Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[dreaminboutdisney]

We ate at the Hollywood & Vine for the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg in August. With a group of 11 with kids ages 3-14 we loved the food there and the atmosphere was nice too. There was something for everyone...even the picky eaters in the group. I agree with other postings. The food is better than most buffets, with a big variety of offerings. We have done the Fantasmic Pkg on both our trips to WDW because we don't want to lose precious park touring time by waiting on line so long. Also when we went in August, Fantasmic was filled to capacity and turned many, many people away.

 

[gonigam91]

OK everybody patience and persistence pays off! After 2 weeks of trying I got my PS for H&V Fantasmic dinner package for Oct 21 today. That's pretty good considering I only found out about the package a couple of weeks ago. DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!

Tracy

 

[whopper65]

I think you'll really like H&V. The food is decent and there is quite a good selection for all ages. Last time we were there the soda was included in the price, but the tip wasn't. You might want to check when you get there (before being seated) so there is no misunderstanding during or after the meal. Also, if you're looking for a quiet place, you're in for a shock. However, we thought happy and loud families added to the experience, rather than a distraction. It was just my wife, my 21 yr. old daughter and myself. We really enjoyed watching the families and reflecting on our fond memories of previous trips when our daughters were much younger. We've been going to WDW since '72, and although everything is almost overwhelming, the magic is still there. Enjoy your experience, but remember to stop every so often wherever you are in WDW and just take in your surroundings and think of what it would be like without Walt Disney and his dream of families being together and sharing together.

 

[perkins57]

After 7 WDW trips, the nest is finally empty and DH and I are planning our much anticipated trip ALONE at the time of year we've always wanted to visit: 12/4-12/9. Waited till the park hours for December came online (yesterday) to determine which parks for which days. Had no trouble booking the CP dinner pkg and all the PS we wanted for lunches and dinners EXCEPT the FDP at BD on 12/6 The CM said that only a few tables had been made available for the FDP at BD and all were booked. I didn't have her check H&V or MM because we have eaten at both places on previous trips and really wanted to try the BD. CM suggested I call back weekly to see if more tables become available for the FDP. Reading back through this thread, it sounds like people usually start doing daily calling at 30 days out. Should I be calling weekly or bi-weekly till the 30 days out date? Any inside info as to what days of the week the restaurant managers make decisions about opening more tables for the FDP? Bad luck on previous trips with weather/illness has kept us from seeing Fantasmic so we really wanted to see it this time. I have back problems that make long stands in line very uncomfortable, so we thought the FDP would be perfect for us. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

I don't even know for sure if they release extra tables within 30 days, but that seems to be the belief out there. With that said, I am going to call every day about one month ahead of our trip to see if anything opens up, as I too have not been able to get a table at any of our dates at either BD, MM or H&V. We leave in less than 5 weeks, so I'll be calling soon and will let you know if tables come available.

 

[whopper65]

Based on what I've seen and heard, Disney fills up the earlier times first (since they're harder to fill) for the FP, then with 30 days to go, decide to fill in the later times if available. They will tell you that no times are available, since they are holding open the later times for non FP rezzies.

With 30 days to go, call each day until you get a later time. If you call before then, you will probably get the same answer as you got before (none available).

Also, remember that there are cancellations all the time, so when you get to the 30 day and less, don't get discouraged, keep calling.

Hope you get a later time, let us know.

DisVet since '72

 

[perkins57]

Thanks for your input! I'll save my long distance $ and wait to place further calls till we're 30 days out. Sounds like most people are eventually successful so we will hope for the best.

I'm so glad to have discovered this board! And I love that the moderators send you an email if someone has replied to your post. Thanks! DH is out-of town for a few days so I've been reading through lots of threads and picking up great tips, especially for all the holiday activities. We can't wait to try many of the more ethnic restaurants that the less adventurous eaters in our family have never wanted to try. Have PS for Jiko, Marrakesh, Akershus and Citricos.

Back to surfing this board: the nest is empty, the house is spotless, the cats are combed, and it's waaay too quiet around here. . .

 

[whopper65]

Glad to see you're trying some new eating venues. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of food at Jiko's and Akershus. Akershus is a little more understated, but the more you try the different items, the quality and freshness of the food grows on you. You'll also appreciate the usually quiet atmosphere, semi-formal without being stuffy. And the servers are very friendly and efficient.

While you're at it, if you want a real treat, and still have one more dinner to schedule, don't miss Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Not only is the food quality and variety top-notch, but the servers and chefs are very helpful and knowledgeable. They'll guide you through any and all of the unique dishes, telling you about the ingredients and especially what type of taste to expect. Most all the dishes are flavorful, but not too spicy. There are different stations with each one having a multitude of selections. Don't miss any of them. And the desserts aren't too shabby either. Boma rocks!

The important thing to remember is that at Akershus and Boma the atmosphere and employees help you to relax and enjoy the experience. When you are seated, take a deep breath and enjoy the surroundings. Then, while the server is getting your liquid refreshments, take a walk around, check out the food selections and stations so that you have a reasonable idea of what to try first, and then enjoy.

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

Well I called today using the toll free number 1-800-828-0228, and was able to get a PS for Mama Melrose on 11/6 at 3:40 pm or H&V on 11/7 at 4:40 pm with the Fantasmic package.

Not sure I love the times, but since there was nothing available on any of my days before, I thought I better take these. The CM said that they don't even offer FDP times later than this, but if I keep calling for any later times closer to 5 pm, do they let you move the time of your original PS?

