Fire of the Rising Moon - Dining Package

[Bruno33]

This package is standing only, so we'll have to see how it goes.

This makes it very different than the WOC dessert package. Many, many people find value in having a nice place to sit and rest while watching the show, not to mention you can sit and enjoy your desserts DURING the show. That’s very different than “here are some things to eat and then a place to stand.”

 

[twodogs]

This is just another upcharge with terrible value like the world of color dessert party. At least the fantasmic dining packages provide you with a bigger meal and a seat for the show (and many of those are cheaper than this one and contain much better value). The problem with this and world of color is that neither are even a full meal, this sounds like two apps and two desserts. If this was a full course dinner with seating for the fireworks then it would live up to the price tag; I still wouldn’t buy it but at least it would have some value. As it stands now this and World of Color seem silly for something you can just roll up to and easily get a good spot for free by being a little early without much effort.

Just to clarify, the Fantasmic packages only offer seating on the ground in a reserved section, with the exception of the Riverbelle Premium package where you are seated on the terrace at a table, eating your meal.

For me, I think these premium packages and their "value" is determined by each person. I am not a huge WOC fan, so that dessert party is not for me. However, I did really enjoy the Fantasmic BB package, especially because I had my elderly parents with me and it gave us a great view without a long wait in one spot for them. Other people value these things differently. I appreciate that Disney offers many options, from show up early and wait for hours, to walk up last minute and take what you get, to an upcharge experience like this one. Something for everyone!

 

[Kit Jackson]

This is just another upcharge with terrible value like the world of color dessert party. At least the fantasmic dining packages provide you with a bigger meal and a seat for the show (and many of those are cheaper than this one and contain much better value). The problem with this and world of color is that neither are even a full meal, this sounds like two apps and two desserts. If this was a full course dinner with seating for the fireworks then it would live up to the price tag; I still wouldn’t buy it but at least it would have some value. As it stands now this and World of Color seem silly for something you can just roll up to and easily get a good spot for free by being a little early without much effort.

@aammtt20 With some of the Fantasmic dining packages you sit on the ground. With World of Color, you get to sit in a chair, which for many (especially people who are older, have mobility issues, children or other people who've been walking all day and could use a break) is absolutely worth the cost. the WOC dessert party has fantastic views of the show.

I would not pay for the Galaxy's Edge viewing location because the food is not appealing to me.

 

[Pluto468]

I was disappointed when Disneyland turned the fireworks viewing in Galaxy's Edge into "Fire of the Rising Moons," but I'm even more disappointed about this dining package.

Here's why:

I loved watching fireworks from Galaxy's Edge in the past and it was because it felt like the old days. Just a nice spot to watch without a big crowd or having to plan ahead. (Plus it always reminds me of the Endor finale fireworks in the original ROTJ.)

But Disneyland realized that it was a popular viewing area so they added Fire of the Rising Moons. I've seen that and liked it but of course it adds to the crowds. It was cool but I liked watching the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge just fine without music.

Now they're doing this expensive meal and taking away a good viewing spot so people who buy the meal can stand there.

It's frustrating because the last few years it seems like nothing at Disneyland can stay easy and free. Maybe the new dining package won't make much of a difference, but I really don't like what they've done to Fantasmic and I'm afraid of that happening at GE, too. Will it start with one paid viewing area and then they gradually add more and more?

Also, you don't even need a dining package to see Fire of the Rising Moons. It isn't like shows in other lands that are super crowded. It's easy to find a spot in the general Galaxy's Edge area. It just seems so unnecessary and will take away from the viewing spot options for others.


(Disclaimer- I'm a Star Wars fanatic and also someone who pays for premium experiences at the park, so this isn't just about money.)

 

[LKing]

Don't talk about the WOC dessert party like that.

I don't understand this package tho. Had no isssue seeing this show.

Actually, I was referring more to the RB Premium package. I understand people wanting to sit in a seat, but I feel that the view is so much better with the other packages. However, for the other packages people need to sit on the ground and lots don't like that.

 

[LKing]

It's frustrating because the last few years it seems like nothing at Disneyland can stay easy and free. Maybe the new dining package won't make much of a difference, but I really don't like what they've done to Fantasmic and I'm afraid of that happening at GE, too. Will it start with one paid viewing area and then they gradually add more and more?

Unless they add projections and make it more of a show, I don't think that will happen in SWGE. There are too many other places to easily watch for free.

Personally, I think they were starting to have problems with people camping out at the tables too far in advance. That is a dining area and they need the tables to turn over so other guests can bring their food to sit and eat. By making it a dining package area, it will eliminate the campers.

 

[Dr. G]

I agree that it may have a lot to do with people camping out there. Like way before the show. Makes it hard to find a place to sit to eat in the immediate area. I can't blame them for trying to turn the tables quicker. That said, it is getting frustrating that so many areas that used to be great and free have now been monetized. It seems that so many of the atmosphere events/shows/etc are moving to pay to play.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'm curious to see what people think of the offering once they experience it first-hand. I was excited until I saw the price tag. I've never been one to pay money to watch the fireworks though. I'm sure some people will love this.

