Fantasmic Dinner Package Changes

[momofem&josh]

Hello, Would you recommend booking the fantasmic dinner deal for 9 of us going to be there first week of Feb. Is it worth it? Which restaurant -I was thinking Mama Melrose. Thanks.

 

[whopper65]

There are a lot of "ifs". If you have smaller children who will be tired after a full day at the park, if you mind standing in line at least an hour, and if you want decent seats; then the FP is for you. In FEB, even though it may not be very crowded, there is only one show each night.

Now some more "ifs" if you decide to take the FP. If your children and any adults are picky eaters, you might not like MM. H&V is a buffet with a good variety of food decently prepared.

MM is rather quiet, whereas H&V is not.

MM is more expensive, H&V is more reasonable. MM you will choose an appetizer, main entree, and dessert. H&V you can take anything or leave it. Either way, however, you will pay an established price.

There are pros and cons for both.

As far as the seats, if you want good seats about half way up and near the center (far left of the reserved section) get there at least 45 minutes before the show starts. You will wait but you will be seated the entire time.

Whatever you decide, have a great time at WDW!

DIS VET since '72

 

[WelcomeHome]

The show is worth the extra cost, and as someone else stated, kids get antsy standing or even sitting for very long times. The meals at the "Fantasmic" restaurants are all excellent. If you go to the Brown Derby try the Cobb Salad...it's excellent!

 

[leebee]

We've never booked the Fantasmic Package and have always had pretty good seats. I also do not think we've ever "stood" in line. We usually show up at the theatre 60-90 mins before the show, depending on the season, and walk in (among the crowd, but not standing, waiting in line) and take a seat. We try to buy dinner at the Commisary or the food court right by the Fantasmic theatre venue and take it in with us, and this keeps the little ones busy for awhile. We also bring in glow sticks, small puzzle books, ad libs, etc depending on the kid's ages...nothing too heavy to be carried around all day, but something to kill time with. Once we did get seats in the next-to-last section on the left (if you are facing the stage), which is the exact opposite of the location for the Package seating, and these leats were pretty bad. Floats, etc. aren't lit up until they are more centrally located. DD was NOT thrilled to be looking at BElle, Snow White, and Ariel through darkness. I would be really annoyed if I'd paid extra for a dinner package and had this crummy view, that's for sure!

 

[queenof4hearts]

I was looking for some feedback on the BROWN DERBY and package.

Would you recommend this for this Dec. 20th (Monday) show? There is only 1 showing at 7pm as far as I know and our dinner ressies are for 3:40. I thought that the time between we could see the Osbourne Festival of Liights.

I just can't decide if I should cancel the dinner ressies and just wing it.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hey,
I read at the beginning of the faq that at both mama melroses and the hollywood brown derby you order off a special fantasmic menu is that still true? I know that you order an appetizer, main dish, and dessert, but I don't want to order off a specific menu!
Thanks

 

[mom_rules]

Not at HBD-it's their regular menu-BTW, eventhough it's not on their menu as such, you can have a lobster tail added to your filet and it is still included in the price (it was a nice surprise when the CM suggested it and although it wasn't overly large it tasted pretty good)

 

[2ofUs]

For a Wednesday night, February 9, 2005, we are taking another couple to Fantasmic (all of us in our late 50's) and no children. The other couple have never been to Disney - we have.

There is only one showing this night - at 7:00 p.m. What is the suggested time for a dinner PS. The other couple thinks Mama Mia's sounds good, DH & I are leaning toward H&V - better variety -- closer to Fantasmic entrance.

We went to Fantasmic several years ago, dined at HBD (yum) and sat in the 'package' area. I, too, didn't like seeing the dark floats. However, I am leary of how long a line there would be in the regular seating? The other lady in our group cannot stand for long periods because of a weak knee. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[whopper65]

There are pros and cons with MM & H&V. MM is definitely quieter, and the food, for the most part is a little better prepared (however, we've had good and not so good). With H&V you do get quite a bit of variety, fairly well prepared (for a buffet) and in Feb it shouldn't be very crowded or noisy. 4:45 would probably be a good time to get, since you will probably spend over an hour eating and relaxing. If you get the FP, try to get to the entrance by 6:00, that way you will get good seats nearest to the center in the reserved section. If one of you has weak knees, the FP is almost a no-brainer.

Remember, when you call for your rezzies, take any earlier time. Then with 30 days to go, start calling for that 4:45 time. Youd should be able to get it without a problem due to the time of the year.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

DIS VET since '72

 

[Lori S.]

Due to unexpected schedule change, I'm thinking I may need to try to get ressies for either Sat 20th of Nov, or one day later that week. Has anyone heard if everything is sold out for that week? I'm afraid so, since it's thanksgiving. We prefer a late show. Any chance they may add an extra show like they did with Spectro for that week??

 

[Eeyore2142]

I just got 11/20 on Monday - we are at the Brown Derby, I didn't ask about anything else

 

[BCVOwner2002]

We ate @ H&V on November 3 with the Fantasmic package. Good selection and wait staff was excellent!! DH said we will definitely do this again when we return next June. Annmarie

 

[javaj]

Just wanted to say that the tip about later FDP times opening up 30-days prior is exactly right. I called today and was able to move our H&V FDP from 410 pm to 5 pm.

 

[whopper65]

Keep calling up to the day before you leave, since there are cancellations all the time. It sure can't hurt to try!

Dis Vet since '72

 

[Lori S.]

I got HV on Saturday. The rest of the week it sounded like everything was booked. I was very grateful to get this!!!

 

[ssdeverell]

Based on historical hours only, I am assuming when I go to MGM the week after Easter that there will be two showings (8:30 and 10:00). I have noticed in a lot of other posts that for a 7:00 showing, the PS's are for around 4:30. Does anyone know from past experience what the PS's would be for the 8:30 showing? I was hoping for around 6:00.

Thanks,

Stephanie

 

[whopper65]

Based on what we've done, call at 90 days and get your early PS. Then, with 30 days to go, call again to get a later time. Keep trying until you do. Since it will be after Easter, it shouldn't be too busy. Don't get discouraged, keep trying. We've always gotten a later time. 6:00 p.m. sounds like a very good time if the show doesn't start until 8:00 or 8:30. Have a great trip!

Dis Vet since '72

 

[PooohBear]

I just wanted to note that calling 30 days out will get you a later seating for Fantasmic !! I've had a 4:10 ps and was not able to change it... but I called today and got 5:00...just to let everyone know that it really works !!! Thanks to whoever originally posted that info !!!!!!!!!!

 

[whopper65]

I certainly wasn't the originator of the recommendation, but I try to keep everyone reminded of that little tidbit which usually helps them get a later time.
Enjoy the magic!

Dis Vet since '72

 

[queenof4hearts]

Great tip, I just changed our BD ressie on Dec. 20th from 3:40 to 4:30. This way we can see the parade first and hopefully squeeze in the Osbourne Lights. I hope we have enough time.