Fantasmic Dinner Package necessary?

[mommyaof2]

We really want to see fantasmic this trip and we can't decide if we want to do the dinner package or not. Do we have to? We would rather eat at 50s Primetime, but it is not on the package or just eat a counter service. What do you think? Necessary or not?

 

[danielle782001]

This is a tough one.... We did the package when we went in May. We eat at 5:30. We were given a ticket when we paid our bill (we used the dining plan) to show at the front gate of MGM. We were told to show up 30 minutes before the start of the show. We got there about 25 minutes before. We were brought through the back way and walked right up to front row seats (by the way, don't sit in the first few rows because it gets hot and wet!). We were seated all the way to the right of the stage. Center we were not. But honestly it was fine being on the side. We were able to see everything. After we sat down we looked over to see the ENTIRE rest of the thearter was packed! We then said we were glad we did the package because we would not have wanted to get there an hour before to get a seat with two small kids. A few years before we went on our honeymoon and we didn't mind getting there early and waiting. I don't know if kids are a factor for you but it makes a big difference for us. We don't like making them wait and them getting crazy while they wait. It just isn't worth the trouble FOR US!

Here is OUR problem with the package... We don't like the places that offer the package. We enjoy the Sci Fi or Prime Time. We went to Mama Melrose and it just was not good. The food was barely okay (don't get the chicken parm) and the service was not so great either.

So what to do? Again, I think we would do the package again just because of the kids. BUT if you can stand the wait, get to the show about an hour before and go for Prime Time. Skip the package if you don't want to eat some where just because you have to!

 

[marivaid]

I'd say it depends on what time of the year you're going and if you're willing to wait a long time for Fantasmic.

For us it's not worth it. Showing up an hour before and sharing some popcorn & a coke while waiting for the show to start was fine. But we don't mind waiting and we don't have kids with us!
I don't like the fact that the reserved section is not front & center.

 

[OKW Lover]

IMHO, the Fantasmic Dinner Packages are overpriced. I'd just as soon eat at a place that I liked and plan on waiting in line for a seat at Fantasmic.

 

[WindyCityDisney]

IF you're going during free dining, then maybe it's worth it. If your kids can sit with something to do (books, crayons, cell phone pictures, etc.) for 45-60 minutes, I wouldn't bother with the dinner package. Buy some hot dogs and pretzels when you get in or bring something in from the counter service restaurants before you start The Walk.

In any case, if you do it, my advice is make sure you get there close to the published time. We cut it pretty close -- 3 strollers and a wheelchair make it tough to get anywhere very quickly, and there wasn't much space left at all in the reserved section.

 

[mommyaof2]

We will be going the week of April 12-19 2008, if that matters. We can wait if we have to. I wouldn't mind going to the second show either, if they have one. Would this help?

 

[marivaid]

We will be going the week of April 12-19 2008, if that matters. We can wait if we have to. I wouldn't mind going to the second show either, if they have one. Would this help?

The 2nd show is not as crowded, but they only let you in the stadium about half an hour before the show, if not less. So you have to queue outside.
For the 1st show you can enter over an hour before it starts.

I'd rather wait sitting in the theater than standing outside.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I used to say no, unless you were going at a busy time of year. After being there last week, I'd add "unless you're going on an evening EMH." We'd scheduled ourselves to see Fantasmic before they decided to make Tuesday 8/28 an evening EMH at MGM. We couldn't change our schedule so we sucked it up and showed up early for the 1st show. Good thing--it was jam-packed 30 minutes before show start. And coming out of the ToT at 9:30, it looked like the 2nd show was going to be even more packed--the crowd waiting to enter the arena took up almost half of Sunset Boulevard and went from the queue rope all the way down the street a good way.

So if you're going during a busy time of year or during an evening EMH, I'd say do it. Otherwise, I think you're OK eating someplace else and getting there 20-30 minutes before.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Sorry, double post.

