Fantasmic dinner package questions

[SamanthaH]

My family, including myself, dh, ds 7, and ds 3, are heading to Disney World Dec. 16-21 2008. We'd really like to see Fantasmic and book the dinner package since we'll be on the dining plan, and there is no extra charge. Last year Fantasmic was shown at 6:30 and 8pm on the nights this week. Assuming the show times are the same this December, do we have to specify which show we would like to see when making our ADR? Also, is one of the two shows more crowded than the other? Finally, I read somewhere that when you make reservations at the 180 day mark, the ADR times are early in the day. Will I actually be booking more of a late lunch package? Thanks in advance.

 

[coachyo]

When we went on '06 to Mama Melrose, we had a 4:20 time. It really wasn't bad, we ate and had time to cruise around a little while most people where thinking about food and then went on in to the show and had seats in the lower right sections. I think you can get a little later but probably not much.

Have a great time.

YO

 

[SamanthaH]

Thanks for the reply. How was Mama Melrose? That is the restaurant I will probably book. Also, how was the reserved seating for Fantasmic?

 

[PudgetteD]

DD and I did the Mama Melrose Fantasmic package in 2004. We LOVED the food. We both had chicken parmesan, 4 cheese grilled flatbread appetizer, and tiramisu. We were seated on the far right @ Fantasmic. I didn't realize it at the time, but DH and I went to Fantasmic last year and sat in the center, the center seats were SOOOO much better! We're eating at Mama Melrose's again this October, but I think we'll skip the Fantasmic package so that we can choose seats in the center.

 

[septbaby]

The Fantasmic package seating is always for the first show of the evening.

We ate at Hollywood and Vine, it suited us as did the Fantasmic seating. Definitely go to the show, but be aware that you may need to hold the little ones during some Dark moments (Ursula, villians, etc.). Our 5yo was a bit unnerved, but ultimately really like the show. I might even take him back this time if he wants to go, but probably not with a dinner package.

 

[SamanthaH]

Thanks for the input on Fantasmic. I will hold them close during the intense parts. That's good to know because my 7 year old is easily rattled, while my younger son is fearless. Different personalities. Mama Melrose's does sound good, but if the center seats are way better, we may as well skip the package. On the other hand, I don't want to wait for over an hour for the show to begin with 2 tired kids at the end of the day. One last question... I thought I read that the reserved seats are close to the exit. This would mean you get a jump on the crowds when leaving. Is this true? That might make the package worth it for us.

 

[buzzrelly]

I've never been and have been wondering many of the same things. From reading about it on here though, I think one of the advantages of doing the package is that you also get an appetizer with your meal.

Does anyone know how the waiting lines are in December (6th to 13th) if we didn't do the package?