My first choice would be going to Mama's, but I'd rather not have a 3:40 seating, especially with the Parade at 3:30.

The 4:40 time at H&V is not bad, but not sure how good this restaurant would be. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Jill Schwartz]

I tried to get the package several weeks ago....at any of the restaurants. They told me they had NO packages available. Just called today, about 3 weeks out and got ressie for party of 7 at HW for 4:50pm. Not too bad since the show starts at 7 and we would want to head over there by 6:30.
Keep calling!
Jill

 

[lynda_oz]

Well, the thirty day window thing actually works. I had called to make a PS for BD FDP on the first day they were taking PS and could only get 3:50 dinner time-the CM said it was the latest time available for a party of 5. I called today and was given 4:30-it doesn't seem like much, but it is a much closer time to when we normally eat!!!! Yahoo. I would have never thought to try to switch until I read these boards. I have gotten so much helpful info from every one. Thanks!!!!!! Lynda

 

[j's m]

We got a 3:50 at BD too. I called this past week to try and change it, and was told there were NO other times available. I guess we'll have to eat a late breakfast and skip lunch.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by j's m
We got a 3:50 at BD too. I called this past week to try and change it, and was told there were NO other times available. I guess we'll have to eat a late breakfast and skip lunch.

Did you try at around 25 days out? That is exactly when they opened up more times for my last trip...they will only give you about 2 hours before the show time at the very latest.

 

[Ethan's dad]

How long does it generally take to get seated at H&V for the Fantasmic package. We got a 5:00 pm PS for a 7pm Fantasmic show (thanks again for the 30-day heads up -- worked perfectly!) and I fear that may be a bit tight, especially for our group of 7 (apparently we will be divided into tables of 4 and 3). Will we likely have to wait for a while, and thus should we try to arrive before 5pm? How early?

Thanks!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Ethan's dad
How long does it generally take to get seated at H&V for the Fantasmic package. We got a 5:00 pm PS for a 7pm Fantasmic show (thanks again for the 30-day heads up -- worked perfectly!) and I fear that may be a bit tight, especially for our group of 7 (apparently we will be divided into tables of 4 and 3). Will we likely have to wait for a while, and thus should we try to arrive before 5pm? How early?

Thanks!

My PS was 6:30p for the 8:30p show and we showed up about 1/2 early and we probably waited 10 to 15 minutes. I think I've always waited at H&V to be seated.

We felt like we had plenty of time to eat and get to the show; after dinner we had time to walked down by the villian store and people watched till about 7:45p.

 

[whopper65]

For those with early rezzies, keep trying up until the day before you leave for you magical trip. There are cancellations all the time.

For those who are wondering how early to show up, make sure you're there at least 30 minutes ahead of time, that way you should get your table(s) at least by your original rezzie. That way you won't be late for the show.

For those who are wondering about H&V, it is a decent buffet, but usually noisy. Good variety of food. MM is quiet, a little more expensive, and has relatively limited menu. If you have picky eaters in your party, go to H&V.

Dis Vet since '72

 

[mar524]

I was at WDW last week with with my DD (age 8). We went to MGM on Saturday and did the Fantasmic Dinner Package. We had dinner at the Hollywood & Vine. We didn't use the special pass they gave us to get into the show. We just went an hour and a half before the show started and got EXCELLENT seats. We sat right down in front in the middle of the stadium. Had we waited until 1/2 hour before showtime as they said we could do with the pass we received, we would not have gotten as good seats as we had. We would have had to sit on the side, which is ok, but not like being right in front. That, to me, was the best place to view the show. It is definately worth the wait!!!!

 

[whopper65]

You didn't say how long you waited in line. If you didn't wait long, then it was OK for you and your little one. It's up to the individual families as to how long they want to wait, especially if they have little ones, and how tired all of them are. We've had seats in the middle and sides, and as far as we're concerned, the difference was not that great, especially when we take into account the waiting in line or no waiting in line.

For us, we'll take H&V anytime for the food (if you want a big meal before the show) and the reasonable price (at least for Disney) with the no-wait package. It's one of the few things that Disney doesn't charge extra for.

On the other hand, if you don't want a big meal, and don't want to spend the $$ at MM and BD, just get there at least an hour and a half and wait for the good seats.

The best part of this is that everyone has their choice, whatever works best for them. We're simply giving our advice and recommendations based on our experiences at WDW since '72. We've thoroughly enjoyed watching our daughters grow up with Mickey and the gang. We jokingly call ourselves the Griswold's and fondly remember all the trips and hilarious adventures. Lifetime memories shared and enjoyed by all of us.

 

[mar524]

We didn't have to wait in line. We were seated immediately upon entering the stadium. You are correct, if you have small children then I would definately not go 1 1/2 hours before showtime. My intention was not to give the Fantasmic Dinner Package a bad rap, I was just saying that just because you do the FDP you don't have to use the passes they give you and you can get there early and get very good seats. We had a conversation with a couple we had met at MK who had seen this show many times and they recommended that to get the most of the show to sit in the middle. We ate at the H&V and loved the food which I would recommend to anyone. Had we not talked to this couple, we would have used the passes given to us at H&V and had seats on the side and it probably would have been fine, but I'm glad we were sitting where we were.

 

[whopper65]

Sounds like you hit it just right. It all depends on whether you want those middle seats badly enough. Most times you do have to wait in line. October is our fav time to "magicsize". The weather is just right, and it usually is not too crowded. Glad you and yours had a great time!