Fantasmic Dinner Package...DxDDP...????

[kristenrice]

Hi All!

I have questions...

I'm bringing DSiL with me in October for her FIRST trip to WDW. We are doing the DxDDP for our first two nights. As of now, our flight is scheduled to arrive at 3:20pm. We're currently booked at AKV-Kidani, but we have a 7-day waitlist for BLT too. There is an 8pm showing of Fantasmic on our arrival day. We'd like to have a TS meal that night and still make it to the show so I think that the FDP is our best option. We also have an extra credit to burn so the Brown Derby would be my first choice.

First question: Using DME, is this even possible? We would check in (to activate our dining plan) and head straight to the park.

Second question: What is the LATEST time I could make an ADR at the Brown Derby when the show starts at 8pm? Would we make it by 6pm?

Third Question: What is included in the meal? Is it the same as what is included if we were using the DxDDP without the FDP? Appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage? Is the gratuity included? I assume not, but some of the "experiences" do include the tip.

I really want to make sure that DSiL gets to see Fantasmic and it is only showing twice during our trip so I'd like to make sure that we see it on our first night. We won't have a dining plan on the second part of our trip so we wouldn't be able to do the FDP for the other show. I'd like to minimize our wait time so I think the FDP is the way to go.

Thoughts?

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Hi All!

I have questions...

I'm bringing DSiL with me in October for her FIRST trip to WDW. We are doing the DxDDP for our first two nights. As of now, our flight is scheduled to arrive at 3:20pm. We're currently booked at AKV-Kidani, but we have a 7-day waitlist for BLT too. There is an 8pm showing of Fantasmic on our arrival day. We'd like to have a TS meal that night and still make it to the show so I think that the FDP is our best option. We also have an extra credit to burn so the Brown Derby would be my first choice.

First question: Using DME, is this even possible? We would check in (to activate our dining plan) and head straight to the park.

Second question: What is the LATEST time I could make an ADR at the Brown Derby when the show starts at 8pm? Would we make it by 6pm?

Third Question: What is included in the meal? Is it the same as what is included if we were using the DxDDP without the FDP? Appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage? Is the gratuity included? I assume not, but some of the "experiences" do include the tip.

I really want to make sure that DSiL gets to see Fantasmic and it is only showing twice during our trip so I'd like to make sure that we see it on our first night. We won't have a dining plan on the second part of our trip so we wouldn't be able to do the FDP for the other show. I'd like to minimize our wait time so I think the FDP is the way to go.

Thoughts?

I think you could make the show. I would recommend getting something small to eat when you arrive at HS, get in line, see the show. Then head back to AKL and have a late dinner at Jiko.

Here's what I see for your timeline:

Arrive at ME line around 4ish. Get to hotel at 5ish. Get into room, settle, get to busses. Arrive at HS at 6:30ish. Get in line for Fantasmic.

I would really see if you could do something else this day and do Fantasmic the other day it shows. We went in February. Not a busy week at all. This is what it looked like with 45 minutes left until the show started. Sorry if it is dark.

And there were two shows on this night!!!

 

[purple figment]

Hi All!

I have questions...

I'm bringing DSiL with me in October for her FIRST trip to WDW. We are doing the DxDDP for our first two nights. As of now, our flight is scheduled to arrive at 3:20pm. We're currently booked at AKV-Kidani, but we have a 7-day waitlist for BLT too. There is an 8pm showing of Fantasmic on our arrival day. We'd like to have a TS meal that night and still make it to the show so I think that the FDP is our best option. We also have an extra credit to burn so the Brown Derby would be my first choice.

First question: Using DME, is this even possible? We would check in (to activate our dining plan) and head straight to the park. Typically it takes about 60 - 70 minutes from the time you get off the plane, but most people recommend that you allow 90 minutes. Also, your plane arrival time could change or be delayed, traffic on the road could be heavy, the ME bus could be going to other resorts before AKL. All of which could add time.

Second question: What is the LATEST time I could make an ADR at the Brown Derby when the show starts at 8pm? Would we make it by 6pm? For the Fantasmic Dinner Package the last time for an ADR is 5PM. Based on your 3:20 arrival time at the airport, taking ME to AKL, check in and then travel to DHS I can't imagine you'll make it there by 5. And the F!DP does require a credit card hold and has a no show fee if you don't make it.

Third Question: What is included in the meal? Is it the same as what is included if we were using the DxDDP without the FDP? Appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage? Is the gratuity included? I assume not, but some of the "experiences" do include the tip. Yes, you will get an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. The tip is not included.

I really want to make sure that DSiL gets to see Fantasmic and it is only showing twice during our trip so I'd like to make sure that we see it on our first night. We won't have a dining plan on the second part of our trip so we wouldn't be able to do the FDP for the other show. I'd like to minimize our wait time so I think the FDP is the way to go.

Thoughts?

Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend scheduling the F!DP for your arrival night even though it would have been a great opportunity for you to use the DxDDP.

 

[kristenrice]

Oh, bummer...that's what I was afraid of.

As much as I want DSiL to see Fantasmic, the only other night it is showing is Sunday at 7:30pm. That means we'd need to be there by about 6pm or sooner. That day happens to be my birthday and I *really* wanted to have a nice dinner that evening. So if we wait until then to see Fantasmic, we'll be either eating at 4pm or 10pm and neither option is that appealing.

OK, another thought...

If we got to the resort, checked in, left our bags with Bell Services and went STRAIGHT to DHS, I'm assuming that we would get there by 6pm. The show starts at 8 so that should give us plenty of time to at least get in the theatre. Could we still eat at the Brown Derby after Fantasmic? The park closes at 8 so I would assume that the last dinner seating is at 8 too. Just wondering because by the time the show ends and we get a bus back to our resort, it will probably be 9:30 already.

 

[anorman]

It should be noted that the F!DP has very limited times for the three restaurants that take part. I once tried to get a "suppertime" reservation however I was informed by the CM that this package is only available before 5 pm.....it is designed to fill the restaurants during "off-times" such as midafternoon. So you wouldn't be able to get a later seating on your arrival day anyway. Good luck!

 

[sjs314]

I do not think there is anyway you can make it to a F! DP with a flight that late. It can take up to 1-5-2hrs at times to get to your resort after landing plus the dinner packages are only offered up to 5:00pm. If they add a second show which is quite common for Disney to do I would try to make that, you could just schedule a none F! dinner ADR at DHS or maybe at your resort before heading to F!

I think you could make the show. I would recommend getting something small to eat when you arrive at HS, get in line, see the show. Then head back to AKL and have a late dinner at Jiko.

Here's what I see for your timeline:

Arrive at ME line around 4ish. Get to hotel at 5ish. Get into room, settle, get to busses. Arrive at HS at 6:30ish. Get in line for Fantasmic.

I would really see if you could do something else this day and do Fantasmic the other day it shows. We went in February. Not a busy week at all. This is what it looked like with 45 minutes left until the show started. Sorry if it is dark.

And there were two shows on this night!!!

Was this pic from the 1st or 2nd show ?