Fantasmic Dinner Package

[rella's fan]

I'm taking my daughter (and friend) to Disneyland for her 16th birthday and she has always wanted to eat at Blue Bayou. I thought the Fantasmic package might be a good way to do both. I haven't had a chance to do any research on show times, hours, etc. so I'm wondering what would be the best time to get a reservation for a Monday night in mid July? I think there are 2 shows - is it better to eat early and go late eat late and go late? Just looking for suggestions, thanks.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you want to watch the fireworks from the BB viewing section, go for the first show. You will be invited to stay in the viewing area for the fireworks show. (The digital projections will be shown on the water screens and the music will be piped in.) The advantage for the second show is that it's usually (not always) less crowded. But sometimes (disclaimer here) all three dining package guests will be put in the same section if it is a less crowded night. We've done both shows with BB and enjoyed both. It really just depends on how early/late you like to eat and whether you'd like to view fireworks from that area. This sounds like a great way to celebrate your daughter's birthday -- make sure to note it on your reservation so the restaurant knows that it will be her special day!

 

[rella's fan]

Thanks so much for your reply, we've always watched the fireworks from Main Street - is the view from the BB viewing section good? Also what time are the 2 Fantasmic shows and how long would it take to eat at BB to have enough time to eat and get to our seats?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

F! usually shows at 9 and 10:30 pm. This thread has a video with views of the fireworks from the different viewing areas so you can get an idea of what you might see: Together Forever fireworks view from different locations (video). We always give ourselves at least 90 minutes for a meal at BB, but we're slow eaters and like to enjoy the atmosphere. Other people can finish their meals in an hour. We like to dine earlier so that we have plenty of time to walk off some of our meal (the food at BB is rich!) and maybe do a ride or two, then head to the viewing area.

 

[rella's fan]

great info. - thanks! So a 7:00 reservation would probably work?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...So a 7:00 reservation would probably work?

That will get you a FP for the second show, if that's what you want. I think FPs for the first show have an earlier cut off time since the return time is around 8 pm (I think?). Also be aware that you might not get seated exactly at 7 pm. Priority Seating works like a FP for a ride. You will probably be seated at or around 7 pm, but you're not guaranteed to be seated at that exact time -- you'll be first in line for the next table for your party size.

 

[figment_jii]

When you make the reservation, be sure to check and find out which show you'll be getting a pass for; they used to base it on the time of the reservation. Guests have reported being able to request the other show time, but it depends on availability, so you won't know until you get there that day.

If you're hoping to see the first show, I would try to get an earlier reservation. BB isn't a slow meal. I'd allot 60 to 75 minutes, assuming you're not going to request a waterside table (if you're going to request a waterside table, then I'd add another 30 minutes just in case the wait is long, but it's usually worth it to most guests). The F! viewing area opens about 30 to 45 minutes before the show starts (I think) and there will be plenty of guests already lined up waiting to get in at that point. While there are good views from throughout the dining package viewing area, the areas closest to the water fill up first.

If this is going to be her only chance to see Together Forever fireworks, I would try to see them from Main Street (or the Castle). If she'll have other chances to see the show, then seeing it from the RoA is fine. I think RoA is good for folks that don't like the crowds and aren't that interested in seeing the non-fireworks elements (e.g., flying characters). From the F! dining package viewing area, you'll be able to see the projections (similar to the ones on the castle) and the fireworks.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... If this is going to be her only chance to see Together Forever fireworks, I would try to see them from Main Street (or the Castle). If she'll have other chances to see the show, then seeing it from the RoA is fine. I think RoA is good for folks that don't like the crowds and aren't that interested in seeing the non-fireworks elements (e.g., flying characters). From the F! dining package viewing area, you'll be able to see the projections (similar to the ones on the castle) and the fireworks.

Agree with this. If you will have the chance to view the fireworks from Main Street, do! The effects there are really fun. But, the luxury of being able to view in the BB area without being crowded in is really nice, too.

For the OP: since this is your daughter's 16th birthday, will you be doing anything special for this meal, like ordering a custom cake to be delivered? If so, add even more time to give yourself a buffer for photos, etc.

 

[rella's fan]

So would 6:00 be a reasonable time to eat and still be able to get good seats for the early show? (or earlier?)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Sorry to make this so complicated, but there are a few more questions to answer:
Do you want to sit at a waterside table? If yes, try for 5:30 so you have the extra time to wait, if needed.
Do you want to sit up by the railing or in the first few rows in the viewing area? If yes, then aim for a little earlier time so that you'll be finished earlier. Then you'll be able to line up for the viewing area earlier, to be one of the first groups allowed in to grab the spots you want.
Will you be doing a custom cake or opening gifts or anything special during dinner? Then allow for more time so you can enjoy those moments.
If the answer to all of the above is "no" and you are all reasonably quick eaters, then 6 pm should be all right. As I said above, we're slow eaters, so we usually reserve for 5 pm, no later. That gives us plenty of time to dawdle over food and still make it to the viewing area in time to line up early.

 

[rella's fan]

very helpful - thank you so much