBT premium seating option. I'm dying to know if the view if worth it. We have it booked next month, but I'm wondering if we should change it to the regular RBT meal and sit in the reserved area??

 

[jmcross]

I would sit in the reserved area. The view from RBT is far away and partially blocked from pedestrian traffic.
Only BB people got seat cushions.

 

[jmcross]

The same thing with the desserts happened to us. My DS ate 1/2 of my dragon and I had a bite of his pudding. It was good.
The dragon is filled with chocolate that is a little spicy.

 

[22Tink]

I'm so hoping someone will chime in soon with experience on the RBT premium seating option. I'm dying to know if the view if worth it. We have it booked next month, but I'm wondering if we should change it to the regular RBT meal and sit in the reserved area??

Me too! Hopefully soon!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I snagged F! dining at BB for Sept 16 at 5:30. Really looking forward to it. Does anyone have any further information on the "premium" add on package with the cushions? Didn't seem like great value to me, for just a sippy cup and piece of foam....

This might change, but on Monday my friends had the BB package and were not charged for the seat cushions.

I've seen some conflicting information on whether BB or RBT (not premium upgrade) has the better view. Are they in different areas or are they sat together? Will pay more for BB if the view is a lot better, but not if they are seated in the same area as RBT...

They are in the same area. We sat right next to our friends who had a BB package and we had a RB package.

One last thing to confirm...with River Belle Terrace, do you get seat cushions? Or is that only for Blue Bayou?

Seems to be only for BB as of right now. Though, if they are going to charge an up charge it'd seem dumb not to offer them at both places in the future.


MY EXPERIENCE

We had the River Belle package for Monday. My friends had a Blue Bayou package for Monday that they hadn't been able to convert. When they showed up for their ADR time they were able to convert no problem. They were not charged for the seat cushions. I don't know if that was first day confusion or if that will continue.

Our River Belle was pretty good. We sat on the patio at 5:30. When we were seated our waiter warned us that we'd need to be cleared out around 7, that is when they will start to seat outside. We asked about the view and how that was going to work. For us, our table was in the third row back against the restaurant wall. The waiter said all tables would be filled and I imagine it will be a first come first serve.

For that reason, I would not purchase the premium RB package. If you get our table...you would not be pleased. You'd have 2 rows of tables in front of you (they will take down the umbrellas) plus all the people standing to watch. Yes, there is a walkway left, but I made sure to look over and try to gauge the view. I am 5'3, there were people standing where people would be standing to watch the show. I would have been able to see the pirate ship, but not really anything down on the water. I suppose you could stand the whole show, but just hope that none of the people in the first or second rows of tables stand.

If you must do the RB premium, arrive before 7 to try to assure a water side table.

We were able to choose tickets for the first or second Fantasmic showing (there were 3). We chose the second, which may have been a mistake. The first Fantasmic showing guests got to stay seated for the fireworks and the projections on the water were really nice.

We lined up for our package entry during the fireworks. It took them about 10 minutes after fireworks to clear the area then we got to go in. We had no problem getting a seat on the rail, there were 8 of us in all (3 from BB and 5 from RB).

About maybe 5-10 minutes before the show cast members dropped a rope that was to our left near HM and let more people into our area behind us. Don't quote me on this but I believe that may have been the Hungry Bear people.

Anyway, I got a front row seat, everyone stayed seated in our area. The view was a little obstructed by the railing but it was much better than having to worry about tall people in front of me.

Anyone have any questions?

 

[22Tink]

This might change, but on Monday my friends had the BB package and were not charged for the seat cushions.



They are in the same area. We sat right next to our friends who had a BB package and we had a RB package.



Seems to be only for BB as of right now. Though, if they are going to charge an up charge it'd seem dumb not to offer them at both places in the future.


MY EXPERIENCE

We had the River Belle package for Monday. My friends had a Blue Bayou package for Monday that they hadn't been able to convert. When they showed up for their ADR time they were able to convert no problem. They were not charged for the seat cushions. I don't know if that was first day confusion or if that will continue.

Our River Belle was pretty good. We sat on the patio at 5:30. When we were seated our waiter warned us that we'd need to be cleared out around 7, that is when they will start to seat outside. We asked about the view and how that was going to work. For us, our table was in the third row back against the restaurant wall. The waiter said all tables would be filled and I imagine it will be a first come first serve.

