Fantasmic Dinner Package...Necessary?

[DLBDS]

We aren't going until December of NEXT year (2006) but I'm in the research and planning stages and was wondering...Is it necessary to do this the first week of December just to avoid a long wait? I understand the seats you get with the dinner are to the far right. Is it possible to get center seats (I'm assuming these are the best seats) without the dinner package and without having to show up an hour+ early? What has been your experience? I'm hoping the crowds will be non-existant this time of year and we'll be able to walk right in and get awesome seats with less than a 30 minute wait but ya never know. I'll book a dinner package if it'll save us a lengthy wait time. Was thinking of the Brown Derby.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

You do not need a PS but don't expect to show up right before. I would give at least 45 before it starts.

 

[Aimeedyan]

We saw Fantasmic the first week of Dec and there was no lines - walked right in about 30-45 minutes prior and there were plenty of seats. Grabbed some food and chilled out in the center seats.

Never even totally filled up - I would use the package in peak season, but not at the beginning of Dec.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

I would think if it's not a crowded time of the year (which it doesn't sound like it is), then you won't need it, but go to the Brown Derby anyway...it's so yummy!

 

[YesI'mObsessed]

We went during the second week of Dec. last year and did the package with Hollywood and Vine. And no, it was not necessary. Actually, I think it was more like a hassle. First, the food at Hollywood and Vine wasn't very good at all. Second, in order to get the priority seating, you have to go through a back entrance that takes you for a huge walk to the side of the arena. People were coming in right before the show and getting center seats. With the crowds being so low, I would suggest getting there 5-30 minutes before showtime and you will probably be fine.

 

[wilderness01]

We were there the first week of December this year and yes it was crowded. Maybe we just hit an off day, Thursday night. Anyhow, we got there 20 minutes early and had to STAND in the back. It was awful. We went back Sunday night and got there 35 minutes early, all the center seats were gone and we were placed in the dinner package area. We were grateful to get a seat this time. Good luck.

 

[tlev]

We were there during the second week of Sept. in the middle of all the hurricanes. The parks were empty but we did the package at MM just to be safe and I'm glad we did. The seats we got were not bad at all, you can see everything from everywhere in the stadium. We only had to wait about 5min. before they let us into the stadium, it is a bit of a walk though. The place was completely packed, SRO. I don't know how long people had to wait in the regular line, but there were alot of people standing in the back for the show.

 

[triplefigs]

We're going on Sat, Dec 3 (the day they film the Christmas parade at MK). Any thoughts on whether we'd need to do FDP? If we eat where we want and go 45 minutes ahead would we be ok?

Thanks!

 

[Epcotgal]

I can't speak about December but we've never used the Fantasmic Dining Package and never have had the long waits in line I know can at happen at the busier times of the year. We were there 2 weeks ago and it was busy everywhere but they had 2 times for Fantasmic 9:00 and 10:30 so we went to the 10:30 show and only waited about 15 minutes to get in and then another 10 for the show to start. I know they may not be doing 2 showtimes in Dec. so my recommendation would be to plan to go early in your trip and if you get there and there IS a long wait, just try another night. The crowds can vary a lot from night to night. Personally I don't think you'll have a problem.