fantasmic package...necessary??

[4twinboyztrip]

Hi. This is my second post, and I really appreciate all the responses from the first.
Again, I am going with my husband and twin boys who will be close to 7 in April.. .it coinsides with the American Easter break I believe, so the park will be quick busy.
We are staying at the Polynesian.

My question is that I was going to book Mama Mia Fantasmic Package, but was told by a friend that this was not necessary. She recommended to go to Sci Fi with the kids and then just wait in line 30 mins before it starts. Her reason is that the kids will love Sci Fi and the line up isnt that bad?? What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[NewMom66]

We will be there in April 2009 too. I also am considering doing the Fantasmic package with the Brown Derby restaurant. From what I'm told it's better to do that because the waiting line otherwise could be up to two hours. I guess the pros on this board can answer that better.

We did do Sci-Fi last year for my DH and our whole family just loved it. The whole atmosphere is awesome. From the mixed reviews it gets about the food I thought it was really good. The shakes were thick and delicious.

Maybe you can fit both in an early lunch at Sci-Fi and the Fantasmic package for dinner. Just a thought.......

 

[tzeitel]

For any trip during a holiday I would do the package, just for peace of mind. It could be a 30 minute wait but then again it could be a lot longer and you will be missing park time. Oh, and if you want to do - do it soon, Mama Melrose gets full super fast.

 

[4twinboyztrip]

Thanks for your reply and suggestion , but I don't want to do two TS in one day....not just because it doesn't make economic sense (bc it is a vacation), but because I don't want to use up more time sitting than enjoying the park or the hotel. I think I will stick with the Fantastmic package bc I defititely don't want to wait in a two hour line....esp. with the boys!

 

[4twinboyztrip]

I will book as soon as my 180 day is here....on Monday!

 

[NewMom66]

They are upgrading their systems so you can't make ADR's until November 21st. I know, I know I'm bummed about that too. I believe you can only make ADR's up to February 21st or 22nd. The only ones you can make now is for CM, V&A, and CRT.

 

[mom2aandj]

I will book as soon as my 180 day is here....on Monday!

I would definitely do the package at Easter time--this is one of the absolute busiest times of the year at WDW. Also, FYI, you will not be able to book any meals except Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's or Victoria and Albert's on Monday as the Disney reservation system is currently undergoing an upgrade and no ressies except at those 3 places can be made past Feb 22 (at this point) The system is supposed to be back for reservations around Nov 21.

 

[miprender]

I would definitely do the package at Easter time--this is one of the absolute busiest times of the year at WDW. Also, FYI, you will not be able to book any meals except Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's or Victoria and Albert's on Monday as the Disney reservation system is currently undergoing an upgrade and no ressies except at those 3 places can be made past Feb 22 (at this point) The system is supposed to be back for reservations around Nov 21.

I've been reading that some restaurants have come back on the system so you might be able grab those. My 180 days is Saturday so and we will be doing the fantasmic package for the first time.

I am just hoping to get CRT and Chef Mickeys

 

[4twinboyztrip]

Oh no, I didn't know that. That really puts us at a disadvantage and hope its not harder to get our reservation choices. I guess one of the benefits of staying on property (to book at the start of 180 and then the rest of your stay) is void if I have to wait until Nov. 21.

Do you need to have advanced reservations for quick service meals?

One more quick ?....I was going to take the kids to Liberty Tree, but just read that it will no longer be a character meal....where would the best ts meal be for my family in the magic kingdon....atmoshpere and meal?

thanks for all your help!

 

[Babsydoodle]

My vote would be Crystal Palace! Sooooo much fun, food is great, and Pooh and characters come around all the time! My granddaughter and grandson (7) loved it, and we did too!

 

[minuet]

Do you need to have advanced reservations for quick service meals?

nope, hence why they are quicker.

 

[720L]

I would go to Crystal Palace in MK. As far as Fantasmic goes, no you don't have to do the package. But since you are going during an extremely busy time, I would get to Fantasmic at least 45 minutes before the show starts. We usually get snacks to eat while we are waiting for the show to start. There is a concession stand inside the stadium. Fantasmic is our favorite!

 

[mom2aandj]

I've been reading that some restaurants have come back on the system so you might be able grab those.

really? which ones and for what dates beyond Feb 22 have you read about?