Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[chrismiss56]

Hi

Had the dinner package a few years ago and the only advantage seems to be not to stand in line..........we didn't care for the seating because it was off to the side.

Is it the same seating arrangement. How much is the package these days............is it worth it? There are 5 of us all adults.

Thanks

 

[luvabargain]

I have never been so I can't say about the seating but I believe it is off to the side, so probably in the same section you were before. The price is 10.99 child and 22.99 adult including tax for h&v.

 

[chrismiss56]

Thanks for the info - does anyone know the dinner package price at Mama Melrosa's?

Chrismiss56

 

[mom_rules]

I think these are still valid:
Hollywood & Vine
Adults $22.99
Children $10.99
Mama Melrose's
Adults $32.99
Children $10.99
Brown Derby
Adults $39.99
Children $10.99

I think it included tax, but not gratuity or beverages.

In April, including gratuity, wine for 2 and 3 sodas at HBD
for 5 adults came to just under $250.

 

[DISNEY GUEST]

Dinner package was not worth it for us.
Donning my fire retardant suit now.......
ok it's on........
Neither was the show

 

[RachelTori]

Disney Guest, What was it about the dinner package and show that you didn't like? You've got to give us more information, please!

 

[DISNEY GUEST]

OK...
This is my opinion only.
This is our experience.
First of all we were given 4:10 reservations for dinner at MM.
Way to early for 9:00 show.So we made the decision to
just walk into MM at 6:30.. had no problem..10 minute wait for table.
Food was good...great service.
That part worked.
4 adults and 2 children 7 & 2 years.
Total bill was $168.26.
We still had to queue up and wait 30 minutes in the queue line..than walk at least 3 blocks mostly uphill to sit in seats at the FAR right hand side.
Lines were confusing....people who did not have PS were in our line..people who had PS got in non PS line....it was a mess.

I would feel so much better if our seats had at least been close to the center.
I kept thinking... all the people in the good center seats had to do was show up 1 hour or so early( we would have welcomed that after a full day in the parks) get their seats eat a snack or whatever relax and see the show as part of the admission to the park.

No one forced us to do the PS... I take full responsibility.
However now I can say "been there done that."
In all fairness I have never stood in line to get in to Fantasmic so IF I go again I will definately stand in line and perhaps have a different opinion...no wait... on second thought I don't think so.
You must see the show so you can make your own opinion.
It just didn't appeal to me.
I am obviously in the minority.
I hope this thread sparks more thoughts and opinions.

Linda

 

[Minnie's Mate]

I believe non-alcholic beverages are included in FDP. Gratuity is not, though. We did the package June 6. Originally tip was, but they changed that.

BTW, Disney Guest, do you mean that you showed up nearly 2-1/2 hours late for your PS and they still gave you the FDP coupon? I'm surprised in a way, but in a way I'm not. Originally we had a 4:30 PS and I called back within 30 day window and changed it to a 6:30 PS time with no problem. I guess they had the time available at 6:30 for you so no problem. I would have been afaid during a peak week (Christmas, Easter week, Thanksgiving, etc.) they would have turned you away at that late time.

 

[beattyfamily]

I think it's an amazing show and LOVE the package. The seats are just fine for not having to wait in the regular line. We hate lines VERY much. Also, with the seats they hold for you, it a nice QUICK exit!

IMHO.

 

[whopper65]

Since Linda has never had to wait in line, she may be unpleasantly surprised with two small children if and when she does have to stand in line for one-and-a-half or two hours for the center seating. Linda's experience with the mingling of guests suggests that she arrived right before the show was to start, since Disney does allow non-package guests to start filling up the reserved section right before the show begins. It is important to remember that everyone has different tastes and what amazes and pleases one person alternately displeases or bores another. For chrissmiss56, if you would like center seating do not take the Fantasmic Package and stand in line for a very long time. However, our experience was that if you get there at least one hour before the show, you can get pretty good seats on the left side of the reserved section which gives a very good view of everything. We can't imagine waiting in line almost two hours with small children who are tired from a long day in one of the parks. Again, you can call back with 30 days to go for your trip and get better times closer to the show. No matter what you do, have a great time in the world!

