Fantasmic! Dinner Package

[afbut]

My agent says on the Mama Melrose's Fantasmic Dinner package you end up with bad seats.

I am impatient and wonder how bad they really are and do you still end up waiting just a long or is it worth it?

 

[PictureJumpr]

The seats reserved for package diners is the wedge-section on the farthest end of the arena. The entire arena is shaped like a moon, if you will, and if you were standing on the stage looking out at the seats, the dining package seats would be the section on the far left.

There is no 'front and center' available in the reserved section. They are not bad seats, per se, but they are not the best seats in the house by far.

The convenience factor of using the package means you can show up 45-30 minutes to show time and get seats, as opposed to lining up an hour and a half or more before show time to stake out a place to sit. If you are going to WDW during a peak travel time, this may make the package - and the relative decline in seat quality - worth the effort.

HTH

 

[Zdog]

We did the same pkg last summer, and had no problem whatsoever with our seats. Plus, we were able to show up later than most folks and walk right in to the arena. I strongly suggest getting something to drink before show begins. Also, despite repeated warnings about not climbing on bench seats post show to exit park, we watched as one man walked on top of bench seats, tripped, and did a shoulder plant into the next row. Ouch!

 

[catne]

the Fantasmic seats are good, we've done this several times now, and they are fine...all seats are good in that theater (except we do not like the ones right down in front because you can get fairly wet from the water spray during the show, especially if there's a little breeze from the wrong direction!) They are not front & center, no. But you do not have to be sitting front & center to get a good view.

The big advantage now is that you will be sure to get a seat...BUT with the reduced showings, people are reporting you cannot wait until 30 minutes before the show like you used to do, though -- the latest reports say that at the 30 minute mark the CMs open the reserved seating to the standing room crowd so if you're not there & in your seat by then you will not have a reserved seat to go to.

 

[JessiMommy]

The seats reserved for package diners is the wedge-section on the farthest end of the arena. The entire arena is shaped like a moon, if you will, and if you were standing on the stage looking out at the seats, the dining package seats would be the section on the far left.

Last time we did the package the seating area was not the farthest section to the end but the one right next to it.

 

[PictureJumpr]

Even better - shows how it's been a while since we did the package.

It's been a year since we've used it, last couple of trips we didn't - but definitely going back to it next trip due to the whole fewer showings/more packed thing.

 

[figment814]

I have only seen fantasmic once, with a dinner package. I have heard stories of people without the dinner package waiting in line for 2+hours to get the "best" seats.

For me, I think the mediocre seats, and waiting for 20-30 minutes is better than wasting two hours of my time. The show is great, but I just can't imagine that waiting for front row, center seats will make my vacation. My DBF used to wait in those seats with for his kids had never done the Fantasimic package until I reserved it...and he was apprehensive, as he had only ever sat front row center. From now on, he will always do the Fantasmic package, he rather spend the money then waste the time.

 

[thepwa]

I am not a fan of the Fantasmic dining package unless you had plans to dine at the restaurants included for this reason:

If it rains, and the show is cancelled, you have now spent a lot of money on a dinner you didn't plan on having.

Especially now with the number of Fantasmic shows reduced.

I'd rather just get there early, and hang with the crowd for 90 minutes. Its a good rest after a long day in the parks.

 

[afbut]

For me, I think the mediocre seats, and waiting for 20-30 minutes is better than wasting two hours of my time.

That is what I was thinking but wanted to be sure.
We were going to eat at Mama Melrose's anyway.
Great info.

Thanks.

 

[catne]

I have only seen fantasmic once, with a dinner package. I have heard stories of people without the dinner package waiting in line for 2+hours to get the "best" seats.

For me, I think the mediocre seats, and waiting for 20-30 minutes is better than wasting two hours of my time. The show is great, but I just can't imagine that waiting for front row, center seats will make my vacation. My DBF used to wait in those seats with for his kids had never done the Fantasimic package until I reserved it...and he was apprehensive, as he had only ever sat front row center. From now on, he will always do the Fantasmic package, he rather spend the money then waste the time.

That is what I was thinking but wanted to be sure.
We were going to eat at Mama Melrose's anyway.
Great info.

Thanks.

Just an FYI -- you will wait longer than 20-30 minutes with the F dinner package -- the reports from this year are recommending Dinner package guests show up 45-60 minutes before the show to insure they get their seats. At 30 minutes, the ropes are taken down and the reserved section is no more.