 

[danielle782001]

the Fantasmic Dinner Packages are overpriced. I'd just as soon eat at a place that I liked and plan on waiting in line for a seat at Fantasmic.

However, if you are on the dining plan it is no more expensive. It counts as one table service per person. So if you are the plan price is not a factor. It clearly is if you are not on the plan.

 

[mommyaof2]

We will be on the dining plan in 08. So, the price difference doesn't matter much. It's just Mama Melrouse and H&V just don't sound that good.

 

[pta-mom]

We will be going the week of April 12-19 2008, if that matters. We can wait if we have to. I wouldn't mind going to the second show either, if they have one. Would this help?

That's the same time we went in 2006 & it was no problem. We sat towards the back but had no problem seeing. However, it was the second show that we went too as well.

 

[AKLRULZ]

It's a steal on the DDP, not so much paying out of pocket. If you're on the DDP I'd definitely do it.

 

[beattyfamily]

It depends on the time of year you are going and if it's an EMH night.

If there are two showings you can just go to the second show instead of doing the package.

I've done Fantasmic with and without the package during Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec and felt it wasn't necessary any of those times of year.

Please note, that the package seats are guaranteed (up till 30 minutes before, then they can and sometimes are opened up to all guests), not preferred seats.

I've gone and found a great seat at one hour before to 45 minutes before with better seats than the package seats.

I would do the package if it were an EMH night, a very busy time of year or a time of year that I don't know a whole lot about. I don't know a whole lot about April. I wouldn't do the package though if there were two showings; I'd just go to the second one.

 

[mommyaof2]

Great thanks! I think that I will just wait until the park hours for April come out next month and then I can see how many showings there will be. We definitely want to see it though because we didn't last time. I just don't want to use a ts credit on a lousy meal, that's all. Thanks for all of your comments though! I can't wait to make all of my adrs next month! Woo Hoo!

 

[2excited4words]

We are going the week after Thanksgiving and aren't planning on doing Fantasmic until late in the week (Thursday). I have Mama's booked as that was the only restaurant that sounded like one we would like that was part of the package, but am now reconsidering that. Do you guys think I will be ok not doing the package that week? I don't know if there are 2 shows that night or not.

 

[libinatorsmom]

Great post - this has been one of our dilemnas of our trip if we should book the fantasmic package or not... none of th resturants sound that good and we kinda thought we would grab some food and stand in line... we will have a 4 year old at the time but hopfully we can keep her under control.. LOL... we are going in Mid May of 08... any suggestions???

 

[RJD]

Well we were on the DDP so I think it was worth it. We ate at Hollywood & Vine (which was ok--my kids liked it). Our ressies were at 5:00, we had plenty of time to do a couple of rides after dinner and then headed over to Fantasmic about 8:00. The side of the venue that was "open" (non dining package guests) was absolutely packed. So again, IMHO the dining package was worth it to me.

 

[TifferRN]

I'm glad someone asked this question! I had already booked our ADR's which did not include the Fantasmic Pkg at MGM. I then started thinking maybe we should do that after all and have called a couple of times, but there are still no openings for our trip. We are going 11/14-11/22 and plan to be at MGM on 11/19... which is during EMH(Monday before Thanksgiving) should I continue to call and try and get ressies or do you think we will be able to get okay seats w/o having to get there an hour early? We will be traveling with 4children so I don't think we would be able to keep them in there seats for that long nor would it be worth it to make them keep their seats for over an hour just waiting!! I wouldn't mind eating at MMs, but it is not on my list of must do's. We are on the dining plan but I already have ADRs for 50's PT and don't want to cancel.

Also- if we don't do the dinner ressies and just try and get there early for good seats would it be okay or "acceptable" for a couple of us, adults, to sit and hold the seats while the other 2 adults walk around to entertain the children?

 

[mousemomof2]

Any opinions for March? We are going with two 3 year olds and a 7 year old. TIA