Fantasmic! Fastpass!

[crystal1313]

Loving the dining options! Too bad we will JUST miss this, being there Dec. 6-7. Bummer! Can't wait to see Hydroguys superthread about this!

 

[figment_jii]

It'll be interesting to see how this all works out. Hopefully it'll work out well and it'll be smooth(ish) implementation. I wonder if they'll continue with all of the dining package options after the holiday season ends.

I wonder how much of the River Belle Terrace's current seating area will be used for the table service package. I guess folks with funnel cakes from Stage Door will have to head to the Golden Horseshoe unless they leave some of the tables on the far end open for non-River Belle Terrace guests (which would actually make sense because those have pretty bad/limited views of Fantasmic!).

 

[DahliaRW]

And that is why Dinner ressies at BB are not popping up for the 12th and beyond. Interesting...

 

[pudinhd]

It'll be interesting to see how this all works out. Hopefully it'll work out well and it'll be smooth(ish) implementation. I wonder if they'll continue with all of the dining package options after the holiday season ends.

I wonder how much of the River Belle Terrace's current seating area will be used for the table service package. I guess folks with funnel cakes from Stage Door will have to head to the Golden Horseshoe unless they leave some of the tables on the far end open for non-River Belle Terrace guests (which would actually make sense because those have pretty bad/limited views of Fantasmic!).

Very good points... I am trying to withhold any judgement until I see how it all plays out.

The way I read it, it doesn't sound like the River Belle Terrace will be a place to watch Fantasmic! from... I thought of it just more as a place to have dinner and then go to the reserved section for the show.

 

[figment_jii]

Very good points... I am trying to withhold any judgement until I see how it all plays out.

The way I read it, it doesn't sound like the River Belle Terrace will be a place to watch Fantasmic! from... I thought of it just more as a place to have dinner and then go to the reserved section for the show.

I'm trying very hard to withhold judgement...as I said earlier in this thread, I just got back from WDW where almost everything has a FP+ at this point. It did takes some of the spontaneity out of the trip because everything had to pre-planned far in advance. The good thing about WDW's FP for Wishes, MSEP, FoF Parade, Fantasmic!, IllumiNations, etc. is that there are still good viewing options for guests without the dining packages or FP+. So hopefully, DLR will take a page from this book and leave some decent viewing area(s) for non-FP/dining package guests.

In terms of the River Belle Terrace, I can't quite picture it yet. It has some very good viewing locations, which would be ideal (I'm surprised they didn't decide to do some kind of dessert party there, but I guess the capacity in that little alcove area closest to Pirates is pretty small). But you're probably right that you'll get your dining FP at the end of the meal and then you can watch F! from one of the viewing areas (much like they do for WoC). I wonder if this means that River Belle Terrace's seating area will be available for stand-by guests? It'll be interesting to see what happens.

 

[MouseEXP]

Ok a quick cash grab for Disney and the dining packages. I should have seen that.
Now lets see where the viewing locations will be.

 

[pudinhd]

I'm trying very hard to withhold judgement...as I said earlier in this thread, I just got back from WDW where almost everything has a FP+ at this point. It did takes some of the spontaneity out of the trip because everything had to pre-planned far in advance. The good thing about WDW's FP for Wishes, MSEP, FoF Parade, Fantasmic!, IllumiNations, etc. is that there are still good viewing options for guests without the dining packages or FP+. So hopefully, DLR will take a page from this book and leave some decent viewing area(s) for non-FP/dining package guests.

In terms of the River Belle Terrace, I can't quite picture it yet. It has some very good viewing locations, which would be ideal (I'm surprised they didn't decide to do some kind of dessert party there, but I guess the capacity in that little alcove area closest to Pirates is pretty small). But you're probably right that you'll get your dining FP at the end of the meal and then you can watch F! from one of the viewing areas (much like they do for WoC). I wonder if this means that River Belle Terrace's seating area will be available for stand-by guests? It'll be interesting to see what happens.

I appreciate that Disney has released the info, but I want more!! I want to see a map labeled with the sections and know what the Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace menus will be. I want to know more about the dessert party at Hungry Bear... I need more information!

