Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[whopper65]

Keep trying from 30 days on in until you can get the better time. Based on what I've been hearing, you should be able to have some success.

 

[RachelTori]

Originally posted by 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!!

Wait until you're just inside the 30 day window (around July 27th) and call. You should be able to get any time you want up to around 7:00 p.m. The latest PS time you can book is 90 minutes before the show. We'll be there next Monday (hoping the weather will cooperate!!) We had a 4:20 and now have a 6:30!! Book the time you want, then cancel the 4:30.

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks! I will certainly start bugging them again for a later time in the 30 day window!

Thanks again.

 

[dis4fun]

RachelTori:

Our priority seating for H&V is next Monday at 6:30! I was able to call about a month ago and get it changed from 4:00 because we love the parade and wanted to get it in on the same day.

BTW, my dh went to college in Marietta Ga. and we have family very close to there so we visit often.

 

[EEyorelover22]

We were at H&V last month for the FDP. The food was as good as we remembered from last year and the desserts are GREAT this year. YUMMY!! enjoy

 

[RachelTori]

Originally posted by dis4fun
RachelTori:

Our priority seating for H&V is next Monday at 6:30! I was able to call about a month ago and get it changed from 4:00 because we love the parade and wanted to get it in on the same day.

BTW, my dh went to college in Marietta Ga. and we have family very close to there so we visit often.

That's too funny! Maybe we'll "bump" into each other! We're Dwight, Laura, and 10 year old Tori. (19 year old Rachel doesn't vacation with us anymore!!!)

What school? Southern Poly or Life College?

Laura

 

[dis4fun]

That would be really cool to get to say hi. It will be me- Lisa, DH-Nathan, DS15, DS10 and DD8.

DH graduated from Southern Poly (Southern Tech at the time) in 1986. Wow, we are getting old!

We camped during spring break this year at Stone Mtn. so that our kids could see some of DH's "old stomping ground". We had a blast. The area has changed so much in the last 20 years!

Hope you have a great vacation at the world! Maybe we will see you at H&V.

I am soooo excited!! We leave tomorrow!!

 

[RachelTori]

Hi, Lisa, dis4fun! I remember when it was Southern Tech too!! I still can't say the full name they gave it (Southern Polytechnic?!!) We've been here 16 years and the changes have been astounding. Getting way too crowded here in Cobb County!!

Have a safe trip - our 1st day @ WDW is our FDP day next Monday. We'll look for you at H&V!! (keep your fingers crossed that Fantasmic doesn't get rained out that night).

Laura

 

[barb22]

Hi. We are going the last week of Sept. They only have one show at 8. We will be going with a 7 year old and almost 3 year old and and I will be 6 months pregnant. Since it is considered the slow season, do you think we need the package? The children and I probably won't be able to stand and wait more than 30 - 45 min. Also, if we take the package we are going to do the H&V buffett. Is soda or juice included? Thanks for any help.

 

[trracers]

Okay, I am at work and cannot possibly read through this whole thread

Anyone that can highlight the latest and greatest Fantasmic Dinner Package rules, along with what the menu options are for each restaurant (if the choices are limited, if they are full menu option, even I can find that )...

THANKS!

 

[whopper65]

H&V buffet includes non-alcoholic drinks. Good selection of meats and salads, plus desserts. Decent selection for younger kids.

End of September, although crowds will be down, will probably require standing in line. Since you're going to have to eat anyhow, make the rezzies 60 days in advance, get an early time, then call back within 30 days and you should be able to get a later time. You will then get a decent seat with no waiting in line for the show.

H&V - buffet with decent food, reasonably priced (for Disney).
Mama Melrose's - good food, but more expensive. Picky eaters have a limited selection.
Brown Derby - excellent food and most expensive. Picky eaters have a limited selection.

It's strictly up to both families, but the bottom line is that if you don't want to wait, take the package. Everybody may be tired from a long day at the park, so waiting for an hour (standing) may just be the last straw. In all three eateries, you will get good food with no extra cost for the package.

The only way I wouldn't take the package is if I did not want to pay for a large meal and wouldn't mind the waiting in line.

Hope this helps and have a great time in the World!

