Fantasmic Dining Package Problems

[AKL LOVER]

Yes that was us! Our daughter was the one who thought you were Ariel!! Hope you had a great vacation!

 

[AKL LOVER]

OP, I am sorry to hear that you were not able to get into Fantasmic! that evening. We were also there on May 7 with a F! dining package. We got our ticket when we settled the bill and our server told us exactly where to go and when we need to get there. (I knew about the entrance change but didn't know about the 60 minutes ahead recommendation, so it was helpful).

We got to the theatre about 65-70 minutes before the show, no line up at all for the reserved section. This means it would have been around 7:20-7:25 when we got there. Only one of the two reserved sections was half full then, and the far left (audience left) section was completely empty. In other words, what the CM's told you about filling the stadium at 7:10 was not true. However, a steady stream of people came to the stadium after we sat down. I took a picture of the theatre after the far left section was filled, and it was around 7:40. I am not sure when the ropes to the reserved seating section came down, as I couldn't see through the crowds. I do believe there was space in the far right section still available when I took the crowd picture at 7:40.

The reason why I decided to post my experience is not to dispute what OP found (just in case I come across that way), but to let others know that the dining package worked for us. Though, our joke of the trip is that we waited longer for Fantasmic! than to see the fairies.

The second show that evening must have been pretty full as well. We left the park at around 9:30 and the line for the second show was down to where the morning rope drop usually occurs. I don't have a good sense of how many people are in line for the second show but I hope people in that line got in!

Purple ears--I'm glad that not everyone had a bad experience that night! Because I went to the wrong entrance at 7:25, I hightailed it to the main gate and was there by 7:40, but they had already stopped letting people in. It was a mob scene! By the time I pushed through the mob it was more like 7:55 and that was when the CM at the front told me they had filled the theater by 7:10. He must have been crazy since obviously you got in after that. Oh well. I've chalked it up to a good life experience and now I know what to expect next time!

Thanks everyone for listening to me vent!

 

[jennyf10]

I've got to wonder if the removal of the separate entrance has something to do with the DDP. I am on the regular DDP and for me, with the summer surcharge, my F! MM package will cost $38 pp. This is close to the cost of the entire plan for one day, plus I'll get an appetizer included with this meal. With the removal of appetizers from the regular plan and the introduction of the DDxP I forsee the F! dining package at H&V remaining 1 TS (because it's a buffet), MM becomming a 2 TS meal (because the package includes appetizers) and BD staying 2 TS or becomming 1 TS on DDxP. Of course, Disney will then reopen the old entrance to market the change as something worth paying 2 TS credits for.

As for my trip this summer, either I get into the theatre to see the show or I get my DDP TS credits reimbursed. (a girl can dream... )

 

[catne]

I've got to wonder if the removal of the separate entrance has something to do with the DDP. I am on the regular DDP and for me, with the summer surcharge, my F! MM package will cost $38 pp. This is close to the cost of the entire plan for one day, plus I'll get an appetizer included with this meal. With the removal of appetizers from the regular plan and the introduction of the DDxP I forsee the F! dining package at H&V remaining 1 TS (because it's a buffet), MM becomming a 2 TS meal (because the package includes appetizers) and BD staying 2 TS or becomming 1 TS on DDxP. Of course, Disney will then reopen the old entrance to market the change as something worth paying 2 TS credits for.

As for my trip this summer, either I get into the theatre to see the show or I get my DDP TS credits reimbursed. (a girl can dream... )

Good luck with getting your 1 TS credit reimbursed -- really, you are getting a meal for your 1 TS credit, which is what you're supposed to get for 1 TS credit...and actually getting a good value meal for it too, if you go with the appetizer version.

The changes to the package have nothing to do with the DDP (why is everything blamed on the DDP, anyway? The dining plans are economically advantageous to WDW, or they would cancel them.) Of the thousands of patrons attending a Fantasmic performance, only a very, very small section is set aside for Fantasmic dinner package patrons. And some of the people on the package pay cash for the package dinner, not DDP. It is economic sense, dollars & sense, to eliminate the extra gate. Last time we went using the separate entrance there was 2 CMs at the special entrance gate - one stayed there at the gate while the other "walked" a group up the back way...then at the top there was another CM lining up strollers, and yet another at the top entrance into the theater directing us to the seats, and shooing non-package guests out of the reserved seats - so there were 4 CMs basically just handling the Fantasmic package seating area. Now they just use the same ones at the regular entry, no extra CMs needed. Between cutting down on the number of shows (which is where the big $$$ was saved) and eliminating the need for 2-3 additional CMs every night for several hours the expenses were cut considerably.

