Fantasmic viewing/fastpass/dining...

[amdgoogles]

Ok, so I've seen the threads discussing the fastpasses, and dining locations, and I'm aware that they're still adapting to the crowds. But for those of you that have been recently what were your experiences? We're trying to decide if it's worth the extra at RBT or BB, if we should consider the Aladdins Oasis option, or just try our luck with the fastpass machines. We will have our 3 kiddos in tow with "runners" to help us get to spots that we may be a bit slow to get to. Before fastpasses we always got into the 2nd show, and were in what appears to be the RBT/BB seating. I really like sitting near the water.. so are there fastpass options that would allow for that? What color do we need to try to get for that. I have seen a lot of experiences using the dining packages, but few regarding the fastpass views. Looking forward to hearing your tips/tricks/advice especially from those of you that have been there in the last week or two!!!

THANKS!

 

[figment_jii]

We're trying to decide if it's worth the extra at RBT or BB, if we should consider the Aladdins Oasis option, or just try our luck with the fastpass machines.

If you want a guaranteed good view, spring for the BB dining package (guaranteed ground seating). The next best option is the RBT dining package, which all reports have indicated is also ground seating only (although, it's not guaranteed, so that could change). Between the Aladdin's Oasis package and the FP machine, it's really a matter of whether you want a FP for a specific time. Reports indicate you get a blue FP with the Aladdin package and the show depends on the reservation time. If you don't care which show you see, I'd try your luck at the FP machine because you don't have any priority in terms of access to the viewing area.

I really like sitting near the water.. so are there fastpass options that would allow for that? What color do we need to try to get for that.

Both the blue and yellow FP viewing areas have some area that is adjacent to the water, which is generally ground seating. The issue is that it's not clear how that area is filled (or when). So there is a degree of luck in terms of whether you get directed to that area or one of the other areas within the FP viewing area. The waterside area is generally the most popular, so you will have to be line early and hope that you are directed to that area. I don't know if they'd let a runner hold spots for guests not yet there because each person will need to have their FP with them when they enter the area and if you are late, they may have already "filled" up a given area.

 

[amdgoogles]

Thank you for your input! Do you happen to know what the BB meal options are for the package?

 

[figment_jii]

I haven't done the BB dining package yet, but my understanding is it's the full menu (other than no specialty drinks).

 

[sun8]

We did the BB dinner. We ended up front row on the fence dead center to the stage. We had the BEST seats anyone can get. It was worth every single penny! Food was fantastic at BB and we were able to get a table on the water! Probably the most memorable night in Disneyland ever!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

We did the BB dinner. We ended up front row on the fence dead center to the stage. We had the BEST seats anyone can get. It was worth every single penny! Food was fantastic at BB and we were able to get a table on the water! Probably the most memorable night in Disneyland ever!!

Good to hear! After much debate, DH and I decided to try the BB package in July. It used to be our favorite place but we haven't eaten there in years.

 

[cuetipp]

Good to hear! After much debate, DH and I decided to try the BB package in July. It used to be our favorite place but we haven't eaten there in years.

I know I'm late to the party, just figured I'd add some info I posted previously in case people are searching and find this thread.

A month or so ago, we did the Aladdin's Oasis dinner. We were asked, when we arrived for dinner, which show we'd like to see, and chose the 10-something show. We were given blue fastpasses. THAT NIGHT (I don't know if this was a rare occurrance or not, so I'm throwing this out there), it was chaos (the park, however was not crowded at all).

We were told to "get to the blue fastpass area an hour before, and you'll be let in" - we finished the fireworks and headed over, about 1 hour before Fantasmic began - the prior show's crowd was trying to get OUT, while tons of people (backed up all the way to the shooting gallery) were trying to get in. It was shoulder to shoulder, barely moving for at least 20mins.

Just making everyone aware that Aladdin's does give you:
- the choice of time, once you arrive for your reservation
-Gives you BLUE fastpasses
-and if anyone in the group has an issue with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds pushing into a narrow space, just be aware. AND HOLD ON TO YOUR KIDS! But again, this may have been a rare occurrance.

 

[figment_jii]

I am also curious to hear how things are going in terms of the guests leaving the viewing area after fireworks and the arrival of the guests for the second show. The new set-up encourages the guest from the first show to watch fireworks from the F! viewing areas. Given that fireworks don't end until somewhere in the 9:45 pm range, that would mean the guests arriving for the 10:45 pm show are likely to encounter the guests that remained to watch the fireworks on a nightly basis.

 

[sun8]

We did the 8:00 show. Going out traffic was one way only....going out through Adventureland and coming in thorough Frontierland. IMO it moved pretty quickly and was well organized.

 

[amdgoogles]

Thanks for the additional responses!! I think we've settled on RBT cause I just don't want to chance having a poor view of one of my must sees!! Thanks everyone!!