Fantasmic! Fastpass!

[mummabear]

I also dislike the long wait of you want to be able to view and would love any solution, we did the dessert package and was glad to have seen it with a good view once otherwise I am not willing to dedicate that much park time to waiting.

I wonder if they could rope off viewing areas but not allow people to enter until 1 hour prior to the show (I personally probably wouldnt wait an hour but anything is better than 3 hours!). If you don't allow people to enter or queue then it removes the issue.
Potentially using FP as part of that.
The pre show entertainment at WDW is also something that makes the wait feel not such a waste of time.

 

[ehrawn]

For those of you who think that this will alleviate the wait, what are you basing this on? I'm no WOC pro, but read HydroGuy's Tips thread for an idea of what we are in for. Even with a dinning package, he recommends being in line at least an hour before the show. On our last trip, the in-laws did this for the group, and it was absolutely necessary. Many showed up just before the show and had trouble staying together with their groups. There will do nothing for the crowds because people will "have to" purchase meals as all the best spots will be reserved. And we will still have waits as DL guests will feel obligated to "get their money's worth."

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

For those of you who think that this will alleviate the wait, what are you basing this on? I'm no WOC pro, but read HydroGuy's Tips thread for an idea of what we are in for. Even with a dinning package, he recommends being in line at least an hour before the show. On our last trip, the in-laws did this for the group, and it was absolutely necessary. Many showed up just before the show and had trouble staying together with their groups. There will do nothing for the crowds because people will "have to" purchase meals as all the best spots will be reserved. And we will still have waits as DL guests will feel obligated to "get their money's worth."

I think the point is that there won't be any more camping out along the Rivers of America hours in advance on a show night. What will be alleviated is having to sit on the cobblestones for three hours to get a good spot--or having to deal with the three-hours-in-advance crowding if you're just trying to make your way around the west side of the park. An hour wait to get into your roped section is an improvement in that regard.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Well I'm still super excited about this. And I have no problem at all with the "cash grab." I have yet to hear of any company that is not constantly trying to increase it's revenue stream. Offering new products and/or upselling existing customers is how this is done, along with increasing prices of course.

As for the AP factor, and I am an AP, again I have zero problem with the concept of distributing FP's for this. We've shown up as early as 3pm and been shut out of Space FP's. Or only been able to get super late return times. Too bad for us but first come, first served. I'm good with this and don't think Disney has any obligation to protect the AP's park entrance patterns.

Quite honestly, I think Disney does an awful lot that benefits the AP (AP exclusive events, parties, shows, discounts, occasional mailings and merch....) and the SoCal passes are a smokin' deal. I'm far from thinking Disney can do no wrong, but I am a happy customer and if they pull off this execution well, I'll remain so. So my fingers are crossed.

Agree with all of this. Fantasmic's audience dynamic is different than WOC's since it's been around so much longer. It's old-hat for the majority of DL visitors (since most are locals), so they won't be as willing to show up early in the day to get a FP for Fantasmic! as they are to get a FP for WOC. That alone will help uncrowd the Rivers of America.

We don't know the capacity breakdown yet between regular Fastpasses, dining-package Fastpasses, and the remaining walk-up viewing areas. But it's doubtful all the prime viewing areas will be given over to dining-package FPs. There's quite a lot of viewing capacity along the Rivers of America vs. the overall afternoon dining capacity at Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace.

The real question is will we still be able to do the light-tower trick

 

[ehrawn]

I think the point is that there won't be any more camping out along the Rivers of America hours in advance on a show night. What will be alleviated is having to sit on the cobblestones for three hours to get a good spot--or having to deal with the three-hours-in-advance crowding if you're just trying to make your way around the west side of the park. An hour wait to get into your roped section is an improvement in that regard.

People still camp out 3 hrs in advance for WOC. I'm pretty sure this will happen with F!