 

[aammtt20]

For me, it's really when breaking down the value of what you get here that makes it so out of whack with anything else.

Look at the rancho del zolaco package for fantasmic package, you get a full dinner, beverage and a prime spot to sit (yes, I realize ground sitting is not ideal for some) during Fantasmic, a show that if you don't have a package you will have to stand in a non-Prime spot all for $35. You're getting about $20 worth of food, plus a seated spot for Fantasmic for about $15.

Compare that to this, where it doesn't even sound like a full dinner, plus you have to stand during the fireworks show, plus the fact that fireworks are designed to be watched from main street on the castle (though I do think Galaxy's edge offers a very fun alternative view and I'm glad they started pumping in star wars music). I'll be generous and value the small bites and drink at $25 since food items are pricier and a bit higher quality at Docking Bay 7 than some other QS locations. The souvenir mug value at $20 (but I personally have no use for this so that's a wasted item for me), which means the special standing viewing spot would be a $44 premium on top of all that. All for a fireworks show that someone could pretty easily get a good standing spot for free without much hassle.

So VS the fantasmic packages, this is just seems like an absolute terrible value proposition for anyone. At least I understand with WOC that some people do need to sit, so having the dessert party is a big help for those guests (though I do find the price on that a bit obscene for any else, given how easy it is to get a great spot for free from the virtual queue). Maybe I'm just more hung up on saving money than the average Disney guest, but it just feels like the math on some upcharges are not mathing, as the kids would say.

 

[LKing]

Do you follow any of the monthly threads where people talk about planning their vacations? There are a lot of people waiting for these types of experiences to open. A lot seem to be looking for parade dining packages. That surprises me, because it is very easy to watch a parade for free. Then again, for the parades, you're either sitting on the curb or standing.

 

[laugard]

I am usually willing to try a dining package at least once, but a seat of some sort is part of the value element for me. I was actually very surprised when I saw the cost considering it's standing only. I can't help but compare it to the Plaza Inn fireworks dining package we did last year. Around $60 for actual dinner, seating at a table, and once you checked in and had your table assignment you could come and go. We didn't even need to show up obscenely early to get a good table location. (As opposed to the Fantasmic River Belle package, but that also costs less, you get a very filling meal and it's ground seating. And still an excellent option, I feel.)

While World of Color is also more expensive and only desserts, I absolutely love the view and having a seat. Not enough to do it regularly, but I would absolutely recommend trying at least once. But it's harder for me to imagine spending the same amount for a standing area only view of the fireworks. Even if the food is good, I can't imagine it's that good.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm confused. Don't they do holiday fireworks in November?

 

[DizMe]

I am usually willing to try a dining package at least once, but a seat of some sort is part of the value element for me. I was actually very surprised when I saw the cost considering it's standing only. I can't help but compare it to the Plaza Inn fireworks dining package we did last year. Around $60 for actual dinner, seating at a table, and once you checked in and had your table assignment you could come and go. We didn't even need to show up obscenely early to get a good table location. (As opposed to the Fantasmic River Belle package, but that also costs less, you get a very filling meal and it's ground seating. And still an excellent option, I feel.)

I didn't know there was a Plaza Inn fireworks package that had seating! I thought only RBT fantasmic premium gave you seating? Is it the parade package? I'll take note for next year

 

[LKing]

The holiday fireworks should start on Nov 15.

 

[LKing]

This is an interesting thread. People signing up for tours to get fireworks viewing in front of the castle. When viewing was moved to Small World, people cancelled their tours. Disney supposedly moved it back to being in front of the castle. https://www.disboards.com/threads/happiest-haunts-tour-fireworks.3952741/#post-65801076

 

[Airb330]

Also no alcoholic drinks so less of a value than WOC, which already dubious

 

[ardanxela]

I can't believe they want to charge that amount for this:

• Fried Cheeseburger Croquette Bites
• Apricot goat cheese topped with honey, za'atar, sour cherry gel, cheddar, Monterey jack and pita chips
• Dragon fruit yogurt topped with lychee popping pearls and fresh blueberries
• Cream puff pair of Black Caf cold brew and blue milk flavors
• Unlimited fountain beverages
• Specialty nonalcoholic beverages in a souvenir novelty cup
  
  Plus viewing fireworks in that area is not an issue unless it becomes one with this added package. I'll pass.

 

[Jackiii]

I am confused. I go to DL/DCA every year for the past few years and I don’t recall having a castle firework dining plan involving the Plaza Inn last year. I did the Plaza Inn Parade package. The only package I remember involving castle fireworks was the dessert party a few years back.

 

[LKing]

I'm confused. Don't they do holiday fireworks in November?

They are doing Mickey's Mix Magic right now.

 

[irlandaise]

I'm confused. Don't they do holiday fireworks in November?

The holiday fireworks start next Friday, but it doesn’t matter which fireworks they’re doing. SWGE will still have its own soundtrack.