 

[mom_rules]

We do the FDP everytime-we like HBD for atmosphere, food and service and would eat there anyway so the passes are a bonus for us. The seating has been just fine-we find that if we arrive about 15 mins before the show and sit 1/2 way up in the very last section we have a clear view of the screens and not such a clear view of the "behind the scenes". We have just enough time to make it to our seats, get settled in and send the kids for popcorn and soda. Suits us just fine!

 

[Sunkissed]

I opted not to use the FDP for our upcoming trip. We will only be two adults, so no kiddies to worry about. We're planning on a late lunch at Sci-Fi and then room service at the resort following the show. The pkg. is probably a great idea for some, but not so much for us. That said, I wouldn't miss Fantasmic! for the world - It is a spectacular performance!!

 

[RachelTori]

3 weeks to go!! I called and got our 4:20 p.m. at H&V changed to 6:30 p.m. They had any time I wanted thru 7 p.m. (which was the latest they'd schedule for the 9 p.m. Fantasmic show.) Amazing what a difference a few days makes!!

 

[beattyfamily]

Congrats!

I wonder what the latest will be for an 8:30p show in August?? I'm going to call and try and get a later time than 4:20p!

I hope I can!

 

[RachelTori]

Beattyfamily,
From what the CM told me, the latest seating is 2 hours prior to show time (at least for H&V). They allow 90 minutes for the meal and want to make sure you have 30 minutes to get to your seat! When you get inside 30 days, call and I'll bet you can get a 6 or 6:30 PS without any trouble. Good luck and enjoy!!!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by RachelTori
Beattyfamily,
From what the CM told me, the latest seating is 2 hours prior to show time (at least for H&V). They allow 90 minutes for the meal and want to make sure you have 30 minutes to get to your seat! When you get inside 30 days, call and I'll bet you can get a 6 or 6:30 PS without any trouble. Good luck and enjoy!!!

Thanks! That is what I was going to aim for, 6:00p - 6:30p. I sure hope I get it!

 

[whopper65]

DITTO, DITTO, AND DITTO!

Based on what I'm reading, you should definitely not have a problem getting later seating. Apparently (and amazingly) there are still enough visitors to the World that do not take advantage of the different offerings by Disney, which makes it that much better for those of us who plan ahead and do take advantage of them.

We've been trekking to WDW since '72, and still can't get over seeing or hearing how many guests/visitors are basically clueless when it comes to utilizing any self-help guides such as the internet or books.

Most times, especially at lunch, we strike up conversations with surrounding tables just to see what they've seen and why. Most times, we've already seen or experienced twice the amount of rides/attractions simply because we knew where and when to go. Very rarely (but more so in the past few years) do we run into someone who has actually studied and planned their itinerary before visiting.

Through the years, we've been able to do a lot of things spontaneously, simply because we've been prepared to be able to adapt to the weather, crowds, etc.

Our "oldies" fav is the Haunted Mansion, while the newer ones are Tower of Terror, Aerosmith, and Dinosaur. It's a Bug's Life is hilarious and lots of fun.

Hope everyone has a great trip. Sounds like this group is ready and really ready!

 

[twocjsmom]

Had called in a few weeks back to see what times were available for the FDP at HBD on the 13th of July, and got times between 3-4 PM. I just called back and we had our pick up until 6pm (which we took). Thanks so much for the tip!

 

[Kellye]

Ours was bumped from 4:30 to 6:30! I didn't want the kids to miss the parade!

 

[beattyfamily]

Any mid-end of August Fantasmic Pacage goers able to book a later time yet??

I'm going August 23 and am hoping for a 6:30p instead of 4:30p.

My trip is 45 days and counting!!