Fantasmic Dinner Package Worth It?

[Runey]

I'm thinking of doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's... The main reason for doing it is to get the reserved seating I would normally just get a counter service meal and be happy with that... I'll be MGM on the 3rd of September... Do I really need to do this to get a decent seat at Fantasmic, without waiting for hours?

 

[wendy_uk]

We did the Fantasmic package in 2004 and are doing it again in August, it is expensive, but well worth not having to wait in the long queue to get into see fantasmic. We were there in February 04 and people were queuing about 2 hours before. 2 hours of standing with nothing to do and 2 children to occupy is a non entitity for me.

 

[MarylandMommy]

Well... it is hard to tell. We were at Disney November 2004. I went about 15 minutes before the show and it was standing room only. We got the Fantastmic package when we went in April 2005. Although, I loved Mama Melrose, my kids did not like it very much (my kids love Prego!). We got right in about 1/2 hour before the show, however they were still seating people in the general seating part, also. And, you may already know this, we where sitting, all the way to the right. I liked the middle better. We would have been fine if we didn't get the package. I think (and people, please correct me if I am wrong), that first week of September is suppose to be extremely slow. In that case, I think I would chance it without the package. Is it just you? Then, I would definately take the gamble!

 

[we3disneygo]

were going the second week in Sept. and I think we'll take our chances and not do the dinner pkg.

 

[Goofy's girl]

Even if you have the package do you have to sit in the reserved area, couldn't you just use the ticket they give you to get in the special way and then just go and sit somewhere else? Has anyone done this? Linda

 

[MarylandMommy]

They have someone kind of guarding the division because you are not suppose to do this. Another piece of information, but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that you can use the Disney Dining Plan for your Fantasmic package. It cost you one Table Service meal per person and nothing extra. Please call and confirm this, though. I pretty sure I read that on a website somewhere.

 

[hercamore]

I wouldn't do the package fo rthe 3rd week in Sept. Parks not that busy.

herc.

 

[Hopefully]

You can use the Dining Plan credits for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. It is 1 TS credit for Mama Melrose and Hollywood and Vine and it is 2 TS for the Brown Derby.

 

[La2kw]

I'm thinking of doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's... The main reason for doing it is to get the reserved seating I would normally just get a counter service meal and be happy with that... I'll be MGM on the 3rd of September... Do I really need to do this to get a decent seat at Fantasmic, without waiting for hours?

I wouldn't bother with the Fantasmic package unless you are planning on eating at one of the restaurants anyway. The seats aren't that great, you can get much better seats by arriving about an hour ahead of showtime. I've never had to wait in line, we just walk right into the theater about 60 minutes ahead and wait at our seats. Even with the package, they tell you to show up at the private entrance 45 minutes ahead of time.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Isn't Sept. 3rd Labor Day weekend? If so, it will be crowded and I wouldn't plan to just walk into Fantasmic right before the show as suggested in other posts.

The problem with Fantasmic that time of year is that it is often cancelled due to weather. We have had the show cancelled 3 out of the 4 times we tried to go this time of year. Once we had the Fantasmic package and I was very disappointed as we hadn't really wanted to eat at the H & V, but did so that we didn't have to wait in line for seat.

I know I didn't answer your question, but just a few things to think about...I'm not one to wait in line for an hour to see a show, so my opinion is probably biased.

 

[Runey]

Thanks everyone for your input... There's only the two of us... We did Fantasmic back in mid September 2002 and definately didn't need the dinner package... In fact we didn't even know about it I've decided to hedge my bets and make an ADR... If WDW looks busy on our first couple of days then we'll use it (it is labor day weekend after all)... Otherwise I'll cancel it, 48 hours notice I think...

The fact that the reserved seats are off to the sides is a bit of a worry and leans me towards taking our chances with the regular seating...

Thanks again for all your input...

 

[prcoamo]

We're leaving 9/29 - 10/6. Should we book the fantasmic package? Well be leaving that friday before Columbus Day rush