Fantasmic! pkg. necessary during peak, if there are two shows?

[mickeymom629]

I have mixed feelings about whether or not to book a Fantasmic! package. I am thinking of trying to go to MGM and see Fantasmic! either on Easter Monday or the following Thursday. Both of those days have two showings and I would have us go to the later one, to try to avoid crowds if I don't do the package. Since we would be avoiding MGM EMH days, do you think that a package would be a good idea since it will still be a crowded week? We have seen Fantasmic before, but always did the long wait.

Thanks!

 

[bcinohio]

We always go in the summer and were there this past Aug. We usually got in line for Fantasmic really early to see the first show but we didn't make it in time this past Aug. We decided to come back and do the later show because the crowd would be down. The wait was awful. You had to wait for them to empty out the entire place and clean up. Then they didn't open the entire seating area. Parts of it was roped off. I liked it better when we could sit down and wait the hour for the show to start instead of standing in the line waiting for the show before to empty out.

I hope you have a great trip. We will be going back in Aug.

 

[jstehman]

Both shows will be very crowded. We're going 3/27 and have the package just in case. See you there!

 

[QuickGold]

Always go for the second (or third) showing of Fantasmic! It will be less crowded than the earlier show.

 

[ugadog99]

We thought we would go to the 2nd showing of Fantasmic over Christmas. What a nightmare!! It was SO crowded with people waiting to get in and then those exiting the theater. NEVER again will we do the second show. In fact we have decided that Fantasmic will always be done now the package. With tourism picking up the crowds are just getting so much larger that the package makes it a lot easier.

 

[Okiemom]

We did the package when we went 5 years ago, but you could do lunch and still get the entrance pass. I think they have changed that now? to dinner and the prices have gone up. So it really leaves us in a hard place. I love the convience, buy money is a factor.

 

[mickeymom629]

Thanks for your replies. I think we will do the package because it's Easter week, but now I really have to plan my days and decide which day we will go to MGM!

 

[TinkOhio]

Call today! Last Easter we thought that we wouldn't have a problem in going to the 3rd showing on a weeknight. WRONG! We got into the line at least 45 minutes before the show and it was awful! We wound up packed like sardines for a very long time. It really freaked out the kids, and was unlike any jam that we have ever experienced on Disney property!

I called on Sat. to make ressies for the package at Hollywood & Vine and there was only 1 seeting time available for the whole 10 days that we will be there!!! Call soon, and if it's all booked up, keep calling back. There might be cancellations. Also, they usually open up more times closer to the date.

Good luck!

 

[allisonwonderland]

I have a similar thread to this...my question is,,,,,how much is the cost of the package?and what restareaunt should I choose with it?is it too late to make reservations for June?TIA!!!!!!!

 

[lclark0621]

Here is all the info about the package:

http://allearsnet.com/din/fantdin1.htm

You can only book 90 days out. They want a credit card guarentee and if you fail to cancel 48 hours before you are charged $10 a person.

I just booked mine today for our April trip!

The only think I dont like is the latest they will seat is 4:30pm. Looks like we will be getting a snack after the show.

 

[tomerin]

we always like to end our day at MGM by going to fantasmic. dinner and a show is always a great way to end our day. we feel that since we always travel during peak times due to our work schedules, it is always easier to book the dinner package just to make life a bit easier. after a whole day of waiting in lines we really do not want to have to end our day by waiting in another line.

 

[allisonwonderland]

THANKS!!!!!! I hate waiting in line UGHHHH...and this sounds like a great idea.Although it is more than we would normally spend on dinner,,,,it seems worth it to get a great seat at Fantasmic....

 

[kutchyone]

Has anyone had experience booking and going to both Hollywood & Vine and the Brown Derby? If so, which in your opinion is better for the money? At Brown Derby can you order anything off the menu or is it a limited menu? Going June 11th and since my husband is permanently disabled with a back and foot injury I think it would be best if he not stand in a line for that long of a period. If they have multiple shows on that day which show do you attend with the Fantasmic package?

 

[mickeymom629]

Well, I called the past two days and all Fantasmic pkgs. were gone for the days of our trip :-(. I was trying to get 4/28-4/31 and nothing was available. I probably won't even try to see Fantasmic! this trip, unless we feel like spending 1 1/2 hours just waiting in line. Oh well.

 

[TinkOhio]

Hey mickeymom629-

I would keep calling back. I have heard that Diseny opens up more times as you get closer to your date. I would even ask the CM if they think more spots will open up. It's worth a try!

 

[Ahrizel]

I don't know about holiday season, but I know in June you could have walked in 10 minutes before showtime to the second show and gotten a seat. Whole sections were still empty at the start of the show. I've done the second show on several trips in June and never had a problem.

 

[june@imsarc.com]

We've dpne both H&V and BD packages. My family (husband, 12, 8, 4 yr olds) much prefered the buffet at H&V as opposed to the BD. At the BD we had to select from a limited menu--food was good, but nothing extraordinary. Atmosphere was much more relaxed at BD, though. This year I am sure we will book again because it is great not to have to wait like a herd of cattle to see Fantasmic!

 

[kutchyone]

I don't know about holiday season, but I know in June you could have walked in 10 minutes before showtime to the second show and gotten a seat. Whole sections were still empty at the start of the show. I've done the second show on several trips in June and never had a problem.

We will be there June 11th, a Saturday. Would you recommend taking a gamble? I had intended on dining at Brown Derby but we always take are bigger meal as a late lunch and I know that I would not spend that much on a meal for the three of us. The only reason I would pay that much was to have the seats and not have to wait for the show.

June.....,

Thanks for your input. We may take your advice since we have dined at Brown Derby's in the past. I wanted to relax a little but I suppose I can find other ways. I'll have to check out the menu for H&V. I was not that impreseed with the BD menu to gegin with

 

[keagansmom]

Whew! I had been putting htis off ontil I could get the April hours from Disney, but these messages scared me and put a fire under me. Just called and got the last reservation for April 17 at Mama Melrose. I haven't done the dinner package before, but after waiting in a loong line last time te get horrible seats I decided it was worth it. Good luck to all!

 

[cranbiz]

We did the FDP in December at the Hollywood Brown Derby.

We were able to order anything off of the menu, Appetizer, Entre, Dessert and NA Beverage for the package price.

I think that next time we will either eat at H&V or Mama Melroses. The HBD was very good and different, but not our type of food. ( we were using wishes and wanted to get maximum value for our wish)