Free popcorn and soda??

[Debs5angels]

I just read on another site that you get free popcorn and soda before the show when you have a dinner package for Fantasmic. Is this true?

 

[nitsirk987]

if it is, the last 3 years we haven't got any!!! i sure would like to know if it is something new, my husband drives me crazy with the amount of popcorn that he eats!!! if its free, it's for me!!!

 

[Debs5angels]

This is where I read it.

http://mgmstudios.org/food/fantasmic.html

I hope it's true. It will keep the kids busy while we wait!

 

[Nanabug02]

Hmmm...I had not heard of this. I would also be interested to know.

 

[Cinderella37]

We've done the package at least once every year since Fantasmic! began (even when it couldn't be booked through PS and it was only 10 days out - the itinerary planners at the GF would book it for us) and we've never gotten any free popcorn or soda. We've paid for it from the vendors, never gotten it free...

 

[Aroura]

I am not caring about free popcorn nor soda at the moment... those who have done the dinner packages, are the seats you get as bad as they say?? Would it be better to wait in line for the show? I hope some of you will calm my fears now.. lol

 

[Cinderella37]

No, I think the seats are just fine. The show occurs in front of each of the three areas (right, center, and left with 3 separate water screens). You won't miss a thing, as the other action is easily viewable from the reserved seating section. We've only ever seen the show from the reserved section and don't understand why people don't think the seats are good.

We've never had anything obstructing our view and have been thrilled with the seats. This is from someone who will not go to a show or concert without seats in the first five rows, center stage.

 

[Dznefreek]

It's not free if you are paying for dinner.

are the seats you get as bad as they say??

They are on the extreme rh side of the theater if you are facing the stage. I have not done the dinner but the seats are not that great.

 

[mom_rules]

Unless I missed it I didn't see anything about popcorn and soda at that link. The other thing I noticed was they said you could get a refund if Fantasmic is cancelled due to bad weather. When we tried to do this in April they told us we would need to have cancelled 48 hours in advance so we may as well enjoy the meal since our credit card would be charged anyway. The told us to ask at guest services and they might give you a Fantasmic voucher for the following night (but they weren't obliged to do that). It didn't fit into our schedule so we never bothered but did have a rather nice (expensive) meal at the Brown Derby (we probably would have eaten there anyway since we like the place). The package they mentioned doesn't exist any longer but you can use add-on packages (wishes) for the meals.

 

[Kerlynne]

After doing it both ways. I would suggest doing the dinner package. You can sit and relax and dine in the a/c while others will stand in line for probably an hour more than you. You still will want to get there little early so you can get a better seat, (so you can slide down, going towards the middle more). But if it's hot outside, most people have to stand and wait for a long time. When we did the dinner package at Hollywood & Vine(YUM! ) and we really enjoyed ourselves, then we had to walk over towards the beginning of the park (not where everyone is lining up at the front of the queue). You then show your tickets and you enter in the "back" . It is quite a walk, if you have some elderly in your party. But the walk was neat to see where most can't go and see. We got to sit down right away. Now I have heard others say they did wait in line, but not as long, like an hour as other have to without reserved seating. We didn't rush our dinner, so when we headed over to the show, they were already letting us in to sit. So we didn't have to wait in line at all. With reserved seating you are guaranteed a seat anyway. The only thing by waiting to enter, you are missing out more, on picking exactly where you want to sit.
Like Cinderella37 said, it's not a bad view, because it's shown in 3 major sections. So where you will be sitting in the RSVP area there is another water sprinkle there. And without giving away too much info away, there is a "parade" of items that come along the water, and they go through the whole water way in front of you. It's not like most shows where everything is centered. Although Mickey will stand at center stage a few times, he as well as everything else on stage in always moving throughout the stage, so all can see.
It's one of those things, if the park isn't overly crowded then, yeah wait in line, to have center stage, it's neater to be in the center, but honestly you aren't missing out by being on the sides. If anything you can get out of there faster being on the sides. LOL If you do decide to wait in the line, and not do the package, then go to the later of the 2 shows, tends to be less busy.
Love Fantasmic!

 

[Cinderella37]

It took me two readings to find the info on the free popcorn and soda, but it's in there. I think it's after the description of the restaurant choices.

 

[Kitster]

It actually reads 'free' popcorn and sodas.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

How can we find out if the popcorn & soda statement is true?
We have used the dinner package at least 4 times and never had free popcorn and sodas.

Anyone going soon want to try it out?

 

[nwalbert]

I will be there in less than two weeks and am planning to use the dinner package , though I have not actually booked it yet, and I will try it. Where should I ask about the free poprcorn and soda ?? I have never been there before.

Scott

 

[jultomzach]

This site states at the bottom of their page that they are NOT connected to the Walt Disney Company. If you have any questions, email the webmaster of the site. Don't ask at Disney.
I have used the Fantastic Dinner package several times and have never received any popcorn vouchers when I pick up the tickets. The reserved seats are not poor seats... the best seats in the house are in the middle section as there is a center stage. The reserved seats are on the right side (facing the stage). The stage is enormous and can be easily viewed from all seats. Some of the show takes place on the moat surrounding the stage. Each section can view the moat equally. I have sat in all three sections for the show. There is a minimal difference. If you do not want to get wet, sit at least 9 rows from the front. We get the package during busy seasons, when we would have to arrive earlier, to minimize the wait time for the children. If you are going in a busy season, you may want to arrive in the reserved section as soon as it is available. I love this show- it is one of my favorites. -Julie

 

[beattyfamily]

There have been threads about this issue before many times because of that website.

It is NOT true and that website needs to be updated.

I'll bet if you did a search you might find one of the older threads on this subject.

 

[Disney Fool]

Having been seated on the far, far left of the stage, I totally disagree that the reserved seats are bad seats. Have any of you tried to get out of that theatre when it's packed? Those on the right side (the reserved seats) are the first to get out. Those on the left often have to wait a long, long time for the area to clear before they can leave.

 

[mom_rules]

Looks like the last time that site was updated was about a year ago-I have never picked up Fantasmic tickets at guest services-they were always given to us at the end of the meal. We have also never received a voucher or anything for free popcorn and sodas (although it would be a nice touch to munch on something while you waited for the show to start-seems like a small gesture when you are spending over $200 for 4 people to eat at HBD-HINT, HINT!)

 

[Kerlynne]

chances are you will be stuffed from just getting done eating dinner. but I do understand it's the point,and can be saved for later in the night.

 

[laurabelle]

The site also states that 15% gratuity is included!
I've never heard that one before. We did the FDP at H&V last April and yes, we did tip. I'd hate for someone to read that and assume it was true.