Fantasmic Dinner Package--worth it?

[Conservative Hippie]

We have been to WDW twice, both times saw Fantasmic at least once, and never had a problem getting good seats. We usually went to the late show when MGM was having PM EMH. Is it worth it to go with a dinner package? I hear the menus are limited, and my favorite restaurants are all in Epcot anyway.

 

[kcashner]

We've been to Fantasmic at least 6+ times over the last 3 years and never did a dinner package, never had to wait in line, and always got a seat. We do go about 30 minutes before the show starts. If you want to walk in at the last minute and get a seat, you need the dining plan. If you don't mind sitting for the 25-30 minute wait, I don't see any point in the dinner package.

They used to have entertainers before the show--not any more. However, you can still enjoy a snack or drink and just relax for a few minutes.

 

[keishashadow]

We tend to visit when there's only 1 show, so it does fill up fast.

Since we like H&V buffet anyway, we get the pkg.

45 min prior we start the trek up the hill to find seats. Typically, we sit as far back as possible anyway...think the view is better for pics. DH is absolutely thrilled to sit down & get off his feet; while DS & I go to get a snack, last min. shopping @ Villians, etc. & back up in time for the show.

This m.o. was actually suggested to me by a CM...works for me.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Even if you get the FDP, you still need to get into Fantasmic! 30 minutes before show time, otherwise, they don't "guarantee" you the seat. I always do the FDP, just in case. It always depends on what time of the year you go. The last time we were there (and it wasn't even peak season), there was standing room only and people kept trying to sit in the handicapped reserved area. The CM's kept kicking them out, but people still kept trying to sit there-they wouldn't listen to the CM's. Finally the CM's had to get a little tough and everyone had to stand on the opposite side of the walkway by the top behind the line. I was sure glad I had done the FDP and got a seat!

 

[gary403]

The package isn't worth it to us. We'd prefer to get there a little early for good seats and go up to the concession stand and get something to eat while we're waiting.

 

[mmmears]

About the limited menus, we did the Fantasmic plan at the Brown Derby last month -- you are able to order anything you want off the menu -- no limitations. Since H&V is a buffet, there should be no limitations there either. I don't know about Mama Melrose, though.

We had dinner, had time to go to the 7:30pm (I think) Beauty and the Beast show, and still got great seats for Fantasmic! That being said, there were plenty of annoying people who ignored the CM's and went under the rope and sat in the reserved section without having a ticket. So you can't wait too long to get there even if you have the package. I did it just to make sure that there was a place for us on a busy Spring Break night.

 

[Luv4Disney]

About the limited menus, we did the Fantasmic plan at the Brown Derby last month -- you are able to order anything you want off the menu -- no limitations. Since H&V is a buffet, there should be no limitations there either. I don't know about Mama Melrose, though.

We had dinner, had time to go to the 7:30pm (I think) Beauty and the Beast show, and still got great seats for Fantasmic! That being said, there were plenty of annoying people who ignored the CM's and went under the rope and sat in the reserved section without having a ticket. So you can't wait too long to get there even if you have the package. I did it just to make sure that there was a place for us on a busy Spring Break night.

MM's menu is slightly limited, but there are definitely more than enough options to appease any eater (generally).