Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[JoshMom5]

We are going in June and there is only one show on the day we made the PS for and the time is 9PM. I guess since it is still light out in June at 8 and 8:30, they have to schedule the show later when it gets dark. There are some dates in June when the show is scheduled at 9 and then 10:30.

 

[marybet]

This is just a guess but maybe they don't do the package for the later show because you don't need it. I have never been during the busy season but I think I read on some trip reports that when there are two shows the second one isn't as crowded and since you can't get in until the first show is over maybe you don't have to wait as long. Just a thought.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

marybet, you might be right about the summer season, but we go at Christmas every year and have the same thing then: show at 6:30 or 7:00 and FDP only available before 4:30, even when they schedule a second show at 8:30 or 9:00. In fact, we haven't done the FDP the last 3 or 4 trips, but do Fantasmic every trip and the FDP section might have 20-30% capacity and they will start putting non-FDP in that section about 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

It makes me wonder if the FDP wasn't successful in meeting their objective so they are trying to phase it out by making it less popular.

 

[marybet]

Minnie's Mate, you may be right about phasing it out. When I first made the PS's for our May 2003 trip, 90 days out, I got a very early time, think it was 4:30, it was a year ago and my memory is not good. Anyway, when the May hours finally came out I needed to change the day for the FDP and when I called I was able to get a FDP for 6, so that we could watch the parade first. I was so surprised because when I called earlier they had no later times. I think sometimes the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. They need to come up with a better system.

 

[JKanownik]

I already posted this on another FDP thread, but I missed this one. From 90-31 days out the latest FDP time you can get at any restaurant regardless of how many Fantasmic shows there are is 4:30 PM. Once you hit 30 days out they open up ALL remaining available PS times to the fantasmic package.

-DH

 

[whopper65]

Thanks, that's good to know. Hope you have a great time at WDW!

 

[mom_rules]

Just did Fantasmic Dinner Pkg at BD last week. You order off the regular menu-appetizer, main course and dessert - set price is $36.99 - Beverages are extra (kind of surprised us since you would think for $36 they'd at least include a soda). Service was great, food was excellent. Allow at least 1 to 1-1/2 hours to eat (took us 2 hours and we had 3:30pm PS). The place was packed by 4:00pm.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanks, JKanownik. We are just a couple of weeks away from our 30 day mark and I will call first thing that day to see if I can get a later FDP time. The only show that day is at 9:00 and it just doesn't make sense to have to eat 4.5 hours before the show, 2.5 yes but not 4.5!

If I can get the later FDP time, I will swap our lunch at HBD for a FDP and re-schedule our 50's Prime Time PS for lunch. Those are our favorite Disney-MGM restaurants!

 

[senecabeach]

JKanownik,

Thanks sooooo much for that tip !!!


I originally had a 3:30 ressie @ the BD for 5/20.
I just finished calling wdw-dine and DID change my ressis to 6:30.
Didn't have any problem..in fact..I was asked what time I wanted !!

Thanks Again

 

[mom_rules]

Try to get to your PS a little early so that you can get seated right at 6:30 - it took us two hours to finish our dinner. If Fantasmic is at 8:30 you will be rushed for time if this happens to you.

 

[senecabeach]

Lets look @ another reality...................

With the PS FDP...you still need to be ready 45-60 min ahead of time to get "good seating" ????

So........how much of a time difference is there........really!!

The non-PS seats are 2/3's the arena anyway !!

Yea....Disney is getting greedy-er........ Yea.....but..."WE" are still buying into it !

 

[whopper65]

What you're doing is guaranteeing not only a decent seat, but no waiting time standing in line. If you are willing to stand in line for up to and possibly over an hour, then you may get a better seat, although in my opinion most seats other than the far corners are good seats. Of course weather plays a factor. If it is cold, you may not want to sit too close, because you will get wet.

The key is for most attendees who have small children, usually after a long day at WDW, any standing/waiting time is especially excruciating. That alone should not be underestimated.

The bottom line is don't read too much into anything Disney does, just consider if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this instance.

