Fantasmic Dinner Package or No?

[kaboule101112]

I've read so many conflicting reports and cant re-locate the threads, so...I'll just ask all of you.
When planning to go to Fantasmic show at MGM, is it worth it to do the dinner package or just eat at a resort and go it alone? Which dining is better?

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, that depends on what time of year you are talking about. Some nights its standing room only and if you want a seat you need to get there 2 hours before the show. That would be peak season. Then yes, I'd do the package.

I've done the package many times for fear of waiting in a line. It turns out, I had nothing to fear. I've done the package August, Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec....all off season. I finally tried doing it without the package twice now (August and Oct) and realized there is no line. I entered at one hour before and had the best seats ever and I got to eat where I wanted to; Sci-Fi and 50's Prime time.

With the package, you are only guaranteed a seat up to 30 minutes before; then they release the seats to the general public IF they are needed (standing room only). The seats are to the far right. The waitress will tell you to enter between 45 minutes and 30 minutes before.

So, IMHO, if you are going off season, then I wouldn't do the package and I'd get a seat about one hour to 45 minutes before the show and enjoy my meal where ever I wanted to.

If you are going peak season, then I'd do the package and still get there 45 minutes before the show.

No matter what you decide, seats are still 'first come, first served'.

 

[Luv4Disney]

We've done it both ways. This trip is from April 29th - May 6th and we're not doing it. We did it without the FDP in November and it worked out perfectly as well.

 

[raidermatt]

Well, that depends on what time of year you are talking about. Some nights its standing room only and if you want a seat you need to get there 2 hours before the show. That would be peak season. Then yes, I'd do the package.

That sums it up pretty well. The only caveat is that even if its peak season, if there's a second Fantasmic showing and you are willing to go to that one, you won't need the FDP.

I've done the package August, Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec....all off season. I finally tried doing it without the package twice now (August and Oct) and realized there is no line.

Again, I mostly agree. However, we were there in early August last year and found the FDP would have been very helpful. We entered 50 minutes early on a night with one Fantasmic showing and it was already SRO.

I think August starts out still very busy, but starts thinning out around the middle of the month.

 

[beattyfamily]

That sums it up pretty well. The only caveat is that even if its peak season, if there's a second Fantasmic showing and you are willing to go to that one, you won't need the FDP.


Again, I mostly agree. However, we were there in early August last year and found the FDP would have been very helpful. We entered 50 minutes early on a night with one Fantasmic showing and it was already SRO.

I think August starts out still very busy, but starts thinning out around the middle of the month.

Yes, I should have specified that I went the end of August.

 

[iluvdisney01]

We'll be there from June 23-30 and I made FD reservations at H/V (couldn't get MM ). I'd really like to eat at PTC or Sci-Fi but I'm guessing it'll be crowded even for the second showing?????

 

[Luv4Disney]

We'll be there from June 23-30 and I made FD reservations at H/V (couldn't get MM ). Should I keep the package?

Yes! By then all the northern schools will be out and heading south for vacay! Better safe than sorry since you're getting into summertime.