Fantasmic w/ H&V or Le Cellier

[DaniDownUnder]

Okay gang...

I'm honeymooning in July. DHtb and I have neither seen Fantasmic before. We don't have enough DDP credits to eat at Brown Derby and italian doesn't thrill us, so I've booked the package at H&V. I'm a little leary of this, due to the whole 'luke warm buffett food = germs' thing and the fact that most of the reviews of H&V are not complimentary.

So... my question is... for honeymooners would you keep the H&V just to get the seating for Fantasmic...or give Fantastimic a miss and try to get an ADR at Le Cellier?

Thanks in advance...

 

[bicker]

Don't miss Fantasmic. Le Cellier has its detractors, just like H&V. Fantasmic doesn't have that many -- and for many guests it is the highlight of their entire trip. Don't miss Fantasmic!

 

[Matt'sMom]

I agree with Bicker.

The Fantasmic package is worth it. And my family actually likes H & V. We make certain to eat there every trip. Yes, it may be buffet style... but there are plenty of very tasty choices offered there. We never leave hungry. And it is so nice to just take a leisurely stroll over to our reserved seating area, without having to wait in any lines. The seating area for the FDP is also the closest to the exit... so again you have the advantage of being among the first ones out and on your way back to the resorts at the end of the night.

We are also among those few who have had a really bad experience with Le Cellier. The night we had ADRs, they were under staffed, over booked, and filled to overflowing with loud and rude people. Waited for well over an hour past our ADR time just to be seated, and then it took ages before we were waited on & later served by a very frazzled and unhappy waitress. On the up side, the food was tasty--but the atmosphere was absolutely awful. We felt packed in like sardines, and did I mention it was really LOUD?! Not Le Cellier's fault, I know, but the kids at the next table were throwing food too. Just a very negative experience in general. We may opt to try Le Cellier again on some future trip, but it will be for lunch as opposed to dinner (I don't think they draw as large a crowd at lunch time, in general).

 

[webmomom]

Question? Do realize that Le Cellier is in a different park?

 

[missy522]

Well, I guess I'll have to disagree with what most are saying. Now I must say that I haven't eaten at either restaurant! But I've done alot of reading on these boards and Le Cellier gets MUCH better reviews than H&V. If you were a family with kids, I might say do H&V for the Fantasmic seating. But this is your honeymoon! Eat somewhere nice and romantic! And you don't HAVE to do the Fantasmic dinner package to see the show. Just go early enough, and two honeymooners shouldn't mind the wait!

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I was also trying to decide whether to do a FDP, or hop over to Epcot for a restaurant I know I love. I decided to compromise, and booked 50's Prime Time (no FDP) for Fantasmic night, and one of my Epcot favorites for another night. I also despise buffets ("feeding troughs"), so I didn't want H&V, and we are doing Alfredo's at Epcot, so I didn't want another Italian place. I have heard good things about 50's, and I think it's just right for our Fantasmic night.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I say go to Fantasmic w/out the package. You really don't need it! We went during Spring Break w/out the package. Sat down about 30-40 min before the show and had great seats! I wouldn't do H&V either, too many bad reviews. The restaurant itself doesn't get me too excited. I'd rather do Sci Fi or 50's.

As far as Le Cellier, I'd highly recommend that restaurant! Great food!