Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[Minnie's Mate]

faithinkarma
The exit is the same for everyone including those who do not have FDP. Instead of going out next to Oxcar's Garage, you turn right and come out on the otherside of the the Beauty and the Beast theater onto the same street as the entrance to the Hollywood Hills Ampitheater.

 

[Cinda Indiana]

Very limited availability for our time frame (1/3-1/8). We could have 3:50 on1/4, 3:30 or 3:50 on 1/5 or 4:00 on 1/7, which is what we chose. I asked twice about the "special menu" at the Brown Derby, and was told that we would have choice of either soup, salad or appetizer, plus any selection of entree from the "regular" menu, and dessert. She denied twice that we would have some limited menu. All I could do was hope she was right....for the price I don't think we should have a limited menu. This is dumb on my part: She took my credit card number but I don't know if she actually charged the account...I will have to call back to find out. As far as other dining; At the same time I booked a 7:50pm at Calif Grill on 1/3 and a 7:30 at Boma on 1/5. She told me the "top 3 requests" are for Alfredo's in Italy, the Tapanyaki, and Le Cellier. I will think about the other 2 nights and call back. We need to have somethink in DD area for Tues for 9pm Solei show, but haven't decided. Looks like both House of Blues and Fultons were wide open for that day so far. So many choices, so few days! Whew!

 

[faithinkarma]

Cinda Indiana

When we ate there early this November there was a separate menu for Fantasmic. It had MOST of the selections from the regular menu, but a few were eliminated. I wish I could tell you which ones, but memory fails me.

They take your credit card number so they can charge you if you fail to show up. You won't be billed until the day you go.

 

[drp4video]

Can you get a package for December 31st, and get in to Sorcer in the Sky-or is it only for Fantasmic-and do they do both Fantasmic and Sorcer on New Years eve?

 

[SUZENW]

n

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Suzenw, they don't pre-charge your credit card. They take the credit card number and charge you IF you don't dine at the restaurant. This way, people won't make the FDP PS and just go to the show.

Of course, people couldn't do this since they wouldn't have their FDP entry card until they have checked in at the restaurant or paid their bill...I forgot when you get it. I think you get it at check-in at Hollywood and Vine and you get it at the end of the meal at HBD. Either way, they won't charge your card until the day of the FDP wheather you eat or not. There is a cancelation period if you change your mind, but I think it is at least 24 hours in advance but don't rely on me, it may be more.

 

[chirsty'smom]

We have always loved the buffet style and with a 4 yr old, it's much easier.
The hours for dinner were either really early or really late. But it's a toss up because we wanted to go on Sat Dec. 27th and NOT wanting to wait forever in line. Plus the fact that the hrs. are extended, so an 8:20 dinner was manageable. Finish by 9:15 back over to MK by 10pm ride Buzz AGAIN, check on ToonTown AGAIN.

Plus I keep hearing to eat at "off hours" - w/a late dinner we'll have to eat breakfast & lunch late too which during XMas wk. will be beneficial.

Besides my 4 yr old has hit a growth spurt and is eating CONSTANTLY, he'll be glad to eat a big meal at 8pm.

Patty

 

[vicb]

to book the pkg or not... this has been a major discussion for our trip Feb. 22-29. Being the worrywart that I am I was leaning toward it but DH convinced me otherwise and I booked Mama Melrose at 4:30 (7pm Fastas.) and we will take our chances with seating. Didn't like the idea of being tied into this 4 course dinner (way more food than we would normally order) rain or shine. We did the pkg. at H&V before the new policy and really wasn't necessary the night we were there but who minded when it didn't cost extra. Anyway, now the decision is made, hopefully all will work out.

 

[jann1033]

I am so back and forth on this also...any other opnions fromthose who went in the slow times.?..although I wonder how slow ours will be since we managed to include both MLK and Marathon weekends (must be ) in our vacation... we are planning it for Sat the 10th and am worried

 

[mikemelita]

After doing the show last Jan, and then the dinner package a few days ago, I suggest getting to the theater AT LEAST an hour early if you want a really good seat (5-10 rows up, in the center section).
Weather is, of course a big consideration for this outdoor event NOT to be missed!
Hollywood & Vine is a GREAT buffet, go hungry, and don't worry about the package, there is nothing special about the seats, the treatment, etc. I'm going to write my 1st Trip Report this week, hope to lend a few insights (like what to do when it POURS).

 

[lillygator]

Sorry - but can somone please explain what the Fantasmic thing is? Is it a dinner show?

