Fantasmic Dinner question

[maslex]

My ORIGINAL plan was after going to Animal Kingdom we would head over to MGM only for dinner and the Fantasmic show. (Didn't want to do the whole MGM park---just a couple rides, dinner & show) Anyhow, my ORIGINAL plan was to head over there, eat at SciFi and then the rides/shows. Then while over on allears I found out about the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Sounds wonderful (NONE of us except SIL has seen Fantasmic and NONE of us have been to either of the 3 FDP restaurants) So I thought this was a great idea. Then over on tourguidemikes I've heard a lot of reviews that it really wasn't worth it to get the package, just eat where you want and head over there. I'd like to hear your perspective. We REALLY don't want to stand in line FOREVER but don't want to take our chances either. I think we all would rather eat at SciFi (4 adults, 2 of which have never been and 3 boys 10, 12 & 12, one of which have never been). What's your take?

 

[bicker]

When are you visiting? That makes all the difference.

 

[maslex]

Sorry, that'd probably help, huh?

We're planning on the last week of Sept/first week of Oct of 2007

I know it's a long way off but I'm just getting a feel for things now.

 

[bicker]

Yup that makes a big difference. I'd vote against the package. You can almost always walk in shortly before the show, that time of year, and get a seat as good as some of the seats "reserved" for folks on the package.

 

[TSM1993]

Been to Fantasmic several different times of the year. All the times we were there we had to line up about an 1hr to 1 1/2hr before to make sure we got in. Tried getting there about 15 to 20 mins before and were out of luck. So this time we are trying the Fantasmic Package even though it might not be busy.

 

[bicker]

Yup, that sounds like you visited during school holidays, TSM... which is why I asked the OP when they were visiting. It surely makes a big difference, perhaps for Fantasmic more than any other show.

 

[beattyfamily]

Sorry, that'd probably help, huh?

We're planning on the last week of Sept/first week of Oct of 2007

I know it's a long way off but I'm just getting a feel for things now.

I'm a package fan. I've done it several times for trips in Oct, Nov and Dec and even the end of August.

Then I went last Sept/Oct without DH (who hates waiting and lines). I decided to wing it. We ate at Sci Fi and then got to Fantasmic entrance about an hour before the show. I expected to see a line waiting to get in. Well, much to my surprise, there was no line and people were just walking in and sitting down.

We walked in and there were lots of people already sitting but we were able to get a spot right in the middle, half way back. Perfect seats. There were still lots of seats left.

Of course, after waiting an hour and getting these perfect seats, it was the first time ever we got rained out. So it really worked out that I didn't do the package on this occasion.

 

[Hockeymommy]

Is it worth it for people going the last week of August? How long will the waits be?

 

[beattyfamily]

Is it worth it for people going the last week of August? How long will the waits be?

I went the last week of August in 2004 and although I did the plan, I saw many seats still left all over when we arrived about 45 minutes before the show.

People were entering then and not lined up.

I think if you arrive one hour before you will be fine without the package.

I believe most of August there is only one showing of Fantasmic per night.

 

[canwegosoon]

I usually go during Spring Break/Easter and 2x's we had the package and one time we did not(it was for the 2nd show). I will tell you if there is any way to do a 2nd show I think it is a lot easier...and you can eat where you want. We ran up about 5 minutes before show was scheduled to begin, and got fantastic seats.