Being a Disney vet of over thirty years, we feel that the Fanstasmic Package, if you are willing to pay for a meal that you probably would have sprung for anyway, gets you good seating without standing in line. To us that's worth it.

 

[senecabeach]

whopper65,

Overall you do have the right idea.... though...

Its the "New" increased $$$ methodology I object too ..

 

[whopper65]

Unfortunately you're right about that. I hate to get political, but I think if Roy Disney and his group regain control, we might see some positive things happen. Over thirty years, I've seen WDW grow and, for the most part, everything was a positive step. Lately, however, some things seem to be un-Disney-like (i.e. cheap and/or less than stellar entertainment). The "pizzazz" and imagination seem to be missing in a lot of the new attractions. Don't get me wrong, because most of them are better than anywhere else, but it just doesn't seem the same.

For the most part, however, I will continue to go to WDW and enjoy the magical atmosphere that continues in spite of the troubles at the top of the food chain.

It's ironic that Disney was welcomed with open arms in Florida, but the giant has become so big that many of the other long-time attractions have gone bust. It takes the better part of a week to enjoy all things at the World, so it leaves basically no time for anything else. Most vacationers (I am assuming here) probably have no longer than one week scheduled (time/money constraints). Universal, however, is fighting the good fight.

 

[mom_rules]

We arrived about 10 mins before the show and had awesome seats (far right-on the aisle, directly in front of a water screen). Also great for a quick exit to beat the throngs leaving. We thought the price for the BD Pkg was a little high but the food and service were excellent. BD was my family's choice (we had been there twice before).

 

[boboever]

We'll be WDW May1-8. SHould I get the fantasmic dinner package now.

If I don't have one, will I be able to find seats then. How long the waitting might be? I think it should be very busy that time.

Do I need an admission to the show itself?

Thanks!

 

[whopper65]

After you've picked the day and time you want to see the Fantasmic show, call ASAP. If you have young children, you might want the early show (if there are two). Try to get priority seating about two hours before the scheduled showtime. That way, you will have plenty of time if you don't get seated right away. The benefit of the package is that you don't pay anything extra with your meal, and you avoid standing in line for an hour or more before you get in. Keep in mind, you will then wait some more before the show actually starts.

My recommendation is to book Hollywood & Vine restaurant, since they have a large selection of food at a decent price. If you're looking for quality food (but pricey) try the Brown Derby. Again, if you have young children, try Hollywood & Vine.

If you can't get a relatively late reservation, take the early one (no earlier than 4:30) and then do some shopping or sightseeing until your scheduled time to report to Oscar's to get into the show.

Good luck, and have a great time!

 

[Sunkissed]

Looking for help from experienced visitors:

My boyfriend and I are visiting WDW in December (2nd-7th) and are planning on being at MGM on our last night (6th). At this time of year, is it essential that we book the package (based on crowds, wait time, etc)?

My thoughts were to eat a late lunch or grab a snack for the stands and wait for the show (which is at 6pm). Then, order room service back at the resort. Any help is appreciated. THanks!

 

[whopper65]

You can do one of two things. You can book a reservation at one of the three restaurants for approx. 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. to get the package, or you could eat a late lunch at the 50's Prime Time Diner, and wait in line for the show. If you decide to eat an early dinner and want excellent food and service, book the Brown Derby. However, it is pricey. If you want variety and decent food (and plenty of it) book Hollywood & Vine. It's also the least expensive.

If you decide on a late lunch, by all means try the 50's Prime Time Diner. The atmosphere is quite nostalgic for us baby-boomers, and the service has always been great and entertaining. If you like fried chicken, it's the best in WDW.

Note: I don't think you can book the Fantasmic show until 60-90 days before the date you want to go.

I don't think the park will be overwhelmingly busy during that time of year, so if you don't mind waiting in line (without the Fantasmic package) you wil get a good seat for the show. If the weather is cool, don't sit too close or you will get wet!

 

[Sunkissed]

Thank you very much!

If the weather is cool, don't sit too close or you will get wet!

LOL! Yeah, it was pretty cold water in August when I was there last! Can't imagine the chill in December...