Fantasmic dinner package worth it?

[jdd]

I really want to see Fantasmic this year - do we need to do the dinner package? I'm not terribly impressed with the menus at any of the 3 restaurants. However, if it means waiting 30 minutes compared to 90 minutes, it's worth it to me.

We'll be there on April 25th.

 

[mommyaof2]

I would like to know this too! I did not make adrs for this. Should I? Good question!

 

[JiminyCricket59]

No, it's not worth it. The first time we went to see Fantasmic, we did the dinner package and when we got there we didn't end up sitting in the reserved seats because there were closer ones available. All of the other times that we have went to see Fantasmic we usually get there around 30-45minutes before hand and have never had a problem getting good seats. I hope that this helps.

 

[jdd]

No, it's not worth it. The first time we went to see Fantasmic, we did the dinner package and when we got there we didn't end up sitting in the reserved seats because there were closer ones available. All of the other times that we have went to see Fantasmic we usually get there around 30-45minutes before hand and have never had a problem getting good seats. I hope that this helps.

That's great. What time of year was this - I don't think late April will be too crowded. Also, does anyone know what time the show is? Is it park closing?

 

[JiminyCricket59]

We've seen it in November, December, February, April, and July. The only time that we had a problem getting good seats was in November and December because that is when it's the most crowded. When in April are you going? If you are going around Easter you may need to get there a little bit eariler, since Fantasmic will be more crowded.

 

[brennicksmom]

We have been to WDW in June for the last 3 years. 2 years ago we got the Fantasmic pkg because we heard that it was the only way to get in and get a decent seat. We also found that the seats were better in the general seating area than the reserved seating. So, since then we have gotten popcorn, soda and waited the recommended 90 minutes before the show. Last year my sons were 4 and 7 and loved the show so much we did it again. They didn't even complain once because they knew the show was worth the wait! They are planning to go 2-3 times already when we go back.

 

[byoung]

No go 1 hour before the show and you will get great seats.

 

[jdd]

We've seen it in November, December, February, April, and July. The only time that we had a problem getting good seats was in November and December because that is when it's the most crowded. When in April are you going? If you are going around Easter you may need to get there a little bit eariler, since Fantasmic will be more crowded.

No we're going late April - we're in MGM on 4/25. Sounds like we're better off doing a quick Pizza Planet dinner and spending more time on rides! This is probably something that bugs a lot of people, but can you have half your party stand in line and the other half go ride until just before the show?

 

[brennicksmom]

They close off the entrance after a certain time so I would check with a castmember to see when that may be. If you wait too long only those who waited in line will see the show. My DS and I almost misssed once for having the Rockin Rollercoaster break down while we were in line. We made it just as they were closing the line.

 

[Tina G]

No go 1 hour before the show and you will get great seats.

Isn't the point of the Fantasmic Dinner Package that you don't have to go an hour early? You are paying a little bit more for your dinner in order to get the passes to not have to wait in line for the show. That extra hour could then be spent visiting other attractions. I think it all depends on whether you don't mind going early or not. If you don't want the wait, then the package seems to make sense.

 

[Music Mom]

I definitely did not think that the dinner package was worth it. The reserved seats were off to the right side. There was actually 2 performances of Fantasmic the night we were there and we could have easily gone to the second performance because of extra magic hours. Hope this helps

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Well I have an additional question than the OP. We are going the week after Pop Warner, matter a fact we will go to MGM on Satuday the 8th (the very day that Pop Warner goes home). We want to go to Fantasmic, but we want to eat dinner at either 50's Prime Time or SciFi. We don't like the choices for the Dinner Package so we are at a point of not knowing what to do. We also have 2 kids with us and one has ADD, so standing in line for 2 hours is not really a good option. Oh, what to do? Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[jdd]

No go 1 hour before the show and you will get great seats.

Isn't the point of the Fantasmic Dinner Package that you don't have to go an hour early? You are paying a little bit more for your dinner in order to get the passes to not have to wait in line for the show. That extra hour could then be spent visiting other attractions. I think it all depends on whether you don't mind going early or not. If you don't want the wait, then the package seems to make sense.

This was my original point. I think even with the dinner package you're supposed to be there half an hour early. If I get there half an hour early without reserved seats, will I still get a seat?? We have three boys, one is 2, and I really can't imagine standing in line with them for 60 minutes.