 

[HappiestHaunt]

I think anyone thinking this alleviates the wait is mistaken. Not only will there still be a long standing wait to get good ground seats in a section, but the waiting people will impeded traffic flow earlier in the day since they will need to rope off the areas to prevent access to them minimally an hour prior to and likely earlier. Not to mention I think is insane to pay $20+ more per meal for a fastpass ticket to Fantasmic. They would have to set up the seating (if that is being provided, actual seats and not just a preferred section) at least an hour ahead and probably more and I am fairly sure this will impact traffic flow in the area even more. Frankly this is probably going to add issues during the busy holiday season, not lesson them. It sounds like a money grab pure and simple. I know we will just skip the show, which breaks my daughters heart, but there are enough things out there requiring a fastpass retrieval, and we do not need to add this to it. And as mentioned before, this is not allowing folks who have issues the ability to regulate how they see the show without purchasing something. We will be there NYE and I truly think this is going to be a logistical nightmare on an already packed day. For our family this is not good news and we are not looking forward to that part of our trip now.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I think anyone thinking this alleviates the wait is mistaken. Not only will there still be a long standing wait to get good ground seats in a section, but the waiting people will impeded traffic flow earlier in the day since they will need to rope off the areas to prevent access to them minimally an hour prior to and likely earlier. Not to mention I think is insane to pay $20+ more per meal for a fastpass ticket to Fantasmic. They would have to set up the seating (if that is being provided, actual seats and not just a preferred section) at least an hour ahead and probably more and I am fairly sure this will impact traffic flow in the area even more. Frankly this is probably going to add issues during the busy holiday season, not lesson them. It sounds like a money grab pure and simple. I know we will just skip the show, which breaks my daughters heart, but there are enough things out there requiring a fastpass retrieval, and we do not need to add this to it. And as mentioned before, this is not allowing folks who have issues the ability to regulate how they see the show without purchasing something. We will be there NYE and I truly think this is going to be a logistical nightmare on an already packed day. For our family this is not good news and we are not looking forward to that part of our trip now.

I think it's a little early to declare you refuse to watch the show now and that your family's plans are ruined. None of us has any real idea how this will work yet.

 

[HappiestHaunt]

No Offense, but I am entitled to MY opinion about our trip. Please note nowhere did I state my trip was ruined. I said and stand by the fact that this is not good news for me and my family and OUR trip. And the portion of OUR visit that would have included the show is now something WE are not looking forward to due to this change and are likely to skip. Of course perhaps you may have some better insight to our feelings and planning then we do? Or perhaps not chastising someone for daring to express an opinion that does not match your own might be something you should consider.

 

[ParkHopper1]

I think this is a great great idea and I always wondered why they didn't do it sooner once they worked the kinks out of the WOC system.

The only way that I actually enjoy F! anymore is the Premium Dessert Seating package. Now while I am glad they are going FP for F! I am beyond bummed that they are doing away with the reserved seating with the dessert package! Will have to try and get in one last comfortable seat for F! before they end it on Dec 8th!

 

[Aladora]

Guests will also have the option to receive a “Fantasmic!” FASTPASS with the purchase of new “Fantasmic!” dining packages, including dinner at Blue Bayou Restaurant, special table-service seating at River Belle Terrace, a new dessert party at Hungry Bear Restaurant, on-the-go options and more. Check out all of the new “Fantasmic!” dining packages here. (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/fantasmic-dining-packages/)

My one and only reservation about this new system is that I am not a Blue Bayou fan and would likely never eat there again but depending on what the Riverbelle Terrace viewing area is compared to the BB one, I might be tempted to go to BB for the better viewing area. Also, I think the cost for BB is a bit steep, although you do get a Fantasmic souvenir. The pricing for BB is comparable to Carthay Circle's WOC package but I just think the food at CC is superior in every way.

Luckily, our trip is not until February, so there will be plenty of time for us to see what and where the viewing areas are.

 

[dsny1mom]

I don't believe the addition of FP has much to do with avoiding any wait to see the show. Waiting is a part of any attraction, show or meet and greet at any Disney park. This move is probably more so designed to equalize waits, so locals are not the only ones who get the best viewing spots. DLR needs to build their tourist base. Tourists are not going to spend 3-4 hours sitting on a blanket to get a good view of F! Locals will and do. So the tourists are getting this one catered more to them than to the locals.

Adding FP has a lot to do with increasing revenue. Just like with WOC you want the best viewing section you book a meal. The pricier the meal the better your spot. And the BB isn't just +$20, as you get a nice F! themed gift, that is valued right around $20. Dinning at RB will be a great way to actually utilize that dinning location with guests that actually purchase a meal and not just hold tables for a group that does nothing more than ask for free water. DL is a business after all!

