Fantasmic - To dinner package or not to dinner package, that is the ?

[WDWorld2003]

Wow, I have been tossing this one around. We will be there during a fairly busy time - from March 29 - April 4 and really want to see Fantasmic. So far only 1 show per night.

I'm not crazy about spending a lot of money on one of the restaurants but I'm also not crazy about spending a couple of hours in line and we do have to eat somewhere.

Just like to know what others have done.... thanks for any info!

 

[MHopkins2]

If the $$ is a concern, you could always get counter service and eat at your seats in the amphitheatre - which also helps to kill the "waiting time" bird. I highly recommend bringing a deck of cards or similar as well - makes the time fly by.

Note - I'm assuming that since they sell snacks there, they wouldn't have a problem with someone bringing in counter service. Does anyone have any info on that?

 

[Mamu]

We did not do the Dinner Package and got great seats.

I find the packages to be expensives for the seating you get. You do not get prime seating with the package you are only guaranteed a seat.

I also do not think you will have a problem during you visit. We were there during Presidents Week and found the crowds to be very manageable. Most rides were walk-on with Saturday night being the only busy night. Crowds are down and it definitely showed when it came to getting seating for any of the shows. We always got great seating for all the shows.

 

[stacy6552]

Here's what we did our first trip. Back then you have to be checked into your hotel to book it. So we went to MGM early in our trip and tried to get into fantasmic pretty close to showtime. Since we didn't get in, we went back to the room and booked the dinner package for later in our trip.

fyi, we didnt like the lack of pixie dust at brown derby, though it was a nice resturaunt.

 

[CHIPSTER]

We usually bring in something to eat from one of the counter service restaurants. In early December on a cool night we enjoyed a good hot baked potato while waiting for our seats. They have no problem with this at all -- hey it's Disney food. They do sell hot dogs and beverages inside the theater also.

 

[tiggerjan]

My understanding from calling for a PS is that they are DISCONTINUING the Fantasmic! dinner packages after today (2/28). So you're out of luck...and so are we!

 

[WDWorld2003]

I believe that I read somewhere they were being extended again until March 31st......?

 

[Pumbaa_]

We have done the fantasmic dinner package twice. I like not waiting in line for long periods of time and I like the convenience of showing up 30 minutes before the show. The seating section is on the right side, which also means easy exiting.

We ate once at the Brown Derby. I really enjoy this place but it is very expensive (IMHO) and my DH (and Dad who we were with) need a large size portion. BD is not the place for them

The second time it was my DH and myself and we ate at Mama Melrose's. We liked it here. It was great taking a sitdown break. The prices were not too bad, the food was good and it was nice to have a good meal after a long day.

For us it was worth it and if they discontinue it I will be disappointed. Did you check out the menus an d the prices? Sometimes that helps make your decision.

 

[raidermatt]

Last I heard they were discontinuing it, at least temporarily. But I'm not sure about that at all.

I did want to say that the 30 minutes is really just a minimum. We've done the FDP several times, and one time we showed up right at 30 minutes, and they closed and abandoned the gate behind us...so I'd show up no later than 35 minutes.