 

[stinkerbella6206]

Quick question for those that have used the Fantasmic package... we have ADR for Mama Melrose FP for May31, and decided to do so only to save on the amount of waiting time to see Fantasmic, as we will be going with our 3 yo daughter. I am wondering if it is even worth doing anymore, if we would need to get there so early, as we didn't even really want to eat at MM anyway... but could just one of us go in, save 3 seats in the reserved section, and the other one bring DD in closer to the show start time to still minimize her waiting time ( she would get antsy waiting over an hour for the show to start)? Or would that not work out? Would really hate to do the FP and not get to see Fantasmic, or have to get there just as early as w/o the package...

 

[Robo]

Quick question for those that have used the Fantasmic package... we have ADR for Mama Melrose FP for May31, and decided to do so only to save on the amount of waiting time to see Fantasmic, as we will be going with our 3 yo daughter.
1- I am wondering if it is even worth doing anymore, if we would need to get there so early, as we didn't even really want to eat at MM anyway... but
2- could just one of us go in, save 3 seats in the reserved section, and the other one bring DD in closer to the show start time to still minimize her waiting time ( she would get antsy waiting over an hour for the show to start)?
3-Or would that not work out?
...

1- Up to you. I wouldn't do the Dining Pkg., myself.
2- No. That could be disastrous. They could close the entry and you would not be able to enter.
3- I wouldn't chance it.

 

[jennyf10]

Good luck with getting your 1 TS credit reimbursed -- really, you are getting a meal for your 1 TS credit, which is what you're supposed to get for 1 TS credit...and actually getting a good value meal for it too, if you go with the appetizer version.

The changes to the package have nothing to do with the DDP (why is everything blamed on the DDP, anyway? The dining plans are economically advantageous to WDW, or they would cancel them.) Of the thousands of patrons attending a Fantasmic performance, only a very, very small section is set aside for Fantasmic dinner package patrons. And some of the people on the package pay cash for the package dinner, not DDP. It is economic sense, dollars & sense, to eliminate the extra gate. Last time we went using the separate entrance there was 2 CMs at the special entrance gate - one stayed there at the gate while the other "walked" a group up the back way...then at the top there was another CM lining up strollers, and yet another at the top entrance into the theater directing us to the seats, and shooing non-package guests out of the reserved seats - so there were 4 CMs basically just handling the Fantasmic package seating area. Now they just use the same ones at the regular entry, no extra CMs needed. Between cutting down on the number of shows (which is where the big $$$ was saved) and eliminating the need for 2-3 additional CMs every night for several hours the expenses were cut considerably.

While I agree eliminating the separate entrance saves the cost of having two or four CMs manning the gate, if costs are cut too much Disney will no longer continue the F! dinner package because no one will purchase it. Having a separate entrance at the main gate (as shown on Robo's map) would reduce the number of CMs and save costs; would still make the plan adventagous to people paying OOP; and making the package a 2 TS meal would be economical for Disney to fit into the DDP. I see it as a win/win for everyone.

And yes, I realize I'm getting a meal but I'm also paying to sit in the reserved section. If someone paid OOP for the package and didn't get a seat I think their meal should be comped, too.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I've got to wonder if the removal of the separate entrance has something to do with the DDP. I am on the regular DDP and for me, with the summer surcharge,

Nope. My memory is not the greatest, but even if the Fantasmic! Dining Package began before the DDP, the latter has been in existence for four years, four months, two weeks, three days - and I really do think the Disney Dining Plan came first. The closure of the separate entrance seems to coincide with the actual reduction of Fantasmic! shows.

The changes to the package have nothing to do with the DDP (why is everything blamed on the DDP, anyway?

! I had the same thought.

 

[dcherry]

Why dosen't Disney just make this a FP atttraction like someone else mentioned? If you have a FP you get in, if not then you don't. Wouldn't this solve the mobs of people issue and the extra cost of CM's or am I missing something?

 

[AKL LOVER]

Quick question for those that have used the Fantasmic package... we have ADR for Mama Melrose FP for May31, and decided to do so only to save on the amount of waiting time to see Fantasmic, as we will be going with our 3 yo daughter. I am wondering if it is even worth doing anymore, if we would need to get there so early, as we didn't even really want to eat at MM anyway... but could just one of us go in, save 3 seats in the reserved section, and the other one bring DD in closer to the show start time to still minimize her waiting time ( she would get antsy waiting over an hour for the show to start)? Or would that not work out? Would really hate to do the FP and not get to see Fantasmic, or have to get there just as early as w/o the package...

Stinkerbella--Robo is right!! DO NOT send one of you in to hold seats and the other try to bring your daughter in closer to show time. They will close the main gates and not let anyone else in as it gets closer to show time. The night we were there, there were about 20 people yelling at the CM at the main gate b/c he would not let them in. They had family inside holding there seats they said, but the CM said that they had filled the theater to capacity and would not let anyone in. And that was 50 minutes before the show started!

 

[TJM1976]

I sent an email to WDW and asked where the line and gathering place for the F! dinner package guests were. I just wanted to see what answer they were giving. And I got a response yesterday.....