 

[Minnie's Mate]

In all three eateries, you will get good food with no extra cost for the package.

This is not 100% accurate. True you are selecting from the same menu at MM's and HBD and you are not paying extra for the food you select; however, you are required to select an appetizer, an entre, and a desert.

My wife and I would never select all three and would not spend so much on a meal. Normally we each get and entre and split a desert and our kid's meals are less when not doing the package because they usually eat part of our desert in stead of having a separate desert for each child as with the package. They never eat half of the desert that comes with their package meal.

We do the package when we go during crowded times of the year so we don't have to stand in line and wait so long in the sands before the show starts, but when we go at less crowded times of the year, we don't do the package because we just don't want to buy such a huge meal when we can pretty much go in 30 minutes before the show starts and get a decent seat.

Bear in mind I'm not talking about Spring Break, Christmas Break, Thanksgiving Week, President's Week or any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

 

[whopper65]

You're exactly right about the required selections for MM & BD. I guess it all depends if you don't mind spending the money. I did note that if you have small children, you have limited options.

Again, if money is no object and you want a nice meal (MM & BD) and you do mind standing in line (the crowds will dictate how long), take the package. Again, the selections are a bit much for small children.

Your best bet, if you want a decent meal, a child-friendly menu, and don't want to stand in line at all, take the package at Hollywood & Vine. No extra cost and a buffet to boot.

Thanks Minnies Mate for pointing out the required menu options at MM & BD.

Decisions, decisions! Times sure have changed since '72 when we first experienced the magic. It is nice, though, to have so many options available.

 

[brybrie]

Has anyone gone during Thanksgiving Week? We will be down from November 21 through November 28. Do you recommend making a reservation and which days would be the best?

This website is great. We've been to Disney before but I am finding out so much information this time around!!!!!


Thanks

Sue

 

[Minnie's Mate]

First, welcome to the Dis brybrie.

We went this past Thanksgiving and it was quite crowded. We didn't do the dinner package on that trip but probably should have. We arrived an hour and fifteen minutes before the start time and still wound up at the farthest end of the farthest section. We were at the aisle next to the trees at the edge of the amphitheatre. Did I mention it was the section that was the farthest from the entrance.

As the week progressed and neared Thanksgiving day, the parks became more and more crowded. The Christmas decorations were up, but weren't turned on at night until mid-week.

I would recommend either going to Fantasmic as early in the week as possible, maybe Saturday or Sunday night before Thanksgiving or definately do the FDP.

 

[dis4fun]

I would highly recommend priority seating/reservations for any table service meals you are planning the week of Thanksgiving. The crowds were tremendous the year that we were there for Thanksgiving (2001), especially Thurs-Sat. On the upside, the weather was absolutely perfect. Have a great trip!

 

[whopper65]

We've never gone over Thanksgiving, but I've heard from friends that it is extremely busy. Take the advice and go to the Fantasmic show early in the week. When you make rezzies within 60 days, they'll no doubt give you an early time. Call within 30 days each day until you get a later time. Don't forget to follow all the helpful hints you get and use the fastpass wisely. You will avoid some long lines. If you haven't done so already, get a copy of the authentic Unofficial Guide to Disney, and read it thoroughly. If you're staying in the World, don't forget to check out where the bus stops at your resort (unless you're driving), and factor enough time to get to where you're going, especially if you have to transfer to another bus. Have fun and good luck with the crowds.

 

[brybrie]

Thank you for all your replies!!! I will call on my 90 days prior date and make the reservations!!!!

 

[daniluvsdisney]

we'll be on the silver plan... would it be a waste to do the Fantasmic @ brown derby for one wish, or is it two wishes? Would the same booking rules apply as far as not getting an early seating in Sept. until 30 days out? Is the full menu much better than the package dinner menu? Sorry so many questions but I'm glad for this thread... looking forward to the experience!

 

[jaygatz]

I just made our PS's for the BD and Fantasmic for our upcoming October trip, and in my opinion it is an awesome place to eat and a great way to see the show.
Yes, we do order and pay for more using this meal option than we normally would, but that sort of decadence is fun every now and then.

As for the package menu, it is the full menu...atleast it was last time we were there (6/2003).