Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. tips

[tinkyrie]

I called as soon as we made our booked our trip to try and get a ressie for the Fantasmic Dinner package, but they were all booked. We haven't seen Fantasmic since 2005 and were turned away last year 45 minutes BEFORE show time. So we wanted to ensure we got a seat without having to get there over an hour before the show.

Does anyone have any tips on getting a ressie? Our trip is in just over 2 weeks.

 

[popgfd]

There has been many discussions about the value of the Fantasmic dinner package. becasuse the separate entrance has been closed, the dinner package becomes virtually worthless. you take your chances as does everyone else but you will need the same leadtime as does everyone else.

i haven't been this year but intend to go over thanksgiving. perhaps someone can update the wait time but i think it's an hour.

Sorry

Pop

 

[JPN4265]

There has been many discussions about the value of the Fantasmic dinner package. becasuse the separate entrance has been closed, the dinner package becomes virtually worthless. you take your chances as does everyone else but you will need the same leadtime as does everyone else.

i haven't been this year but intend to go over thanksgiving. perhaps someone can update the wait time but i think it's an hour.

Sorry

Pop

Actually, you go in the same entrance as everyone else, but you still get reserved seating. The dinner package request that you show up no later than 30 minutes before show time you get your reserved seating area.

 

[DisneyGrampa]

Actually, you go in the same entrance as everyone else, but you still get reserved seating. The dinner package request that you show up no later than 30 minutes before show time you get your reserved seating area.

Well-everything at Disney changes-constantly. The word is thjat now, they're back to a separate entrance, in a different place.
Doesn't help you with your problem , though.

 

[tinkyrie]

So, if we DON'T get the dinner package, how early do we need to be there?

 

[Bete]

I would say 90 minutes ahead of the show time. This won't get you the best seats, but you will have good ones and most importantly you'll get in.

You can try to the last minute to see if there are any cancellations for a Fantasmic package. Hollywood and Vine will probably be the easiest one to get if it becomes available at all.

Usually, you need to call immediately at the 90 plus 10 day mark to get a package most of the time.

 

[g-dad66]

So, if we DON'T get the dinner package, how early do we need to be there?

Robo should be along soon to answer this.

In the meantime, I thought I should mention that they have now re-opened the separate entrance for those with the dinner package (as reported in a couple of recent threads by DISers).

 

[angelle]

We were at Disney Sept 5-13. We had booked the dinner pkg. on a night that fantasmic was shown 2x's. We cancelled the pkg. and went to the 2nd show. We did not want to be tied down to that dinner and show time. This worked fine for us we arrived right before the 10pm show.

 

[Boog's Mommy]

We did the Fantasmic Dinner Package in January 2008. We ate dinner at the Brown Derby. The meal and service was actually very good, but the server was a little behind getting our food to us and getting us the check. I assume because the restaurant was busy. Anyway, we had to practically run over to the Fantasmic show. We were sent to the special section of seats that they have set aside for the dinner package guests. The section of seats is in the upper right hand corner of the theater. The seats are not close to the action at all. Plus by the time we got there, it was standing room only. As adults we really couldn't see much and my young son could not see at all. He just fell asleep instead.

So I would tell you not to do the package. The whole gimmick is that you are guaranteed to get in the theater, but you aren't guaranteed a good seat. I would have a early dinner, then get on some rides, then go stand in line for the show. In my opinion it is a great show.

 

[5Boys2Disney]

What has worked best for us is purchasing counter service meals to go (from the place near the Fantasmic entrance) and bring that in with us. We did this last October, entered the theater about 60 minutes early, and had an enjoyable wait with dinner and a glass of wine. We had our 1 and 3 year old boys with us and the food helped pass the time for them, too. We have done the dinner package before, too, which was nice, but this is an option if you can't get ressies. I'm choosing to bring our dinner in with us again next month. Good luck!

 

[DisneyGrampa]

So, if we DON'T get the dinner package, how early do we need to be there?

It depends on crowd levels and other factors, like was the prior show rained out. We went to the first show on 8/30, and we walked in at 55 minutes to show time, and the theater was half empty-but not for long.

 

[tinkyrie]

What has worked best for us is purchasing counter service meals to go (from the place near the Fantasmic entrance) and bring that in with us. We did this last October, entered the theater about 60 minutes early, and had an enjoyable wait with dinner and a glass of wine. We had our 1 and 3 year old boys with us and the food helped pass the time for them, too. We have done the dinner package before, too, which was nice, but this is an option if you can't get ressies. I'm choosing to bring our dinner in with us again next month. Good luck!

Thanks for this tip. I hadn't thought of bringing our dinner in with us. I'm assuming that food is allowed in the theater. That is a great way to pass the time!

 

[tinkyrie]

I just noticed that Fantasmic is showing 3 times during the week we're there, so maybe they won't be quite as crowded. Here's to hoping!!!!!!

 

[DisneyGrampa]

In addition to several CS places right outside the theater, there is also a counter in the theater with "baseball park" type refreshments.

 

[JPN4265]

Well-everything at Disney changes-constantly. The word is thjat now, they're back to a separate entrance, in a different place.
Doesn't help you with your problem , though.

Interesting. I guess we will know for sure when we get to the park.