Fantasmic Dinner pkg. -what a CROCK!

[ncbyrne]

We just got back. The only Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. time we were able to get for August 22, was 4:50 at Mama Melrose. We don't like to eat that early, but we did anyway because wanted to get the reserved seating for the show. We've used it several times before and never had a problem. BUT...this time we arrived at the seats 45 minutes ahead of the show time and there were NO seats left! The cast members were allowing people to file into those seats from anywhere. There weren't even any seats on the concrete steps behind the seats left! We wound up standing and my DGDs couldn't see very much because of the adults squished in front of them. I will NEVER bother with the dinner pkg to see this show again. It was chaotic and extremely disappointing!

 

[mom2my3kids]

I was thinking about canceling mine..With all the bad reviews of mama melrose and the no bread etc..

 

[carmiedog]

That really sucks. I thought they didn't open the reserved seats up to EVERYONE until 45 or 30 minutes before show start. I'm really sorry that happened to you. (Actually, the more I think on this, the more ticked off I get.) Were the CMs following procedure or did they just release the seats early since there were so many people? I'm wondering if this happens often. Honestly, I think I'd email Disney on this one...if the dinner package "guarantees" you a seat if you show by a certain time, then they are responsible for keeping those seats open.

We had a great dinner at Mama Melrose's and there were still plenty of seats in the reserved section 10-15 minutes before show start. This was in early May. I can't imagine how quickly it fills up during a busier time.

 

[familyS]

So sorry to hear you had a bad experience.

Because of reports like yours we decided to hit the second Fantasmic of the night and skip the package.

 

[pearlieq]

That stinks!

It's bad enough having to take reduced menu choices and to eat at bizarre times, but then to actually not have the seats available 45 minutes prior! Not cool! That's why I stopped booking the package. It's not a good arrangement anymore for anyone but the bean counters.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I am horrified at your bad experience and I suggest you write to Guest Services at WDW about it. I certainly will not be doing the Fantasmic Dinner package if they are allowing people who have not done the package to sit in the seats set aside for those who have paid that extra for the package...

If you do not write about it, then the castmembers who allowed others to sit in those seats will continue to make that mistake and there will be other disgruntled guests... Please write to them..

 

[OneBadApple]

We just got back. The only Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. time we were able to get for August 22, was 4:50 at Mama Melrose. We don't like to eat that early, but we did anyway because wanted to get the reserved seating for the show. We've used it several times before and never had a problem. BUT...this time we arrived at the seats 45 minutes ahead of the show time and there were NO seats left! The cast members were allowing people to file into those seats from anywhere. There weren't even any seats on the concrete steps behind the seats left! We wound up standing and my DGDs couldn't see very much because of the adults squished in front of them. I will NEVER bother with the dinner pkg to see this show again. It was chaotic and extremely disappointing!

I'm so glad that I canceled my reservation for the package. We decided to eat a late lunch that day and then grab some CS before the second show and eat while we wait. Lucky for us they added in a second show for the night we plan on going.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That stinks!

It's bad enough having to take reduced menu choices

Just for general information: As of earlier this year (I think 1/1/07, but don't hold me to that) there have been NO restrictions or reduced menu choices on the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Mama Melrose's. Every Guest chooses from exactly the same menu items, period.

 

[Skylarr29]

I have and never will bother with a package for that reason alone. You still have to show up early so it really saves you nothing.

 

[joyjoy]

I only bought into that package thing when Fantasmic was new-ish (2000?) and realized then it was unnecessary. We've never had a problem getting a seat just walking in, as long as we got there30 minutes early or so.

Sorry that happened to you, I'd be upset too.

 

[Tricia1972]

Just for general information: As of earlier this year (I think 1/1/07, but don't hold me to that) there have been NO restrictions or reduced menu choices on the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Mama Melrose's. Every Guest chooses from exactly the same menu items, period.

Truly not stalking you kaytieeldr - but you are 100% correct!

We went in April on our anniversary, and when handed the general menu I specifically asked for the 'other' menu because we were doing the FDP, and our server said we could order anything on the menu.

Also we were on the DDP, so the package cost us the same as what a meal would have cost us that night - 1TS credit. We liked the package, but we showed up early and ended up sitting in the middle anyway. (the 'private' walkway up to the theater was nice too)


To the OP, I am so sorry that this happened to you. That's sad.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Truly not stalking you kaytieeldr - but you are 100% correct!

That's funny - that's the first thing that came to mind when I saw that you'd posted in this thread!

 

[Tricia1972]

That's funny - that's the first thing that came to mind when I saw that you'd posted in this thread!

Well I don't blame you. Really it's just that I leave in 32 days and in a desperate attempt to make it until our trip I live on the restaurant board 24/7 lately!

 

[3for Me]

That is really disappointing and something I think I would write a letter about. I think showing up 45 minutes ahead is more than sufficient.

I believe I remember when we did the dinner package the "ticket" that you received at dinner stated 30 minutes ahead. I even thought that was ridiculous at the time.

I am really sorry that happened to you.