fantasmic dinner package

[badger5]

Has anyone done this?? How does it exactly work?? Is it a great benefit to get better seats at fantasmic???

Thanks.

 

[jimmiej]

During the busy season, it's not a bad idea if you were going to eat a sit-down meal anyways. I've done it both ways, with & w/o the dinner package during the month of June. Sometimes, the priority seating times are too early for my liking. Here's all the info:

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/fantdin1.htm

 

[tlev]

We were there during the second week of September and most of the parks were not crowded at all, we walked right on every ride. However Fantasmic was still packed to the gills, every seat taken. It was worth the dinner package so we did not have to wait in line. Just walked up about 20 min. before the show and sat in the reserve section which was fine to view the show.

 

[newcomer52]

The seats aren't really better, they are off to the right side. The advantage is that you don't have to wait in line for a hour or longer to get a seat. During the busy seasons, the show always is completely full, so you need to be in line to get a seat. With the package, the section is reserved and you only need to be there about 30 minutes ahead. We've done it twice and really liked it because we love to eat at Mama Melrose's anyway. I would not like to wait in line for over a hour to get in. I probably won't do the package in November because I'll be solo and think I can find a seat somewhere after the crowd has gone in.

 

[macnodos]

Agree with Newcomer about eating at Mama Melrose. Great dinner and they offered later seating than some others. We were there over Easter and would probably not have gotten in without dinner package. Absolutely recommend.

 

[QuickGold]

This page should be helpful: http://www.mgmstudios.org/food/fantasmic.html

 

[Renysmom]

What time frame do you suggest for dinner in order to give you enough time to walk to the show and arrive at least 30 minutes early?

We are going the first week of October 2005, so it gets dark earlier, does this move up the start time of the fireworks show?

Thanks,

Kelly

 

[laceemouse]

Kelly, I can tell you that the dinner package is more than worth it. The first time we tried to see Fantasmic the stadium was full and they were turning people away almost an hour before the show (it was summer.) The next time was early December and we sat for over an hour to see the show (worth it but hard to do with kids!) Last time we did the Brown Derby dinner, it was expensive but worth it to not have to wait for so long. We will be at MGM next Thursday. We planned this trip a couple of months ago and when I called for the dinner package I could only get Hollywood and Vine, which is okay, but at 4:00!!! We will just make it work, like brunch, early dinner, and later dessert! Anyway, YES schedule a package, and YES call early. You are right, I think Fantasmic is at 8:00 the night of our trip, but it does vary. I would say eat about 1 and a half to 2 hours before the show so you have plenty of time. Fantasmic is our favorite night time show at WDW, BOY am I getting EXCITED!!! Have fun planning...Lacee

 

[Renysmom]

Lacee -

Thanks, I will make a note in my Palm Pilot to try for a 5:30 dinner slot.

Kelly

 

[LittleBoPeep]

We did the Fantasmic Dinner Package last May at Hollywood and Vine (which was perfect with my picky eaters). Our PS was for 4:30 p.m. and were a little hesitant about eating dinner so early, but it actually worked out much better. It rained while we were eating, and cleared just before we were about to head back out. And the things we tried to see earlier in the day but weren't able to because they were too crowded now had very light crowds, since everyone else was eating and/or standing in line for Fantasmic!
We got to the special entrance just before they were going to close it off and got seats on in the middle of the reserved area on the right. It couldn't have worked better for us. We definitely plan to do it again.

 

[blestmom]

I'm glad to hear a few of you were happy with Hollywood and Vine. I thought that would be a good option for our size family. I've got 3 picky younger kids, and 2 boys who can eat a TON, so I was hoping this was a good choice. We've never done the Fantasmic Dinner package, and are really looking forward to it.

 

[Disnutty]

The fantasmic diner package is a great "safety plan" and does save allot of time when the park and show are crowded. Hollywood and Vine is a very good option for picky eaters. Its a buffet so if you have teens or folks that love to eat they will get their moneys worth. The food is good and there are plenty of options. Our kids loved the soft serve ice cream machine and made huge sundaes with jimmies syrup and whipped cream. Its a great time saver because normally you have to get in line about a hour before the show to get a seat. You just never know if the show will be crowded or if there will be seats. With the package they give you a ticket that lets you into the show through a walkway by the MGM main entrance gates (By Oscars). The advantage is that you will have a seat and do not have to cue up an hour or more before show time. Just show up at the walkway and you walk right in. You can ride some attractions (Rock-in-roller coaster is our favorite) and then get right in to see Fantasmic. If it is not crowded you can move to any open seat in the stands. The one disadvantage is that the reserved seats are the two sections to the far right when you look at the stage. The seats are OK, however the fact that you did not have to sit there for an hour outweighs the off center view. The Fantasmic package does not add anything to the cost of the participating restaurants so if you plan to eat at the park anyway, take advantage of the package and insure that you will have a seat for Fantasmic. You may not need it but why take the chance.

 

[Chicago526]

Glad to hear the positive reports! BF and I are doing the package in December. Our PS for Brown Derbe is at 3:50 (the latest they had!) but we'll just have a light lunch. We can have a nice, leisurely dinner, then shop, ride something, or people watch until it's time for the show (based on last years times, the show would be at 7:30). I don't like being off center for ANY show, but I feel this will beat waiting and hour or more (in cool/cold December weather) hands down over being in the middle!

 

[Disnutty]

One of the things we did just before dinner was to acquire Fast passes for Tower of Terror just before we went to PS at H&V. When dinner was over we went right on ToT which made the kids happy but didn't do a whole lot for the food DW and I just ate. If there is an attraction that you want to experience after dinner don't forget to get a Fastpass right before your PS time so that you can just go right on after the meal. I think doing Who want to be a millionaire might have been a better choice. If you know you have time before the fantasmic show get a fastpass for what ever you want to see. Hopefully there will not be any lines or waits when you are there but it is sure nice to know you do not have to wait in lines if it is unusually crowded.

 

[Bacs22]

Originally posted by blestmom
I'm glad to hear a few of you were happy with Hollywood and Vine. I thought that would be a good option for our size family. I've got 3 picky younger kids, and 2 boys who can eat a TON, so I was hoping this was a good choice. We've never done the Fantasmic Dinner package, and are really looking forward to it.

My DW & I have done the package twice with Hollywood & Vine, and will be doing it again in our up coming trip.

You can't go wrong with Hollywood & Vine. They have a kids section in the buffett that has chicken fingers, hotdogs, & mac-n-cheese, they have a very good selection for the adults as well, and a nice dessert bar. You will not be disappointed!

 

[minniesota]

If you have earlier PS times than you would like, call now. All kinds of times have opened up. We were scheduled to eat at 4:20 at H and V on Oct. 21. I just called yesterday and could have my pick of times. We are now eating at 5:30 which works out better for us. It seems as you get closer to your date, more spots opne up.