HDDR or Fantasmic dinner pkg?

[maiapapaya]

We are starting to look at dining options for our fall trip. We are not looking for a lot of ADR's and are not sure which to choose between the Fantasmic dinner package or HDDR. Personally Fantasmic has never been a big interest for me and I have heard stories about the crowds that make it seem not very appealing, especially with two kids in tow. However, a co-worker of my sister told her "it's not to be missed!" so she is anxious to see it. On the other hand, all of us think HDDR would be fun. So ... if you had to choose one or the other which would it be & why (and which DHS restaurant if you choose Fantasmic). It's hard to know when we've never been to either show. TIA!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Hmm... this is a difficult question...

I was probably like you and never really made it to Fantasmic... but when I finally DID ! WOW - it blew me away... I'll never ever forget the tears in my oldest DD's eyes after the show ... it really moved her.
I've NEVER done Fantasmic WITHOUT the dining package.... and never plan to as I've seen the lines and don't care to be a part of that.
I enjoyed H&V F! package ... Didn't care for HBD...but will give another try... and trying MM F! package in May.

As for Hoop Dee Doo... I went when very young... and then again May 2010.

We had SUCH a Blast that I've booked it again for May...for the whole family.

So of the two? I've got them BOTH booked in May ! They really are Quite different. HDDR is truly a Dinner SHOW...

The Fantasmic Dining = Have a set Price Dinner at one of 3 choice of Restaurants. Qualify for Special Seating so you don't have to wait later on at Fantasmic. (for example... on 5/28 I'm eating at MM at 5:05pm. We'll get passes to get us into the Fantasmic show that starts at 9p. We'll have to arrive about 30 minutes prior - 8:30p).

Does that make sense?

Have a Magical Visit !
Mary PS: The F! Show is about 20 minutes long.

 

[minnie mum]

If there's any way to do both, then by all means do both!!
I have only once seen Fantasmic without the dinner package. And I will never repeat that experience. We don't do the Brown Derby meal, because it's a signature and requires 2 TS on the DDP. Had 2 horrible experiences at the H&V buffet. So that leaves Mama Melrose. We like it. If you book it early enough you can choose either a lunch or dinner seating. Just remember, if you want to book it, do it on your 180 day since MM Fantasmic package ADRs go reallly fast.

HDDR remains our favourite non-park evening activity. The food is good and the show is SO much fun. Every one in our family from seniors to kiddos has loved it, and we continue to return frequently.

If you can only do one, then I would say go with HDDR. It is still possible to see Fantasmic without the package; just not as conveniently. If it is showing twice nightly during your visit, then try to see it at the second showing-the crowds are usually lower then.

 

[AshleeH]

I haven't done the HDDR, but Fantasmic was Fantastic! My favorite of all the shows. We missed it last year (the youngest was scared the first time, so we'll give it a few years before trying again). The wait to get in is miserable - accompanied by a few times when people would start moving forward only to stop for another 15 minutes. But by the time we got in and the show started, all that was well worth it. I do recommend no strollers! We ran ours out to the car before we lined up and I was so glad we did - stroller parking looked like a nightmare!

 

[sara mom]

I've read on allears (I think) that Fantasmic is best for kids over age 10. Would anyone else agree? We are going with 5/7 year olds and the 5 year old can be a bit emotional...but loved the Villians Tonight on Disney Magic (surprise there).

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks for the input - keep it coming! Unfortunately it's still hard to choose based all your mostly glowing reviews! Our kids will be 7 and 10 (just turned) when we go. Our youngest tends to be a bit fearful, so this is a concern as well with Fantasmic (she finds lots of movies "scary" etc).

 

[DznyCrzy11]

My husband and I saw Fantasmic this past September for the 1st time. We were both very disappointed. It was nice how they had all the Disney Characters appear in the show, especially Mickey, but besides that, the shows was very cheesy and outdated. We have been to WDW numerous times and I grew up going to WDW and I have never been more disappointed in a show then I was with Fantasmic. Bottom line, if you get the Fantasmic Dining Package, I would definitely see it 1 time, otherwise it's not worth the hassle. Now we can say we wasted time on seeing it once and won't see it again!

That being said, if you do choose to see Fantasmic, I highly recommend the dining package! We ate at Mama Melrose's and enjoyed it. They say if you do not have a Fantasmic VIP pass, plan to arrive at least an hour before show time for a good seat and they are not joking! We had the VIP pass and arrived about 30 minutes prior to show time and it was already almost filled up in the non VIP section. Also keep in mind, the CM's will not allow anyone to stand in the back. If you watch the show, you must be seated, otherwise you are told to leave.

Hopefully this helps you in deciding! Either way, you will have a wonderful time!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Thanks for the input - keep it coming! Unfortunately it's still hard to choose based all your mostly glowing reviews! Our kids will be 7 and 10 (just turned) when we go. Our youngest tends to be a bit fearful, so this is a concern as well with Fantasmic (she finds lots of movies "scary" etc).

Your youngest may find this scary! It does have some parts that could be scary for a 7 year old, along with a loud bang that even made adults jump, including myself!

 

[maiapapaya]

Your youngest may find this scary! It does have some parts that could be scary for a 7 year old, along with a loud bang that even made adults jump, including myself!

Hmmm, this could be a bit of a problem ... DD7 wears hearing aids and is often very startled by loud noises (I think part of what makes her a bit "fearful" of "scary" things). Thanks for mentioning that!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Hmmm, this could be a bit of a problem ... DD7 wears hearing aids and is often very startled by loud noises (I think part of what makes her a bit "fearful" of "scary" things). Thanks for mentioning that!

The HDDR is quite loud, banging of drums, they slam down the salad bowl on your table (metal bowl and metal dish)....and the hall is quite small.....always alot of action accompanied by noise (singers, antics etc) so it's a tough choice but foer my dollar, I'd bring earmuffs and head to the HDDR.

We've done both, Fantasmic a few times and HDDR over 10 times and what we really hate about the Fantasmic is the waiting in line, then being hearded in like cattle and the seating, elbow to elbow jammed in....then the exiting is awful, everyone trying to leave at the same time thru a small gate.....terrible in our book.....HDDR is easy coming and going, great show and the food really good...only suggestion is if you choose the HDDR, bring a sweater or light jacket...has always been real cold in the with the A/C..

 

[maiapapaya]

The HDDR is quite loud, banging of drums, they slam down the salad bowl on your table (metal bowl and metal dish)....and the hall is quite small.....always alot of action accompanied by noise (singers, antics etc) so it's a tough choice but foer my dollar, I'd bring earmuffs and head to the HDDR.

We've done both, Fantasmic a few times and HDDR over 10 times and what we really hate about the Fantasmic is the waiting in line, then being hearded in like cattle and the seating, elbow to elbow jammed in....then the exiting is awful, everyone trying to leave at the same time thru a small gate.....terrible in our book.....HDDR is easy coming and going, great show and the food really good...only suggestion is if you choose the HDDR, bring a sweater or light jacket...has always been real cold in the with the A/C..

Thanks for your input! If HDDR is a generally loud environment we can just turn off DD7's hearing aids and that is helpful (also she should have pretty good visual cues about the loud noises that are coming). With Fantasmic if it's sudden explosion-type noises that's more likely to startle her. I've talked to my sister and based on comments here and a review we read I think we may hold off on Fanstamic for a few more years (can't say I'll miss the cattle-call croud - hopefully that will be more tolerable too when the kids are a bit older!)

Thanks everyone for your input!