Fantasmic Dining Package - (I might get flamed)

[dvcdisney]

Fantasmic is my favourite fireworks show. I can understand why people would like to see it as a hard ticket show. I'm not sure if I would pay just to get in. I think I would like to see some preselected seats for purchase as well as for the dining package. I have always gotten the dining plan. I will admit that it's much more difficult now, but that would still be my preference.

So, I would like to see preselected seats with specific rows and numbers for those who purchase seats and those on the Fantasmic Dining Package. And if you don't want to purchase, there should still be a general seating area for those who want to wait in line.

 

[redrosesix]

We went to F! in Feb when there were only 2 shows -- we did the 1st show and ate in the seats while we waited for the show to begin (at 5:30 for the 7 pm show) but the show started early because the arena was full. I do think it was a 2 hour wait, standing, for the 2nd show.

I don't see how WDW can be getting any information about how cutting back to 2 shows is affecting the number of people who even try to go -- they have no way of knowing how many people choose not to go to DHS because they couldn't get the dining package, how many people didn't bother to stand in line, or how many people decided to go to Universal that day. If only for this reason, I'd like to see them off FP's for the show.

 

[Mad Hattered]

So what exactly is the F! package now? From my understanding in other threads, you no longer get a reserved seat with the package so what exactly is the purpose of doing it?

 

[LisaZ1113]

well, I called right on the day I was allowed , and was able to get the package for brown derby.....I then called back yesterday, trying to cancel and rebook for a different night, and only Hollywood & Vine was available...I decided I preferred to stick with brown derby.

I'm assuming H&V is not the popluar choice....maybe try that one??

 

[Castillo Mom]

I agree, the current system isn't working for many. I was actually going to skip it this time around but my son was adamant about going. I prepared him for the fact that we might not be able to get the package. I don't know how, but I was able to get a 5:10 seating at Brown Derby my first time calling. I do think fewer showings is adding to an already hard-to-get package.

 

[JLKennedy]

So what exactly is the F! package now? From my understanding in other threads, you no longer get a reserved seat with the package so what exactly is the purpose of doing it?

Not true.

1. There is "preferred seating"....not "guaranteed seating".

2. There "used to be" a sep. entrance if you had the dining pkg., now you use the same entrance the "non-package" people use, so your "preferred seat", might be taken by a non-package party, if you wait too long to get in line.

3. The "preferred seating" will open up to the GP (general public) usually about 30 minutes before the start of the show....another reason I recommend getting there early.

 

[catne]

Not true.

1. There is "preferred seating"....not "guaranteed seating".

2. There "used to be" a sep. entrance if you had the dining pkg., now you use the same entrance the "non-package" people use, so your "preferred seat", might be taken by a non-package party, if you wait too long to get in line.

3. The "preferred seating" will open up to the GP (general public) usually about 30 minutes before the start of the show....another reason I recommend getting there early.

Correct on all counts...and actually #1 & #2 are the same way it was before -- we went twice last year (2008) on the package. The 2009 reserved sections are exactly the same as last year's; and last year both times we were there they took down the reserved section ropes 30 minutes before show time and allowed others to fill in any remaining seats, same as now.

We did the package again this year in May 2009 -- and were very glad we did. The crowd started lining up at 6:30 for a 9:00 show (and that was the 5th show in a 6-show week.) When we arrived at 8:00, just 60 minutes before the show, we walked straight in (no line, no waiting) and went right to our choice of reserved section seats...yet the rest of the theater was almost full. At 45 minutes before the show, they had filled the standing room only sections, but people with the vouchers were still coming in & finding seats in the reserved sections. The CMs did a wonderful job of direction people, as well as stopping people without the vouchers from crossing to the roped-off seats. It was all very orderly.

 

[Castillo Mom]

How long before the show to they allow people in?

 

[SingingMom]

Three trips ago was our first experience with Fantasmic.... I was never so frightened for my life in WDW as I was that night - the pushing and shoving to get into the seating area was horrific. I told my husband to hold onto our daughter at all times and we would try to find each other when we got inside. It was so hot and crowded that I truly thought I was going to pass out, with all the throngs of people shoving.

Loved the show - but had major anxiety looking for the exits because I was afraid the departure would be as chaotic as the entrance.

Last year, I was able to book the Fantasmic dinner package. Had a HORRIBLE meal at Hollywood and Vine, but we were able to enter the stadium through the "side door" and I felt much more safe and calm.

This year we had my parents with us. Was unable to get ANY dinner package at all and there was NO WAY ON EARTH I would submit my 70 year old parents to that pushing and shoving crowd, so we weren't able to attend.

There HAS to be a "better way"......

 

[Joshua_me]

Also remember that even with the dining package if the show is cancelled due to bad weather you are, um, 'out of luck'. (I'd like to use another expression... )

NO refunds. It happened to us, one. "A licence to steal", remarked my Mom at the time.

As much as it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, I have to vote for making it a hard ticket. (Refundable, if show is cancelled) If I had family or friends coming into town from far away, and this was their one chance to see the show, I'd gladly pay extra to make sure they saw it, and without being crushed by the crowds.

 

[kevgraub]

Also remember that even with the dining package if the show is cancelled due to bad weather you are, um, 'out of luck'. (I'd like to use another expression... )

NO refunds. It happened to us, one. "A licence to steal", remarked my Mom at the time.

I guess that does not bother me all that much. The Fantasmic Package does not cost you anymore than a meal at that restaurant would cost, so its not like you are getting nothing for your money.

I know people may eat at a place they would not normally eat, or have to eat earlier than they want to eat, but you still got a meal at the normal price even if the show is cancelled.

 

[CheshireCat]

OMGoodness....Fantasmic only shows a couple nights a week??? I did not know that. Can anyone give me a link to find out about this? Thank you in advance.

 

[lustergirl]

I seen it twice- no need again!! Too many people shoving and pushing, trying to get out when it is done!!

 

[kevgraub]

OMGoodness....Fantasmic only shows a couple nights a week??? I did not know that. Can anyone give me a link to find out about this? Thank you in advance.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/sepfw09.cfm

It is only showing twice a week in September.