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by mikemelita
After doing the show last Jan, and then the dinner package a few days ago, I suggest getting to the theater AT LEAST an hour early if you want a really good seat (5-10 rows up, in the center section).
Weather is, of course a big consideration for this outdoor event NOT to be missed!
Hollywood & Vine is a GREAT buffet, go hungry, and don't worry about the package, there is nothing special about the seats, the treatment, etc. I'm going to write my 1st Trip Report this week, hope to lend a few insights (like what to do when it POURS).

am I right that you just line up then? it's not like they let anyone with out the fantasmic package in till closer to the actual time? so if we just keep our eye on the line we could see if it is getting long and jump in? have not seen this so do not really know the set up. is the regular line visible from the main walkway or is it inside ( thinking great movie ride)

lillygator, it's kind of like a light show but you can buy a dinner package that gets you a free ticket so you can go in a special way and not wait in the longer line ..BUT the catch is you have to eat a full meal at Brown Derby, hollywood and vine or mama melrose to get the ticket. or you can takes you chances and just wait in the line with us pions ! www.allearsnet.com has lots of info under dining , left side listing, scroll down till you get to fantasmic dinner package.

 

[fairytalelover]

We are going Feb 1-8. What is the policy for the Fantasmic dinner package then? Also, is the Sci-Fi restaurant included?

 

[MaryKatesMom]

fairytalelover - as of now, no Sci-Fi isn't one of the restaurants but that could always change.

Jan1033 - no you can not see the line. It is a bit of a walk into the theater and they start seating at least a couple of hours beforehand.

vicb - you're right about being tied in. My DD's 5 and 3 at the time ate practically nothing and so it was a waste AND fantasmic was cancelled so we were out of luck. They wouldn't give us passes from the next night although others from the board have had that happen.

Minnies Mate is right they don't pre-charge your card but I think for some reason it is now a 48 hour cancellation and no longer 24 hours. I'd have canceled 24 hours if I believed in the weather channel.

 

[Condorman]

Did anybody do the FDP the first week of December, specifically that first weekend (around the taping of the Disney Christmas Parade) and what were the crowds like? I'm sure they were huge.

Also, I noticed H&V recently became dinner-only. But they must be doing earlier seatings to accommodate the show? Does anyone know what time they start seating and when is the last PS they'll take?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jvs205]

We did the Fantasmic dinner package with the Brown Derby on the Saturday night after New Year's Eve. It was terrific! We reserved for the 6:30 Fantasmic -- showed up at the back gate at 6:00 and got great seats for the show (2nd section in from the side, middle of the section, no sightlines blocked by the light poles). Then we had a dinner reservation at Brown Derby for 8:00. For $37 per person, you get an appetizer, entree and dessert. It's not a special menu so you can choose anything off the regular menu. If you're choosing the more expensive entrees like we did, you'll end up saving a few dollars this way. The meal was absolutely fabulous. I highly recommend the rack of lamb and the creme brulee! It's not a cheap meal, but if you're looking to treat yourself, it's a wonderful place to go. And if you have a later reservation like we did, you'll find the dining room to be a little quieter and more relaxed.

 

[faithinkarma]

I find it very interesting how some people seem to get to order from the full menu and others get a separate menu.

We were at the BD in November 2003, and definitely were given a separate menu. It actually said Fantasmic Dinner Package on the menu. And I could see other diners reading a larger menu.

Most of the items on the regular menu were available, but I had planned on having the lobster bisque, and it was not on "our" menu.

 

[jann1033]

just to add my 2 cents we had no problem getting seats last week minus the package and the weather was nice and park pretty full..lots of the package seats remained empty( about a whole section)while the rest was pretty full but we got there about 20 mins pre show, walked right in and had good seats although it was filling up rapidly at that time. guessing it was not capacity or they would have used that other section.

personally thought the show a little much for toddlers, the little 3-4 yr old boy beside us left screaming in terror and heard lots of other little ones crying during it. I remember my one daughter of that age hated even disney at drive ins due to the size of the screens and think that would have applied here also especially with the larger than life villans, dragons, loud noise, dark ,could =plenty of nightmares of the real variety later that night!..pretty intense so know your little kid's fears before you take them and regret it. I was a little surprised by the "scary factor"

 

[mom_rules]

We also did BD Fantasmic last May-no special menu-we were
also on the Gold Plan-so went a little overboard on food. Don't know if that made the difference.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We've always done the Brown Derby fantasmic and I'm not sure we would do it again. We went in Dec. during low crowds but the problem was that the latest dinner reservations we could get was 4:30. My DD's were not hungry but we paid $9.99, they didn't eat a thing but of course were starving later.