There will be no chairs in any section. There will be either grounding seating or standing sections. My guess is the area will be roped off approx. the same time it is now. They will do a sweep of all areas prior to roping the sections off to remove all people prior to the FP people being let into the sections. Just like at WOC.

As far as lining up for the show....it won't take place right at ROA.

Bottom line is people that know the show and the ins and outs of where to stand to get in for the 2nd show, the light pole trick, or bringing in a blanket to camp out for hours will now be on even footing with anyone else that wants to see F! Anyone can pull a FP! The best viewing areas will require a meal purchase, but everyone needs to eat, and Disney needs to make money, right?

dsny1mom

 

[pudinhd]

I wish Disney had released more details. Menus, pictures of food, perhaps the souvenir picture... It would be a hard decision for me to make any of these reservations without that additional information.

 

[dsny1mom]

I wish Disney had released more details. Menus, pictures of food, perhaps the souvenir picture... It would be a hard decision for me to make any of these reservations without that additional information.

Menu information will be available on the Disneyland website on 11/12

dsny1mom

 

[pudinhd]

Menu information will be available on the Disneyland website on 11/12

dsny1mom

Wow!! Not sure how I missed that! Thanks so much!!

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

No Offense, but I am entitled to MY opinion about our trip. Please note nowhere did I state my trip was ruined. I said and stand by the fact that this is not good news for me and my family and OUR trip. And the portion of OUR visit that would have included the show is now something WE are not looking forward to due to this change and are likely to skip. Of course perhaps you may have some better insight to our feelings and planning then we do? Or perhaps not chastising someone for daring to express an opinion that does not match your own might be something you should consider.

You're not entitled to everyone agreeing with you on a discussion board.

 

[HappiestHaunt]

You're not entitled to everyone agreeing with you on a discussion board.

Sorry but off base again. 0-2 for you I am afraid. Once again trying to insinuate something that was not remotely hinted at within my post. Not once did I think everyone should think the way I do. I was simply expressing MY Opinion on a board where others have also done so. And you notice I said MY opinion and OUR trip, not the worlds and everyone. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on this change, you included. As you stated this is a message board where not everyone will agree. However, YOU are the only one who seems to think that if someone does not share Your opinion then there is a problem. I believe I am entitled to express MY opinion here the same as you. An on that note, I believe I will direct any remaining posts on this thread to the topic and MY OPINION of said topic only. Have a lovely night!

 

[grnflash]

Sorry but off base again. 0-2 for you I am afraid. Once again trying to insinuate something that was not remotely hinted at within my post. Not once did I think everyone should think the way I do. I was simply expressing MY Opinion on a board where others have also done so. And you notice I said MY opinion and OUR trip, not the worlds and everyone. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on this change, you included. As you stated this is a message board where not everyone will agree. However, YOU are the only one who seems to think that if someone does not share Your opinion then there is a problem. I believe I am entitled to express MY opinion here the same as you. An on that note, I believe I will direct any remaining posts on this thread to the topic and MY OPINION of said topic only. Have a lovely night!

My opinion is that I do not agree with your scorekeeping.

 

[ArchOwl]

I am just sad that the dessert seating is going away. It was SO nice to be able to sit down at the end of a long day and have some nice treats. I am guessing that there will most likely be no seating anymore, even for BB people. Darn it! Some of us aren't spring chickens any more, Disney!

 

[dsny1mom]

I am just sad that the dessert seating is going away. It was SO nice to be able to sit down at the end of a long day and have some nice treats. I am guessing that there will most likely be no seating anymore, even for BB people. Darn it! Some of us aren't spring chickens any more, Disney!

I so agree, my old bones enjoyed those chairs!! And you are correct there will no longer be actual chairs, not even for the BB diners. However, having a BB FP will add an element of "comfort" to the F! viewing experience.

dsny1mom

 

[Disneyqueendenmark]

I'm not sure if I get it right If I order a F! dinner package, (or just go to the FP automat) then I'll get a FP with an assigned viewing area (Pretty much like WOC). But will it be like WOC where you have to stand up? Or will there be seating so that when you arrive at the suggested return time, you'll be able to sit down? (Like the dessert package??)

Do you think FP will run out quickly? I'm thinking about booking a dinner package, since I'll be visiting during a pretty busy time (Dec 17+18 & 23+24)