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

Guest will need to enter right next to Oscars gas station at the enterance to the park.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all correspondence.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXXXX


I did respond that I was a little confused that I heard that Oscar's was no longer the entrance for dinner package guests. I'll post if I receive a response from that.

I'm not doubting the info from the other posters on here... just wanted to see what WDW was telling guests.

 

[jennyf10]

I'm interested to know what Disney tells you, too. According to their website, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/dining/fantasmic-dinner-package/:

"Pick up your VIP voucher for the show upon payment of your meal at your chosen restaurant. Please plan on arriving at Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at least 30 minutes prior to the show. Enter next to Oscar's Gas Station.

On days when there is more than one Fantasmic! showtime, the Fantasmic! Dinner Package is only available for the first show. "

Why are they still advertising the separate entrance if it no longer exists? (not doubting anyone here...)

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

cant wait to hear their response!

 

[ShannonMB]

I'm interested to know what Disney tells you, too. According to their website, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/dining/fantasmic-dinner-package/:

"Pick up your VIP voucher for the show upon payment of your meal at your chosen restaurant. Please plan on arriving at Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at least 30 minutes prior to the show. Enter next to Oscar's Gas Station.

On days when there is more than one Fantasmic! showtime, the Fantasmic! Dinner Package is only available for the first show. "

Why are they still advertising the separate entrance if it no longer exists? (not doubting anyone here...)

I LOVE Disney and Fantasmic! as much as the next DISer, but this is just unacceptable. I think it's sad that their website is so ruefully behind the times, and that they are sending incorrect info to guests via "official correspondence". These changes have literally been in place for MONTHS, and were in place on my last visit. I'm sorry you are getting incorrect info, pretty sad when we have to seek outside sources to find out simple information like this!! SHAME!

 

[popsynic]

cant wait to hear their response!

I have had a friend return from (a very wet) vacation in WDW this week. She said that she had this package, and was told to join the regular line, but go to the front of it. She said that once there she showed her voucher to a cast meber, there was a roped off section on the right hand side of the regular waiting crowd, and she was allowed to walk to the front of this clear section and enter the seating area. This roped off line was also being used by souvenir sellers she said.

 

[bwilcox]

I LOVE Disney and Fantasmic! as much as the next DISer, but this is just unacceptable. I think it's sad that their website is so ruefully behind the times, and that they are sending incorrect info to guests via "official correspondence". These changes have literally been in place for MONTHS, and were in place on my last visit. I'm sorry you are getting incorrect info, pretty sad when we have to seek outside sources to find out simple information like this!! SHAME!

There was someone posting just last week that they followed the old info (tried to enter the old way). By the time they figured out the FDP entrance had changed and got to the theater, the reserved section had already been opened up and they didn't get seats!

 

[Robo]

I have had a friend return from (a very wet) vacation in WDW this week. She said that she had this package, and was told to join the regular line, but go to the front of it. She said that once there she showed her voucher to a cast meber, there was a roped off section on the right hand side of the regular waiting crowd, and she was allowed to walk to the front of this clear section and enter the seating area. This roped off line was also being used by souvenir sellers she said.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

i think id be worried id have hundreds if not a thousand people yelling at me!!! i remember on our last vacay the cm's trying to direct people to use both side of the lines to get on the monorail to go to mk and hubby and i did and the people that yelled at us!

I have had a friend return from (a very wet) vacation in WDW this week. She said that she had this package, and was told to join the regular line, but go to the front of it. She said that once there she showed her voucher to a cast meber, there was a roped off section on the right hand side of the regular waiting crowd, and she was allowed to walk to the front of this clear section and enter the seating area. This roped off line was also being used by souvenir sellers she said.

 

[enchantingodin]

I'm interested to know what Disney tells you, too. According to their website, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/dining/fantasmic-dinner-package/:

"Pick up your VIP voucher for the show upon payment of your meal at your chosen restaurant. Please plan on arriving at Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at least 30 minutes prior to the show. Enter next to Oscar's Gas Station.

On days when there is more than one Fantasmic! showtime, the Fantasmic! Dinner Package is only available for the first show. "

Why are they still advertising the separate entrance if it no longer exists? (not doubting anyone here...)

I just tried the page several times and I'm getting, "Page Not Found- 404 Error
The page you requested could not be found." Maybe Disney has hired people to watch the Dis... spooky...






I'm kidding of course - well mostly.

 

[popsynic]

i think id be worried id have hundreds if not a thousand people yelling at me!!! i remember on our last vacay the cm's trying to direct people to use both side of the lines to get on the monorail to go to mk and hubby and i did and the people that yelled at us!

I see what you are saying - a bit like that walk jodie foster has to make to get to hannibal lecters cell at the start of silence of lambs!!

However this is how disney are dealing with FDP voucher holders, so you just have to run the gauntlet I suppose and hope that cast members will explain to people on the other side of the line and ask them to put down their pitchforks and extinguish their flaming torches.

You could put a towel over your head and run I suppose?