Fantasmic with only FP

[mrsashbaugh]

I've tried searching the thread and haven't found any info really on how it is for Fantasmic only using FP.

I have DS9 and DD5 and wondering how it will be to do the first showing with them. I know it's standing only and was wondering how far we should head that way to get "good" spots for the show so they can see? We're planning to watch it on a Thursday night, May 31st. I don't know if that makes a difference or not or if there is a better day of the week to watch it just using FP.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[katejc]

From what I've read on these boards, it's pretty squished. I have caved and reserved the BB dining package to get more room and not have to wait around.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I understand that there is a small area for the first group allowed into the free FP section that is seated, then everyone else has to stand. With young kids, I would try hard to be in that seated section so that the kids have a chance at a good view. Otherwise, I'm not sure they'll be able to see much of anything if they get stuck standing behind other people. And putting them on shoulders isn't a good idea, either, since the show is long (so you'll be exhausted) and they'll block other people's view. I've heard other people report that they got in line about an hour before the FP return time to make sure that they were in the front, seated section. I would ask the CMs about it when you get your FPs that day, too. Hopefully other DISers with recent experience will report here as well.

 

[mamapenguin]

Are the dining package areas seated versus standing? Like for Hungry Bear specifically? Trying to avoid kids on shoulders.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Are the dining package areas seated versus standing? Like for Hungry Bear specifically? Trying to avoid kids on shoulders.

In our experience, the reserved areas are seated. BB is always seated and gives a foam cushion as part of the package. RBT has always been seated when we've done that package. HB says that the section is standing, but we've always been seated and have never seen anyone there standing. However, someone here posted that the section was standing one night (during a high crowd time, I think). So it can happen for HB, but I haven't seen or read about it recently. But you should be prepared that it could happen. I would line up early for that package, just in case, so I could be by the railing. That way, standing or sitting, you could still get a great view in the very first row with no one in front of you.

 

[mamapenguin]

In our experience, the reserved areas are seated. BB is always seated and gives a foam cushion as part of the package. RBT has always been seated when we've done that package. HB says that the section is standing, but we've always been seated and have never seen anyone there standing. However, someone here posted that the section was standing one night (during a high crowd time, I think). So it can happen for HB, but I haven't seen or read about it recently. But you should be prepared that it could happen. I would line up early for that package, just in case, so I could be by the railing. That way, standing or sitting, you could still get a great view in the very first row with no one in front of you.

For the RBT Fantasmic dining is there a predetermined menu? All I see is 3 course meal, is it any starter, entree and desert?

 

[3DisMunchkins]

http://allears.net/dlr/dining/menus.htm

Menus can be found here

 

[agamble]

We did Fantasmic last July with FP. My kids had a good view. We were off to the right a bit, but had a water screen in front of us. We arrived early enough we had to wait at the boat dock, but not too long. There was no real order there and dozens of people who arrived after us got into the viewing area before us. When we first entered we could sit, but as it got closer to show time we had to stand. It became uncomfortably crowded. I think as long as you're there early enough to wait in the covered boat dock you should be able to get a rail view for your kids, it may be off to the side though. Most people headed straight to the middle. We took the first open rail we could.

The experience is pretty awful. The show is good but we have not seen it again because of the experience. We'll watch it in June because other family hasn't seen it, but I'm not looking forward to it. Contrast this with our recent experience watching PTN at DCA where I found the wait a nice hour of resting.

 

[NannyBeBe]

We saw Fantasmic many years ago but never did it again because the experience after the show was so frightening. We were literally packed like sardines as we tried to walk out of the area. If someone had a heart attack, he would die before anyone could get to him. The only way I would do it again would be to get the package at River Belle where I could sit on the terrace.

 

[mrsashbaugh]

From what I've read on these boards, it's pretty squished. I have caved and reserved the BB dining package to get more room and not have to wait around.

I hate having to pay for something that was already included but I get it. I may have to end up doing reservations but hoping I won't have to.

I understand that there is a small area for the first group allowed into the free FP section that is seated, then everyone else has to stand. With young kids, I would try hard to be in that seated section so that the kids have a chance at a good view. Otherwise, I'm not sure they'll be able to see much of anything if they get stuck standing behind other people. And putting them on shoulders isn't a good idea, either, since the show is long (so you'll be exhausted) and they'll block other people's view. I've heard other people report that they got in line about an hour before the FP return time to make sure that they were in the front, seated section. I would ask the CMs about it when you get your FPs that day, too. Hopefully other DISers with recent experience will report here as well.

Thanks for your response, I appreciate it. I will do that towards the beginning of our trip and hope it works out. I'll have reservations for later in the week in case it doesn't work out.

Any other DISers have experience with just doing FP for Fantasmic?

 

[mrsashbaugh]

We did Fantasmic last July with FP. My kids had a good view. We were off to the right a bit, but had a water screen in front of us. We arrived early enough we had to wait at the boat dock, but not too long. There was no real order there and dozens of people who arrived after us got into the viewing area before us. When we first entered we could sit, but as it got closer to show time we had to stand. It became uncomfortably crowded. I think as long as you're there early enough to wait in the covered boat dock you should be able to get a rail view for your kids, it may be off to the side though. Most people headed straight to the middle. We took the first open rail we could.

The experience is pretty awful. The show is good but we have not seen it again because of the experience. We'll watch it in June because other family hasn't seen it, but I'm not looking forward to it. Contrast this with our recent experience watching PTN at DCA where I found the wait a nice hour of resting.

So earlier than an hour to wait probably? Thanks for sharing your experience with me! Helps me get an idea of what we need to do. I really like the show too and that stinks that the way they have it made it not a great experience for you.

We saw Fantasmic many years ago but never did it again because the experience after the show was so frightening. We were literally packed like sardines as we tried to walk out of the area. If someone had a heart attack, he would die before anyone could get to him. The only way I would do it again would be to get the package at River Belle where I could sit on the terrace.

That's pretty scary to think about, if that was to happen. We haven't been since 2013 and they didn't have FP then. It was crowded but we loved the show ... just can't see paying another $100 (doing HB).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We saw Fantasmic many years ago but never did it again because the experience after the show was so frightening. We were literally packed like sardines as we tried to walk out of the area. If someone had a heart attack, he would die before anyone could get to him...

...That's pretty scary to think about, if that was to happen. We haven't been since 2013 and they didn't have FP then. It was crowded but we loved the show ...

We've found that it's works best for us not to try to leave the F! viewing area right after the show. For the first show, we stay to view the fireworks. (If you are in a reserved area, you'll be invited to stay to see the fireworks. They will show the projections on the water screens and the music will be piped in.) Even with the second show, we will take our time leaving, head for Hungry Bear to use the restrooms, maybe ride HM, Pooh, or POTC, then exit the area when the majority of the F! crowds have already gone. Much safer, much easier, and much more pleasant for everyone.

 

[katejc]

We've found that it's works best for us not to try to leave the F! viewing area right after the show. For the first show, we stay to view the fireworks. (If you are in a reserved area, you'll be invited to stay to see the fireworks. They will show the projections on the water screens and the music will be piped in.) Even with the second show, we will take our time leaving, head for Hungry Bear to use the restrooms, maybe ride HM, Pooh, or POTC, then exit the area when the majority of the F! crowds have already gone. Much safer, much easier, and much more pleasant for everyone.

Yes! This is great advice. I become really uncomfortable in those post-show or fireworks crowds, so we usually do the same to let crowds thin.