For that reason, I would not purchase the premium RB package. If you get our table...you would not be pleased. You'd have 2 rows of tables in front of you (they will take down the umbrellas) plus all the people standing to watch. Yes, there is a walkway left, but I made sure to look over and try to gauge the view. I am 5'3, there were people standing where people would be standing to watch the show. I would have been able to see the pirate ship, but not really anything down on the water. I suppose you could stand the whole show, but just hope that none of the people in the first or second rows of tables stand.

If you must do the RB premium, arrive before 7 to try to assure a water side table.

We were able to choose tickets for the first or second Fantasmic showing (there were 3). We chose the second, which may have been a mistake. The first Fantasmic showing guests got to stay seated for the fireworks and the projections on the water were really nice.

We lined up for our package entry during the fireworks. It took them about 10 minutes after fireworks to clear the area then we got to go in. We had no problem getting a seat on the rail, there were 8 of us in all (3 from BB and 5 from RB).

About maybe 5-10 minutes before the show cast members dropped a rope that was to our left near HM and let more people into our area behind us. Don't quote me on this but I believe that may have been the Hungry Bear people.

Anyway, I got a front row seat, everyone stayed seated in our area. The view was a little obstructed by the railing but it was much better than having to worry about tall people in front of me.

Anyone have any questions?

Thanks for the detailed report back, especially on the view from your table at RBT. That's the package I have booked but if there are more reviews like yours I may cancel.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I've seen some conflicting information on whether BB or RBT (not premium upgrade) has the better view. Are they in different areas or are they sat together? Will pay more for BB if the view is a lot better, but not if they are seated in the same area as RBT...

I had the second show last night. The seating for me as a Blue Bayou person and the RBT was exactly the same. The line up in the holding tank was the same, first come first served, all grouped as one large group. We had seat cushions from BB. The RBT did not. After we were all sitting down, a mob of people were let in to sit behind us. I asked them what they did to get to sit there and they said they had Hungry Bear on the go package. BB and RBT all had first row and the rest of the area was full of Hungry Bear people who were sitting down. I told them I was under the impression that HB had to stand somewhere and they said, yes, they were standing in another area, but were told that there was extra room in our area and they were allowed to move if they wanted to sit down.

I didn't see the show from RBT, but my opinion after last night is that it would be my last choice for viewing. If you are capable of sitting on the ground, BB or RBT dining packages are better. If you want to chance it and maybe have to stand, go to HB. They may let you sit with BB and RBT people even though they say HB is standing room only.

I'd pick based on menu items. What do you want to eat? How much do you want to spend? Where you will be seated is not the issue when deciding where to book your dinner, at least not for the second show.

 

[figment_jii]

We had seat cushions from BB. The RBT did not.

So did you do the Premium Package upgrade for the Blue Bayou? What were the premium drink options? Originally DisneylandToday had said the MSEP viewing was included with the BB Premium Package upgrade, but Disneyland Dining said that was incorrect. So I'm trying to figure out for the additional $25, what do you get?

 

[cruisehopeful]

So did you do the Premium Package upgrade for the Blue Bayou?

No. I just did the regular $65. meal. We drank water. I don't know if our meals came with drinks as we just wanted water. We had the salad or gumbo, entree (6 choices) and a dessert (3 choices). At the end, the waiter gave us our tickets for the viewing area, explained how they worked and gave us seat cushions, which we were not expecting.

There were people at other tables who were getting lanyards that lit up. They probably had the upgrade purchase that included the MSEP. They were finishing their meals as we were starting. I think we were too late for the upgrade package. There was a blurb about it on our menus, but I knew that our timing wouldn't work out for seeing MSEP. I believe it said for $25 more, you'd get a drink (didn't say what kind) and a viewing area for the parade. Our dinner reservation was for 8:30pm.

EDITED TO ADD: I believe the people with the lit up lanyards all had light up drinks. I think they were the regular drinks with light cubes, but I could be wrong as I didn't ask.

 

[Lesley Wake]

So I think I decided on Saturday I will be going with my BB reservation at 4:40. That means I will be releasing a RBT at 6pm. My reservation is for a party of 1 but I'm sure you can get it for 2. Let me know if anyone is interested in it and we can coordinate so you can try to grab it!

 

[Abbey1]

Ugh I still can't decide between keeping my BB or RBT reservation, especially now that I read they are both in the exact same viewing area. Can anyone who has done the BB package tell me how the dessert was? And what the other dessert options are? I am a little hesitant about RBT only allowing children the butterscotch pudding for dessert, which my son won't eat. I'm not a huge fan of the food at BB, but we do love the atmosphere there. Do they have the monte cristo on the dining package menu?