Fantasmic Dining Package

[lthiesfeld07]

Hi everyone!

I just booked the Fantasmic Dining Package for March 27. I wanted Mama Melrose (I've eaten here before and it's cheaper) but it wasn't available. So I had to book The Brown Derby. I've never eaten here before. I know I am in for a treat! Has anyone ever experienced the Fantasmic Dining Package at the Brown Derby before?

Thanks for the opinions!

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[DisneyFansInNYC]

I will say that I don't think you need the Dinner package to see the Fantasmic. We were just there during February break when it was extremely crowded and did not have a problem getting into the show. They didn't make us wait on line this year. The gates were open early and they allowed everyone in to get seats. They also had entertainment before the show started. So maybe you can go to Mama Melrose without the Fantasmic package.

 

[lthiesfeld07]

That is good to know. However, seeing as it is Easter Week, I am a bit nervous and would rather not waste hours waiting in line. But thanks for the info!


Has anyone done the Brown Derby for Fantasmic?

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[zaz]

I did Brown Derby. I loved it. Thé food was great!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Yes, I did it last September when I went to WDW with my brother.

We both agreed that the Brown Derby was the best meal we had at Disney (we also ate at Flying Fish, Kouzina, Grand Floridian Cafe, Tusker House, and Via Napoli)

That being said, we didn't need the Fantasmic package--when we showed up for our seats, there were still plenty of seats available*--good seats too!

But I think the meal at Brown Derby was worth it just on it's own. Everything (food, service, ambiance) all perfect!

*Edited to clarify--there were still plenty of good seats available in the general seating area

 

[NuJoy]

We used to always dine at Brown Derby for our Fantasmic! package; but have now switched to Mama Melrose. The reason is because we expect a more elegant dining experience when we go to Brown Derby; but they tend to seat package families together and each year the children of other guests were getting more and more rambunctious (running around tables, interfering with other guests at other tables, and spilling large amounts of food onto the floor). We don't have the same standard of expectations at Mama Melrose and have been much more satisfied there the past few trips. I love Brown Derby; so I choose an evening with the latest reservation I can get to be able to enjoy a more sophisticated dining experience and the unique flare of the restaurant.

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[VAfamily1998]

We used to always dine at Brown Derby for our Fantasmic! package; but have now switched to Mama Melrose. The reason is because we expect a more elegant dining experience when we go to Brown Derby; but they tend to seat package families together and each year the children of other guests were getting more and more rambunctious (running around tables, interfering with other guests at other tables, and spilling large amounts of food onto the floor). We don't have the same standard of expectations at Mama Melrose and have been much more satisfied there the past few trips. I love Brown Derby; so I choose an evening with the latest reservation I can get to be able to enjoy a more sophisticated dining experience and the unique flare of the restaurant.

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I can see why you would say that. When I went with my brother, it was just the two of us (both adults--probably assumed to be a couple) and we were seated at one of the nice, quiet, almost private booths along the side of the restaurant. We noticed that larger parties (and it seemed they all included young children) were seated at the large tables in the middle of the floor of the restaurant, and I even remarked to my brother that I would not want to be seated there. It seemed one family, in particular, was letting their kids run wild.

FWIW, we were there for lunch, with ADRs for the earliest seating (I think 11:30?) on a saturday.

 

[lthiesfeld07]

Thanks everyone!

I have a 3:15 ADR with 2 other adults. The menu seems very "adult". I am very picky when it comes to food. But with the fixed price, I feel better about eating here.

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[Cyrano]

Moving to Dining board

 

[catne]

we ate there twice last year using the dining package for Fantasmic.

1st, have to say I agree with those posters who are saying you probably do not need the package anymore. It was totally necessary for a couple of years when the economy was completely in the dumps because Disney cut back FAntasmic showings to a total of 2 or 3 a week...in those days, yes, the place was full & the gates closed an hour before show time. But for the last year, they are back to shows every night, and 2 shows a night during busy weeks. If you show up 45-60 minutes before the show you will get a seat now...no need to line up 90 min. ahead of time anymore. Just my 2 cents on that.

2nd...while we loved the food at HBD, have to say those two meals were the SLOWEST meals we have every had at Disney (and we have been to most of the Disney restaurants, including all of the other signature restaurants.) Last time we were at Brown Derby...in the Fall, during a slow week...our meal from seating until leaving was 2 hours 40 minutes. I kid you not! And that was a 3:00 seating. We thought we were going to have a lot of time after our meal before we had to go to the theater...NOT. By the time we got out of the restaurant it was almost 6:00, and the show was at 7:00. The other time is was just over 2 hours from the time we were seated until we were walking out of the restaurant, so it wasn't a whole lot better.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

Love the food at HBD.
I just ate there this past Sunday for Lunch.
It was delicious as always, with great service.