 

[debdreamsofdis]

Ok a quick cash grab for Disney and the dining packages. I should have seen that.
Now lets see where the viewing locations will be.

Exactly my thoughts. That's a lot of dining options, which means more people with preferred seating. Does this mean if you don't have a dining package, you get stuck with lousy views, behind those who can afford to pay?

 

[AmberStar]

Exactly my thoughts. That's a lot of dining options, which means more people with preferred seating. Does this mean if you don't have a dining package, you get stuck with lousy views, behind those who can afford to pay?

Nooooooooo!!!!

My very first time viewing fantasmic will be the day this new system debuts! I am SOOOO bummed. I dont want to be there as a test group and get stuck with lousy seats behind everyone else.

Also, I was aiming for the 1030 showing since it will be our last day in the park and a great thing to do before we leave after 5 days. Do you even think there will still be 2 showings now???

 

[MouseEXP]

Nooooooooo!!!!

My very first time viewing fantasmic will be the day this new system debuts! I am SOOOO bummed. I dont want to be there as a test group and get stuck with lousy seats behind everyone else.

Also, I was aiming for the 1030 showing since it will be our last day in the park and a great thing to do before we leave after 5 days. Do you even think there will still be 2 showings now???

If it works like World of Color.
You are going to have to guess or keep checking back for when they start to give out the 1030pm FP tickets. My guess is that they will be available after 1pm, like it was for the World of Color.
Or do what Disney wants you to do and reserve a dining option specifically for the 1030pm show.

Then you will need to get in line for the 1030pm WOC errr I mean Fantasmic show 15-30 minutes before the time posted on your ticket. Nevermind the fact that you will be hearing and possibly seeing things from the first Fantasmic, plus miss the fireworks that immediately happen after the first Fantasmic.

 

[crystal1313]

I appreciate that Disney has released the info, but I want more!! I want to see a map labeled with the sections and know what the Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace menus will be. I want to know more about the dessert party at Hungry Bear... I need more information!

Agreed! They list the options for the grab n go, but not the TS menus! Weird! Also read your post in the other thread, not thrilled about "standing only" sections. Interested to see how this works out!

 

[MadeToLove]

Wouldn't you know it. The day after my friend and I finally confirm our plans (and lock in days off work) to go to Disneyland on Dec 12th and do the 2nd Fantasmic Dessert package that night so I can see both the Christmas fireworks from the hub and then Fantasmic for the first time while seated in a nice chair, Disney changes our plans. Haha So much for ending the night comfortably seated drinking hot chocolate.

I presume we are all assuming the Fantasmic Dinner packages will work like WOC, with special semi-VIP like viewing areas in prime spots, but I'm a little worried at the rather vague wording in this announcement. It's rather confusing. For example, if you do the Hungry Bear dessert party, offered for 90 min prior to F!, are you going to be watching the show from HB restaurant? I didn't think you could see the show from there. Will they have separate viewing areas for each restaurant, or are we going to have to line up hours in advance anyway because we're still going to an area expecting to hold 1000? (I know you guys don't know the answer to that last one yet either, but if anyone gets that information in the next week before they start booking I will be your friend for life. )

 

[crystal1313]

Wouldn't you know it. The day after my friend and I finally confirm our plans (and lock in days off work) to go to Disneyland on Dec 12th and do the 2nd Fantasmic Dessert package that night so I can see both the Christmas fireworks from the hub and then Fantasmic for the first time while seated in a nice chair, Disney changes our plans. Haha So much for ending the night comfortably seated drinking hot chocolate.

I presume we are all assuming the Fantasmic Dinner packages will work like WOC, with special semi-VIP like viewing areas in prime spots, but I'm a little worried at the rather vague wording in this announcement. It's rather confusing. For example, if you do the Hungry Bear dessert party, offered for 90 min prior to F!, are you going to be watching the show from HB restaurant? I didn't think you could see the show from there. Will they have separate viewing areas for each restaurant, or are we going to have to line up hours in advance anyway because we're still going to an area expecting to hold 1000? (I know you guys don't know the answer to that last one yet either, but if anyone gets that information in the next week before they start booking I will be your friend for life. )

I'm sorry At least the Hungry Bear package is cheaper....maybe you pick up your food 90 min prior and head to the viewing section? I was confused about that too.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Even though I do not get a vote, I really do not like the FP idea as presented but will wait for people to report back.
"F" is one of our favorite shows and hate to see it go to the WOC scheme, I liked buying my ticket, get a seat I wanted and enjoyed the hot cocoa...we will see.

