fantastic dining or fp

[spacefly67]

I can't decide which is better to do. Should we fp fantasmic or do the dining package? Which has better seats and less waiting? My kids get antsy when we have to sit and wait for parades and shows for an hour before it starts.

 

[mrzrich]

Regardless of whether you FP+ or get the dining package you will have to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show. Difference between Fantasmic and other things like parades and other fireworks is that there are bleachers to sit on, there is music, trivia, the wave, there are vendors and a snack bar. So, the kids may be less antsy.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Are you attending on a night with two performances? If so, you can generally stroll into the ampitheater about 10 minutes before show time for the late show and get great seats.

We've been doing this for several years and have very rarely seen the theater over half full for the 2nd showing.

We never wait more than 5-10 minutes for the parades either. You just have to know where the crowds are and where they aren't.

 

[Canuck16]

I wouldn't do either.

F! Is a show you shouldn't have any trouble getting into without them. Like the OP said you have to line up before entering anyways.

 

[spacefly67]

Are you attending on a night with two performances? If so, you can generally stroll into the ampitheater about 10 minutes before show time for the late show and get great seats.

We've been doing this for several years and have very rarely seen the theater over half full for the 2nd showing.

We never wait more than 5-10 minutes for the parades either. You just have to know where the crowds are and where they aren't.

They only have 1 Fantasmic! on the night we are there. And its a Saturday with morning EMH (I know, i know).
I there somewhere I can find out where the crowds are for parades? Sounds like an insider secret that all of you great people would know (or if you tell me you have to kill me)

 

[Robo]

I there somewhere I can find out where the crowds are for parades? Sounds like an insider secret that all of you great people would know (or if you tell me you have to kill me)

I assuming the question about parades has nothing to do with Fantasmic!
(As, parades have nothing to do with Fantasmic!)

The only parades at WDW are at MK.

A look at the MK Parade Route-

Disney's (MS) Electrical Parade starts near the Firehouse and exits near Splash Mtn.

The 3 O'Clock Parade (Festival of Fantasy) and both the MVMCP and MNSSHP parades start near Spalsh Mtn. and exit near the Firehouse.

Less crowded than on Main Street, but still spectacular viewing can be found near the Hall of Presidents,
or deep into Frontierland, past the Country Bears.

(But, from those locations you won't be able to see the spectacular show that is actually projected on the front of the Castle, "Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.)

 

[DatFan]

I can't decide which is better to do. Should we fp fantasmic or do the dining package? Which has better seats and less waiting? My kids get antsy when we have to sit and wait for parades and shows for an hour before it starts.

Dining package....no worries! Arrive about 15 mins before showtime and you'll be fine.

 

[Robo]

Dining package....no worries! Arrive about 15 mins before showtime and you'll be fine.

Careful.
On busy nights, they cease holding the Dining Pkg. area and the FP+ area at some point during the last 30 minutes before show time and offer any available spots to anyone walking in.

Also, be aware that there can be a significant difference between showing up at the entrance 15 minutes before show time, and actually getting to the theater for seating at 15 minutes before show time.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I there somewhere I can find out where the crowds are for parades? Sounds like an insider secret that all of you great people would know (or if you tell me you have to kill me)

Here's a good one if you time I right.

Look at Robo's map for the crossover at County Bear Hall. Last summer, we were able to slip through the crossover and into the Counrty Bear stroller parking area just as the 3 pm parade was approaching. The kids got front row with a less than 30 second wait. Not too bad.

 

[mrzrich]

Dining package....no worries! Arrive about 15 mins before showtime and you'll be fine.

Actully with the dining package the recommend you arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the show. By 15 minutes before they may have opened those seats to the general public.