Fantasmic Dinner Package

[~*Belle 2003*~]

I have a question regarding the seats - I have heard that they are on the right hand-side of the theatre and don't give such a great view. Is this correct?

Do you think it's worth taking the package or just get there early and skip the meal altogether?

Would appreciate your honest opinions!

 

[whatisgoofy?]

Well, we've done it both ways, and it can be said that both have their merits. The reserved seating is on the right side of the stage...is the view better from dead center? Yes...but the side view actually isn't all that bad (there really aren't any bad seats, some are just a bit better, that's all). Fantasmic is set up in an ampitheatre, and the performance area is a semi-circle...so you see quite a bit from all angles, and the performers move from side to side. If you choose to get there early, plan on staking out your space 90 min-2 hours in advance...the best spots go quick. If you do the package, you can walk right in shortly before showtime, and you can have a leisurely dinner before the show. Ultimately, it all boils down to what's most important to you...do you want to guarantee dead center seating, or do you want to see the show AND have some extra time in the parks (and/or eat before showtime). Whatever you decide, you'll love the show, it truly lives up to the reputation (besides, you may want to see it more than once on your trip...we did ). Hope this helps!

 

[tjkraz]

With regard to the seating location, think of it as you would any other large auditorium/stadium venue. When you go to a movie / concert / baseball game, would you prefer to sit in the middle or do you like the sides just as much? From the side view, you should be able to see everything on the stage. The floating barges move from one side of the venue to the other, so you won't miss much there. There are three large "Screens" for showing the video clips, so you should still be very near one of those. But all of the live-action performance on the stage area will be off-center for you. It's up to you to determine whether that would be an issue or not.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I have two small children so sitting for a couple of hours is not fun at all. The seating for Fantasmic assures you that there are no bad spots.

No, the reserved seats aren't as good as down front and center but the difference is NOT worth the torture of entertaining toddlers for so long. Add on the fact that you can enjoy MGM for an extra hour I love the package.

 

[unclescroogefan]

We just recently came back from WDW,October, and we did the package. We ate at Hollywood & Vine and were very pleased.I didnt see any problem with the view. We went about 45 min. before the show. I would recommend the package.

 

[FatCow]

I just booked mineat "Hollywood & Vine" ! I'm soooo excited!

February 16th is a loooong way to go

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, I recommend the package if you have little ones or don't like lines and waiting on a metal seat for over an hour.

 

[sters]

The only thing I didn't like about the package was that the times they set aside for dinner was ridiculously early, like 4:10. Since they charged my credit card, I felt locked in. It rained that day, they were about 20 minutes late seating us, so we couldn't really DO anything but get wet. Dinner was liesurly and delicious at the Hollywood and Vine and when we were done it seemed like there was too much time to just sit around but not enough time to do anythign with toddlers. (Tower of Terror and RR not an option!) We weren't sure until the last minute if there would even be a show so we had to stick around. Because of the rain, there was ample and good seating available without the package up till start time. So in 4 hours, all we did was one attraction, eat dinner, and see Fantasmic. Not very productive.

 

[chirsty'smom]

We have our dinner packaged booked - but because we are going to be there from 12/25 -12/28 I would NOT even think about trying to stand in line w/ our 4yr old!
The downfall for us was either a VERY early or VERY late dinner - so we'll adjust!
Later breakfast, later lunch, late (8:20pm) dinner. Maybe this will keep us away from the food counters during the busy meal times.

Besides I have never been disappointed in the seating for any attraction Disney has created - although there may be some "better" seats I am taking advantage to PS, FP, EEH !

36 days and counting!!!!!

Patty

 

[xlstacey]

We went to fantasmic in November of 2001 and while it was somewhat crowded, we did not even know about where to sit or how early to get in line and sat just right in the middle .. by chance. I didn't discover these boards until 6 months or so ago. We waited in line about 20 minutes.

I think it really depends on the time of the year you are going for seating. We'll be there the first 2 weeks in January and while I did entertain the dinner package, I opted for a character breakfast instead.

 

[tjkraz]

For those who have booked the dinner package during holiday periods, just be aware of a couple of things:

1. I do not believe that Disney has any quotas on the number of packages it sells. As long as there are PS times available, they will sell you the package, which leads me to...

2. Don't necessarily thnk that you can show up 10 minutes before the show and still get a seat. When booking the package, they will tell you repeatedly that the reserved seating section is still subject to availability.

My point is, if you wait too long to arrive at the theater, you may still not get a seat even if you booked the package. How long is too long? I honestly have no idea.

 

[chirsty'smom]

When I booked my package the CM let me know to arrive 30 min. before the show.
So, it definitely sounds like limited reserved seating, I just figured arriving between 30-40 min. before hand which xmas wk has to be better than standing in line.

Plus it gives us an opportunity to have a sit down buffet dinner, revive and head back to MK.


Patty