Fantasmic Dinner Reservations in July- Worth it?

[4MYBOIZ]

Hi!

My family and I will be visiting Disney for the first time from July 22-29th. We understand this is a very busy time. Is it worth reserving dinner to ensure a quick entry and great seats?

 

[WDWguru]

It's worth it, especially if you'll be eating a table service meal anyway. It doesn't cost any extra and will save you lots of waiting time in July. The only time I wouldn't do it is if there are two shows planned for the night and you can stick around for the second show. If there is one, and you can do it, you'll be able to get a seat 10-15 minutes ahead instead of waiting a couple of hours.

 

[4MYBOIZ]

Great tip! We have the dinning plan in our package. I will call to reserve now! Thanks again!

 

[tinkgurl]

We are also trying this in July for the first time! I'm excited to see how it works out!

 

[4MYBOIZ]

I called on yesterday to reserve dinner at Mama Melrose Italian because they serve pizza. The latest dinner reservation I could get was 4:00 p.m. on the day we wanted to see the show. I tried 3 different days out of 7. However, she states we would be able to go to the Oscar's stand and could get in without waiting in line. Next time I will be sure to book this one early.

 

[Robo]

However, she states we would be able to go to the Oscar's stand and could get in without waiting in line.

What does that mean?

 

[indigoxtreme]

Most definitely do the dinner package, When we went in late Fen early March I thought it wouldn't be that crowded and did not do the package. We arrived 1 hour ahead of the show and just were able to get seats. The show is great and amazing.

 

[WDWguru]

The times for the dinner package are all typically between 3 and 5 pm - they use demand for the package to fill up times normally empty at the restaurants. It actually works out great for us! We have breakfast in the room or when arriving at the park, graze the carts for lunch, then have a nice sit-down meal at the hottest part of the day. When we're done we still have plenty of time to do rides and shows before going to Fantasmic.

I think the CM was trying to explain to you how the package works. When you have dinner, you'll get a card with the number of people in your party in it. You present this at the backstage entrance near Oscars to get in to the show, but you can only do this if you do the dinner package.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Two weeks ago we had a 6:00 FDP at Mama Melrose. I would definately get an ADR for one if you can.

 

[4MYBOIZ]

I apologize for the vague response. I've never been before and wasn't clear myself, however see Kim's response below:

Kim states: "I think the CM was trying to explain to you how the package works. When you have dinner, you'll get a card with the number of people in your party in it. You present this at the backstage entrance near Oscars to get in to the show, but you can only do this if you do the dinner package."

Thanks Kim for clearing this up for us newbies!

 

[4MYBOIZ]

How was the food at Mama Melrose?? Any recomendations from the adult menu...

 

[Skroops]

Eating early is waaaay worth getting the Fantasmic dinner package! Sometimes they aren't available at all. You can arrive right at the last minute that you are shown on your admittance slip and still get a great seat for the show. Not waiting with the crowd and entering the back way (by Oscars) is so worth it. Also, when you have an early dinner you can see an attraction or two and take your time instead of hurrying to the show.

Enjoy!

 

[jbdreamer]

I like Mama Melrose, my DH thought it was just OK. Just to warn you, Mama Melrose had a special Fantasmic Dinner Menu that you have to order from - it's not their full menu. That is the only restaurant that does that.

 

[kidd_freeper]

I've done the FDP for Mama Melrose. I enjoyed it.

Mama Melrose has "adult" Italian food. Fussy eaters should not eat there. They do not have traditional pizza...its a flatbread. But if you are just slightly adventurous, you will be thoroughly pleased by the food and the service.

The FDP for Mama Melrose gives you a LOT of food. Don't eat lunch that day, and plan to be somewhat sluggish after.

===

Now...is it worth it in July?

IMO...no.

In July there are usually two Fantasmic shows. The later one is easier to get in to. Without the FDP you can choose whatever restaurant you want, when you want and not have to eat so much food...then go to the second show.

But if you really want to eat at Mama Melrose specifically, then yes its worth it.

 

[tndisneyfan]

How was the food at Mama Melrose?? Any recomendations from the adult menu...

I thought the food was good, it's similare to Olive Garden. It's hard to recommend since people's tastes are so different, but I liked the chicken parmesan. Check allearsnet.com for the rest of the menu items. All of the entrees listed there are on the Fantasmic Package.

 

[4MYBOIZ]

Thank you!!