Jack

 

[AmberStar]

If it works like World of Color.
You are going to have to guess or keep checking back for when they start to give out the 1030pm FP tickets. My guess is that they will be available after 1pm, like it was for the World of Color.
Or do what Disney wants you to do and reserve a dining option specifically for the 1030pm show.

Then you will need to get in line for the 1030pm WOC errr I mean Fantasmic show 15-30 minutes before the time posted on your ticket. Nevermind the fact that you will be hearing and possibly seeing things from the first Fantasmic, plus miss the fireworks that immediately happen after the first Fantasmic.

With a group of 10+ people a dinner package or dessert package is out of the budget. We've already planned on 2 different tours and a character breakfast. The idea of shelling out more $$ on extras after we have been planning and saving for a year has my head aching!!

 

[GatorChris]

The majority of the campers are Annual Passholders that only come for the Fantasmic show. They treat it like a picnic and show. They come at 5pm-530pm, they lay out their blankets and then go get something to eat.

If you add FP then those/most Annual Passholders won't be able to watch the show.

Ah, now I get the angst. Yes, from a "local" perspective, this is a raw deal. From a long or short distance visitor, this is a good deal.

 

[azdisneylover]

All of the prices listed "state tax and gratuity not included"! Why wouldn't they include the price of these "wonderful" packages (yes that is intended to sound sarcastic). Not only did the cost go up, but you lose a chair! Wow, that is wrong. Shame, shame shame. How about with the BB package, you get an actual seat to watch the show, better yet, keep the dessert package with the chairs and bump the price to $65. I am not handicapped but at the end of the day, my hip is shot and I know I need a chair to watch Fantasmic, so, do I get a chair, and my family sits on the floor? Disney, we know you read this, please, you are making a major mistake, keep the dessert package with the chair for seating. Quit being coy and put the prices up there with the tip and tax added in too, so people who want to plan their vacations, can truly plan their vacations. And, while I am add it, if you are going to mimic WDW, mimic how they post their schedules online months and months in advance, instead of the measly 6 weeks currently on the DL site. People are enchanted with Disneyland for a reason, quit messing with the reason.If you feel compelled to mess with something, make sure everything is in working order, freshly painted, keep the made only in the parks food, quit cutting out the characters, entertainers, bring back the Golden Horseshoe Revue for weekends only. Above all, truly listen to what the park goes are telling you, not the suits who are looking at a paper in an office.

 

[ehrawn]

Arggh! So bummed by the nickel and diming (or is it $100 here, $1000 there?). Couple things. As much as I love F!, the spectacle it creates is so anti-Walt so this reach for my pocket book stings more than it should. On the other hand, I've been looking for an excuse to dine at Blue Bayou since i was a kid. Maybe it's time?

 

[mystic_path]

Oh geez no. I don't mind waiting for Fantasmic. I have a good system when to line up and quite honestly its nice to sit down with a drink and rest the feet for awhile. I dont see how a WOC type fast pass for marked areas would help the areas congestion.

 

[MouseEXP]

Bottom line this is a money grab by the folks in charge at Disneyland.
There is no reason to bring Fastpass to Fantasmic.

In my opinion they are only doing this to make the dining package more attractive.

All they need they do is bring the dining package for the River Belle and the Blue Bayou, while leaving everything else as is.

The Blue Bayou would take over the current dessert area and the River Belle dining area will be slightly elevated to give those guests a better view of the show. It is currently a little low and the walking path can be a bit distracting.

Here is my map of how I think the viewing areas will go.

Red = River Belle viewing area with chair seating
Blue = Blue Bayou area with chair seating
Orange = Handicap area with benches
Green = FP seating on ground viewing area
Yellow = Aladdin Oasis and Hungry Bear viewing areas
Purple = Stand By area
Mark Twain boat house area will be the holding for FP guests