Fantasmic Dining Question

[jenk1013]

We are not doing the dinner package (because we have the MYW and it isn't included), but still want to see Fantasmic. What is our best option. Here is our day:

MK at Park Opening
Lunch at counter service or CRT (if I can get it)
Break (depending on how we feel, weather, crowds, etc..)

Now this is where I am getting confused:

Dinner--where and when????
Line up for Fantasmic--7pm? (or earlier??)
Fantasmic- 8pm

So my main question is where and when to make the reservations for dinner or should we just do a counter if we get CRT? We are staying at Carribean Beach and using Disney transportation, so I know that we need to allot a lot of time for that. I'm just really confused.

Also, once you get in line with your group, is it possible for one adult to take the kids out to do a show or ride somewhere else while the other adults hold the space. I'm just worried that my 2 preschoolers will get antsy for an hour.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Jen

 

[gigi1313]

although we did the dinner package when we were there last year, our plan for our upcoming trip is to get to the stadium/theatre about an hour before show time and get counter-service there for dinner in our seats... it will kill some time, i expect the lines to be long, it won't be gourmet fare, but it will fill us up and hopefully leave room for popcorn or ice cream during the show!

 

[kandmwedding]

Is your trip going to be during a time when Fantasmic is shown twice? If so, I highly recommend going to the second show. We went to the second show in June and the theater was only half full - plenty of seats. We arrived about 20 minutes before show time and had no problem getting seats in the section that is slightly off center.

As far as meals go - I'm a one counter service meal a day kinda girl, so if you get CRT I suggest just doing cs for dinner, and if you don't try H&V. The buffet options sound like they'll appeal to your whole group and it's easy on the wallet.

If you do have to go to the first/only show I would suggest lining up at least 45 minutes ahead of time. If you must you can have someone save seats, but just be aware that if you're coming in close to show time and they've deemed the theater as being filled to capacity they won't let you in - whether you've got seats saved or not. So if you do take the kids out to entertian them, just try to get back in plenty of time (say no ore than 20 minutes beforehand). And then maybe get the kids a glow stick or something to keep them entertained.

 

[DemoBri1]

I've only seen Fantasmic twice, once with dinner package (last year), and once without (honeymoon in 98).

The dinner package was nice because we knew that we didn't have to rush to go and stand in line. We were able to walk into the back entrance about 15-20 minutes before show time. I will say that while you didn't have the pick of the section, we were able to find some seats on the end with a group of 8.

If you don't get CRT early in the day, then by all means try out one of the dinner packages. H & V, as one of the previous posters stated, seems like a good fit with the buffet. Normally, everyone can find something to eat on a buffet. It was not the best meal we had in WDW, but it was nowhere near the worst. I'd say it's a bit above average, plus the price is right. Just beware that the kids will probably not eat $10.95 worth of food.

If you don't do the dinner package I'd still suggest H&V or a couple of the Counter Service places over towards ToT and RnRC. They have your typical American Fare (i.e. burgers, dogs, fries, pop, pizza, etc.) You'll have to be in that area to get into Fantasmic anyway.

Good Luck and most of all Enjoy the Trip!!!

Brian