 

[JiminyCricket59]

This was my original point. I think even with the dinner package you're supposed to be there half an hour early. If I get there half an hour early without reserved seats, will I still get a seat?? We have three boys, one is 2, and I really can't imagine standing in line with them for 60 minutes.

You don't have to stand in line for 60 minutes, when you get there you can go in and sit down. So you may end up having to sit for 60 minutes, but you won't have to stand in a line and wait.

 

[SharonLowe]

We do the dinner every time we go to WDW - just a ritual for us. Fantasmic is my DD's favorite, can't be missed show and we actually like the seating area - pretty easy to get out when the show is over. We have been many times when it was standing room only at the show but the last couple of times, it hasn't been as busy - Friday of Memorial Day weekend in 2006 and week after July 4 in 2005. The day you are going leads me to think it is not a necessity but if there is a some big convention or other group there at the same time, I could be wrong. You will be able to get in and sit down rather than standing for huge periods of time - just ask a CM when they let down the rope. They also will have food stands and CMs walking around selling stuff. Plus there is a bathroom inside the gate too. You will have to be there at least an hour before the show versus the 30 minutes for the package so it is up to you whether you feel the 30 minutes is worth it. For what it is worth, we do H&V and find the food to be pretty good.

 

[DisneyDarlings]

I really want to see Fantasmic this year - do we need to do the dinner package? I'm not terribly impressed with the menus at any of the 3 restaurants. However, if it means waiting 30 minutes compared to 90 minutes, it's worth it to me.

We'll be there on April 25th.

\

Thanks for this thread. I have wondered the same thing. I have only seen Fantasmic once, because I hate to sit for an hour doing nothing. It feels like I am wasting valuable park time. We usually go the same time every year and Fantasmic is at least an hour to 90 minute wait. So this year we are trying the package at H & V. We don't usually pick buffets unless it is a character meal, but I have read some pretty good reviews for H & V. We will be there before you, so I will try to report back what I think about the package. I decided I would never know if I didn't try it just once.

 

[kimisabella]

You can get the Fantasmic dinner package if you are on the dining plan - right?

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

I really want to see Fantasmic this year - do we need to do the dinner package? I'm not terribly impressed with the menus at any of the 3 restaurants. However, if it means waiting 30 minutes compared to 90 minutes, it's worth it to me.

We'll be there on April 25th.

We reserved the package at Mama Melrose. I didn't even know it came as a package with Fantasmic but we really wanted to eat there so we booked it. By the way, we are going 4/25 as well.

 

[beattyfamily]

No go 1 hour before the show and you will get great seats.

Isn't the point of the Fantasmic Dinner Package that you don't have to go an hour early? You are paying a little bit more for your dinner in order to get the passes to not have to wait in line for the show. That extra hour could then be spent visiting other attractions. I think it all depends on whether you don't mind going early or not. If you don't want the wait, then the package seems to make sense.

Yes, but even with the package my waitress has always told me to enter the stadium no later than 45 minutes before because at 30 minutes they will open that section up to non-package guests and you are no longer guaranteed a seat.

Some have reported their waitresses saying arriving 30 minutes is fine but I wouldn't risk it myself because I have seen them open that section up at 30 minutes before to non-package guests.

So I can either do the package and wait 45 minutes in my far right seats, or I can wait one hour and pick any seat in the staidum I want to.

I've done both and they both have their pros and cons, mostly depending on the time of year and if there are two performances or not, but I'm starting to lean toward no package after having done the package at least 6 times and have gone twice without it.

YMMV.

 

[SharonLowe]

Yes, but even with the package my waitress has always told me to enter the stadium no later than 45 minutes before because at 30 minutes they will open that section up to non-package guests and you are no longer guaranteed a seat.

Some have reported their waitresses saying arriving 30 minutes is fine but I wouldn't risk it myself because I have seen them open that section up at 30 minutes before to non-package guests.

So I can either do the package and wait 45 minutes in my far right seats, or I can wait one hour and pick any seat in the staidum I want to.

I've done both and they both have their pros and cons, mostly depending on the time of year and if there are two performances or not, but I'm starting to lean toward no package after having done the package at least 6 times and have gone twice without it.

YMMV.

We have always done the package (at least 5 times now) and they have never allowed non-package people to sit in the reserved section. They always have a CM standing and checking passes of people trying to sit there. 30 minutes is plenty of time but remember to allow about 10 minutes for walking from the entry point.