Fantasmic Dinner Pkg.? Brown Derby worth it?

[mycutiepatooties]

Hi and I am a newbie here! I'm so glad that I found this board. Sure seems full of so many great people with helpful advice! This is my first question, so I hope someone responds.

We are going to WDW last week April/ first week of May 07. We have a 6 yr old and a 2 yr. old and we'd like to avoid the long wait by booking the Fantasmic Dining Pkg. I've read horrible things about Mama Melrose. I'm not to keen on the atmosphere for Hollywood & Vine for dinner. That leaves Brown Derby. I've read some favorable reviews, but is it worth 2 TS credits? Would you do that, or just go somwhere else? Is it possible that the Fantasmic show (1st earlier show) won't be that packed out at this time of year and we could just walk in 30 mins. ahead of time? I'd love to just scrap the dinner pkg. and eat elsewhere if we have a chance of getting in the show. I've never been at this time of year before, so it's hard for me to guess what crowds are like for early spring.

Looking for any advice please!

Thanks so much!

 

[LMCT88]

Hi, My family and I did that package a few years back, It was great to get into the Fantasmic Show early, but I personally didn't care too much for the food at the Brown Derby, (my kids were young at the time, and I found they didn't eat much either). I mainly did it because of the Fantasmic Show. If I were to do it again I would probably skip the Brown Derby. It's just we are picky eaters, and it wasn't something we really were into. Although my DH didn't mind it but he would eat just about anything lol. I would say depending upon if your picky eaters you may want to see if you can get a look at the menu to see if anything jumps at you. (it may be for you and your family, at least this way you will know what is on the menu). Then you can make a more informed choice. Hope this helps.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

We love the Brown Derby. But I wouldn't try to eat there without an ADR. I think the food is yummy The Cobb Salad rocks

We did the FDP at the Brown Derby last year and we're doin' it again next year!

 

[Redbudlover]

The Brown Derby became one of my top two fave places last year! I loved the food and the service and the ambiance. That said, I think there are better places for little kids - this is a long pretty formal dining place.

 

[F1Julie]

Brown Derby is great! We did the FDP there in May and it was our best meal of the trip. It is not worth 2 TS credits though. We paid OOP for it. Adults cost around $37 - not a good value for 2 TS.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is it possible that the Fantasmic show (1st earlier show) won't be that packed out at this time of year and we could just walk in 30 mins. ahead of time?

No, unless the weather's cold enough to send most Guests back to their hotels before the show starts but excellent weather otherwise (so that the show's not cancelled - which does happen on occasion, and there's no such thing as a raincheck for Fantasmic!). However, if there are two shows on a given night, the SECOND show will very likely empty enough that you can walk in close to show time and get decent seats.

 

[Amyrlin]

Brown DErby is one of My favorite resturants, on the fantasmic package there is also a good fixed price, but you still get the full menu choice.

However, if there are other places you are eating and have to chose something to pay OOP then this is one that may not be cost effectiuve to use 2 credits on.