Fantasmic! Pkg ???? Should we switch

[tina.tina]

We have Hollywood & Vine reservations. The Hollywood Brown Derby is available. Should we switch? We would probably pay for H&V with DDP. We would probably pay OOP for HBD.

Can we order from A la Carte menu with the Fantasmic! Pkg?
If so, the following doesn't look too bad.
$33 most expensive thing on adult menu for DH
$10 Cobb salad for me
$11 most expensive thing on kids menu for DD
$11 most expensive thing on kids menu for DS
$ 7 1 adult dessert to split
$8 2 kids desserts
$80 total before tax & tip

 

[quirty30]

The HBD Fantasmic package is a fixed price for a 3 course meal (appetizer, dinner & dessert.) We tried it last week. I think it was $53.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids, plus tax. Food was excellent, but you honestly needed to order the most expensive items on the menu to justify the price. We had the DxDP so we could "afford" the 2 credits for it. I had never seen Fantasmic in 10 trips to WDW, so this was how I made sure we'd see it this past trip. Would I do it again? Probably not. I'd go back to HBD and pay OOP and get the Cobb Salad & Grapefruit Cake, then stand in line.

Oh, I also thought I should mention, I think you might be looking at an older menu for HBD - I believe the Cobb Salad was $15, and there were a couple of entrees in the $40 range.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I would honestely switch. H&V wasn't that bad last October for lunch but it was the worse buffet we had around the world. It was mainly sandwiches and salads with a few warm dishes. Nothing to rave about. Lately many have been writing bad review and $26.99 adult per adult is a lot of money for that in my opinion. We won't be returning there.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

This is the most detailed information I found on The Brown Derby with the Fantasmic package. It is from a site called the Mouse for Less and it looks like it was updated 4/20/10.

PACKAGE PRICING TIERS:
Note: Prices listed are regular prices, however, seasonal rates do apply to this package; tax but not gratuity are included in the prices.

The Hollywood Brown Derby
Dine as the stars once did at The Hollywood Brown Derby. Choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert and non alcoholic, non specialty beverage from the Derby's classic menu featuring the Original Cobb Salad. Counts as two Table Service credits for the Dining Plan; not available for the Quick Service plan. Theme park admission required.
Guest Ages 10 and Up - Lunch and Dinner: $50.05
Guest Ages 3-9* - Lunch and Dinner: $12.77(choice of entrée, beverage & dessert from children's menu)

I have also seen information that does not show a price. I guess the best bet would be to contact Disney Dining directly. Wow this restaurant has a lot of different information of each of the sites.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

This the way DH and I are choosing to look at it, we are going in August during Free Dining, and while we know H & V is probably the least desireable place to eat, it does offer a variety and with 2 teens, that's necessary. So, we booked here for a 4:40 (latest we could get), then if it really stinks, we'll get a bunch of snacks at the F! show or get an ice cream on the way out. DD has a medical condition and it makes standing in long crowded lines very uncomfortable and she tends to get very claustrophobic, and since there is no separate entrance for those in need, the easiest way to accomplish this is to get a package. We are eating the night before at Tutto, so Mama Melrose just didn't warm everyone's tastebuds, and I'm not giving up 2 TS for BD. So, by process of elimination, H & V is the winner. If it stinks, I'll get them all something esle to eat after I get my entrance passes to the show.

 

[Niki in NJ]

We definitely likes Hollywood Brown Derby - I would switch only if you are willing to pay OOP and not do the package (not worth 2 credits). We have gone with the package and without, and it wasn't worth the price just to sit in the roped off area for those who go with fantasmic packages. If you arrive an hour and a half early, you can get better seats in the middle somewhere. This of course is just my opinion - others love the package.

 

[kmedina]

We used the deluxe dining plan to pay for a Fantasmic Package at the Hollywood Brown Derby last year. Unless the rules changed from 2010 to 2011, you can order alacarte (although we each got an entree, appetizer and dessert anyway, since it was included with the deluxe plan). It is usually more economical to pay out of pocket than use credits. (Except with the deluxe plan, since it is hard to use all of your credits if you pay for any meals out of pocket).

 

[Prolif1k]

If you can afford it, go for the Brown Derby. They have incredible food there, especially the Cobb Salad. The grapefruit cake and strawberry shortcake are amazing desserts.