Fantasmic dinner pkg in December?

[scrump]

I've heard conflicting stories on a separate thread, which I can't seem to find right now, but given that the crowds are supposedly very manageable in early December, will we really need the Fantasmic dinner package?

Also having heard that the seats are moderate to mediocre, given the raised prices, and I'm very tempted to just chance it and wait in line to get in.

What are people's thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

[SuBeat]

I hold what seems to be the minority opinion around here that the dinner package isn't really necessary. We usually just show up an hour to an hour and a half before showtime, find a seat in the center section and pick up some hot dogs to munch on while we wait. I might consider the package if I was going to be eating in one of those restaurants anyway, but I doubt it since I prefer the center section to the reserved one off to the side. I know this isn't as important to some people, and they would rather have the extra time the package allows. You really have to decide what matters most to you.

We have only been in June so far, I imagine in early December the crowds are a bit more manageable.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I thought about making one but when I called a couple of months ago, the CM said that the only time they had for dinner at BD was at 4:30 PM. That's a little too early for me I think I'm going to take my chances and show up for the show a little early. I'm hoping that the crowds will be light

I also did the FDP in May and was glad that I made the PS ... it was quite crowded. The reserved seating wasn't too bad. It was slightly to the right of center. I would have prefered something a little more centered but then I don't think I would have liked to line up hours before the show.

 

[katerkat]

We're making the trip in later December (still before Christmas) and we're not doing the package. We decided to do our big meal for lunch and will get something to eat as we go to the theater, hoping that the light crowds will make it manageable.

 

[scrump]

Thanks for all your input, everybody!

I've never done Fantasmic, and not sure how they seat people. Can you choose your own seating or do they insist everybody fill up the rows in order, without any spaces (like imax, or honey i shrunk the kids)?

And I take it we're allowed to bring food in the seating area and eat while we're waiting?

Thanks again!

 

[SuBeat]

I think they only open one section at a time, but you may sit anywhere within that section. As the theater fills up you may be asked to fill in the gaps, but we've always managed to stay at the end of our row. It may be different if you arrive later, we've always been in the first section they seat (center).

There is counter service available within the theater. They have hot dogs, chicken wraps, drinks, etc. There are also CM's walking around selling popcorn, frozen lemonade, that kind of thing. You can also bring in food from other counter service locations in the park.

 

[squitty]

Hi
We did the FDP in early Dec, I know we didnt need to but I just liked the idea of not sitting/waiting all the time. We ate at Hollywood & Vine, which was nice.
I just made the PS for it on the morning when we got to MGM.

You can choose your own seat in the ampitheatre, but as it gets busier they ask you to move along to fill any spaces.
I have seen people eating food while waiting for Fantasmic to start.

 

[Doodlebug939]

Just a little note for everyone. I just switched from the Fantasmic package Brown Derby to the Hollywood and Vine Package because my kids are young (5&2) and I figure we can all enjoy something there at a lower price. But just so everyone knows the Hollywood and Vine rate was $19.99 and now it is $21.99. Not a big change but still I thought I would share.

 

[DisneyLisa]

We just did the H&V Fantasmic Dinner Package last week and were not impressed with the meal or the service. We found the seating for Fantasmic great though...you can sit wherever you want & we sat right at the edge by the center section. We've sat in the center section twice on previous trips and really didn't feel any difference being off to the side a little. I'd do it again to avoid the long wait for the show but would probably try another restaurant.

 

[beattyfamily]

We've done it twice before both times in December and when they made the package change I thought about not doing it this year but my DH does NOT want to wait over an hour for the show in a line. He likes that with the package you can enter in the special entrance 1/2 hour before the show starts. So that is what we are doing.

The crowds may be managable in December but you still have to wait over an hour for the show to begin and get a good seat. They open up the seating 120 minutes before ths show so people do start lining up then. With the package you can enter later and do a couple more rides before the show begins....

 

[Cinderella37]

We always do the package and have found the seats to be great. The show is conducted in a manner that allows it to be shown directly in front of the three sections (at least the water screens and the boats). The other action is high enough that it is visible from any section.