fantasmic package or Cal Grill?

[jennyo]

If you hada choice between dining at Hollywood and Vine as part of the Fant. package, or at California Grill one night watching the fireworks, which would you do? ( We are traveling with a two and a half year old.)

thanks!

Jenny O.

 

[kaysmommie]

I was also trying to decide this one. We have never seen Fantasmic so I don't know how a 2.5 yr. old will like. I also have a 2.5 yr. old DS and DD is 6. My DH wants to eat Cali Grill so thats we decided. Even though I thought it would be nice to do something different like Fantasmic or Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Good Luck Deciding. BTW the food at Cali Grill is Awesome!

 

[ducklite]

Most 2 1.2 year olds really can't sit still long enough to enjoy a meal at the CG without one parent having to leave with the child.

IMHO Fantasmic can be scary for younger kids. Why not just book one of the Fantasmic Restaurants and then sit in the back of the Fantasmic theatre so you can leave if you need to?

Anne

 

[Amy&Dan]

Most 2 1.2 year olds really can't sit still long enough to enjoy a meal at the CG without one parent having to leave with the child.

IMHO Fantasmic can be scary for younger kids. Why not just book one of the Fantasmic Restaurants and then sit in the back of the Fantasmic theatre so you can leave if you need to?

Anne

Excellent advice! CG is wonderful food, but my 9 and 11 year old kids got kind of bored there. Our dinner took quite a long time and we had to book a late ADR to coincide with the fireworks and after spending the whole day at the parks, they were wiped out. DH and I both agreed after that meal that we have plenty of exceptional restaurants here at home we can dine at (no view of Cinderella's castle though) without the kids and while at WDW we will just stick with Chef Mickey's and the like and go with the Disney flow/theme. And I totally second sitting towards the back at Fantasmic so you can make a quick getaway. Your six year old will probably love it, I enjoy it every time myself for that matter!

 

[MissionMouse]

Our youngest was 2 at the time of our last family trip to WDW and we did both of the activities you mentioned, without an issue at either, but then again we dined earlier at the CG...around 5:30-6:00. We select the earlier times since kids at this age start to break down from the long day they have already experienced...we watched the fireworks from other locations during our stay. CG is good and I would recommend the experience, but depending on the night service may move a little slower than desired.

I'm not to impressed with the diner show packages since the restaurants are exceptionally busy at these times taking away from the enjoyment of the meal. Also, depending on the time of year you are planning to attend you may not even need the dinner package to get a good seat. Most people do get there NLT 1 hour prior, so plan on bringing items to occupy your childrens time, which could also entail purchasing some items from the vendor who is selling night time lights and toys.

If you are choosing one of the two you mentioned, I would recommend the Fantasmic Show and Dinner.

You should be prepared with something to occupy the childs time as you wait for the show to start. Develop your own exit plan, since it will be an unknown how your child will react and you should not confine yourself to sit in the rear because of this unknown factor.

There are restrooms, food stands in the show area and before the show vendors will be selling light/glow in the dark toys. If this is also a late night for MGM and you plan on staying (if staying at a Disney Resort), just realize you will need to keep you stroller at another location and non-Disney guest may take your stroller after the show since they perceive everyone is leaving, which will leave you without a stroller if you rent a Disney stroller. People were stating Disney CM told them to take any stroller in an effort to keep the crowds moving as everyone was leaving the show area.

 

[liamandcaili]

I think it really depends on your child. We took my children (6 and 4) to CG our last trip and they loved it. In fact, DS said it was his favorite part of the trip. However, we were there for more than two hours, and the adults did not get dessert. Can your 2.5 yo handle sitting still for that long? The view of Wishes is great from the balcony, but depending on the time of year you travel, Wishes can be as late as 11 PM. That is something else to consider.

We haven't been to Hollywood and Vine, but I can tell you that DD loved Fantasmic when she was three. That show is usually a little earlier...8 or 9 PM.

 

[Sweedee]

Didn't see this in any of the other posts, so sorry if I repeat....You can book a Fantasmic Package, but if I remember correctly it takes 2 TBS credits. If Fantasmic gets canceled due to weather, you are NOT reimbursed your TBS credits. At ALLEARS, they have a page about the Fantasmic Package, and my info comes via them. I personally would choose to eat close by, and chance a good seat. I might make my ADR's for 4:30, just to be sure.