Fantasmic--getting a seat?

[crazymomof4]

Fantasmic is new since we were last to WDW in '94 so I'm unfamiliar with it. I believe it's viewed from an outside theater, correct? How do you secure a seat? Is it like the parades where you have to plant yourself about an hour or 2 before it starts?

TIA

 

[meganmouse]

Yes the seating for Fantasmic is outside. When we were there 2 weeks ago we took advantage of the Fantasmic dinner package. If you make a resevation to have dinner at 1 of 3 of mgm's restaurants (Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood Brown Derby or Mama Melrose's) they offer guaranteed seating. We ate at Holly and Vine. It cost around $20 a person for the buffet. We arrived at 8:30 for the 9:00 show. General seating seemed to be full when we arrived but had no problem with our guarenteed seats. I would definately recommend this option.

 

[JimmyMartin]

We went Saturday the 26th. All seating was gone at 8:15 for the 9:00 show except for dinner package. if there are 2 of you and they have closed off seating tell ushers you have someone else with your seat and go look for one. They are not as good as they used to be in making people slide in tight. Daughter did this last night and she came in at 8:40 and did not sit with us. There were 2 of them.

 

[Phrank40]

Last time we went to Fantasmic didn't get there until about 20 minutes before show, we were in long line of people heading to far end of seating which appeared to be all that was left. My wife just happened to ask one of the ushers near the center section if any seats available and he said sure, right here. We peeled off from the masses heading to the far seating section and sat almost in the middle about half way up. Can't hurt to ask.

Phrank

 

[DebbieB]

The seats are long metal benches with no back. If you have someone with health problems, it may be difficult for them to sit for a long time waiting. I know my mom gets uncomfortable sitting there long. The package would be a good idea.

 

[FloridaCat]

If there are two shows scheduled, consider the second one as the night we went it was only half full and we did not wait. We walked in and sat center stage.

If there is only one, then you might consider the dinner package if it is important for you to see it.

 

[crazymomof4]

WOW. The dinner package is out. (too many of us and we're trying to watch our food budget). How early can you go in to start saving seats. I heard one person suggest to get food from the food court nearby and take it in and eat it while you save seats. (?????)
Is it this crowded during the off-season too? We/re going to MGM on 10/6?

 

[FloridaCat]

The time you are going might be slow. You do not save seats, there is a rope gate about a block from the stadium. They drop the rope about 15 minutes before show time and it is everyone for themselves. Rosies Cafe, near there, has good Cheeseburges and fries.

 

[heffalump9]

We have gone to Fantasmic during off season and found it very, very crowded on the weekends. We found the best way to see Fantasmic is during the week. If you don't get the Fantasmic dinner package arrive about 1 1/2 hours early and just enjoy people watching and maybe a dessert from Starring Rolls.

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by FloridaCat
there is a rope gate about a block from the stadium. They drop the rope about 15 minutes before show time and it is everyone for themselves.

Yikes! Sounds like a cattle chute!

 

[FloridaCat]

Not as bad as it sounds. It is like going into a baseball park. Once in the stadium, everyone scatters for a seat. Send the fastest person ahead to save a spot. Seats are one long row. Seats on the far left of the stadium are reserved for dinner Package patrons. They will open it up to others if it does not fill up before the show. There is also standing room areas.

We feel the seats higher up offer the best view