How early do you get in line for premium viewing for Fantasmic?

[MommiePrincess]

This is one of my pet peeves for some reason, but I try to smile about it. We do premium viewing for Fantasmic. We have a DD5, DD2 and DS 4 months. I get so frustrated that we spend the $ for tickets for the seating and then have to wait in line to select our seats first come first serve. My reason for premium seating is to avoid the wait I so wish they would have seating chart on line and when you call to reserve/buy your tickets they assign your seats.

Last year a family of 6 showed up as the show began for reserved seating and the CM's were moving two rows around so the parents could sit with their children to supervise.

So how far in advance is the line forming these days? Last year I got in line to pick our seats 30 minutes before the show and I was about 4th from the END of the line. Somehow we got front row seats as the CM said if we kept the kids on our laps we could have 2 seats in front which she added chairs for.

I just think that you are paying and shouldn't have to show up THAT early.

 

[sandysue]

I agree! We're arriving at 8:30p for the 9P show and will be happy with dessert and whatever seats we get. We're celebrating my son's birthday back at the hotel with other family that don't want to join us for Fantasmic and aren't going to leave that party any earlier than we have to.

I've voiced this concern to every CM I've spoken to on the reservations line (and I've called plenty with all my planning questions). Not sure what else to do about it....

38 days to go....

 

[jessredrabbit]

I'm doing premium seating as well and unfortunately I've read them most people line up two hours before the check in. Check in is at 8:00 pm for both shows, therefore people are waiting from about 6. I agree this is bad considering you are paying to sit there.

 

[starry_solo]

I showed up at least 1 hour before check-in, sat down near the desk (and was already person #2 there) and then checked in at the appointed time. Then, we didn't come back until 15 minutes before the show, I think.

Only 1 person has to be there to check-in with the tickets.

 

[ParkHopper1]

You always have the option to just show up without the check in, but you are subject to what ever seats are left. I do the dessert seating probably way too much, but I love the show and the value is totally worth the chair and food!

If I want the prime first row seats, I usually line up 45 before check in and are 2-3 deep in line. If I am not so picky, usually 30 min and typically not more than 5-6 deep. The one time I wanted specific front row center, I was there an hour ahead and was still 2 deep.

Another trick is to ask how many of the 70 or so tickets are still available for your show and you will get a feel of how busy it will be and how early to arrive if you want to choose prime seats. I had one show that there were only 20 tickets sold and didn't even bother checking in.

Keep in mind, only one person in your party with the tickets has to check in and stand in line.

 

[newmouse82]

We just did it on thursday night, we got there at 8 and were 3rd in the line, got front row. They won't let you line up before 8 if you want to try you have to be sneaky because they'll actually tell you to move on, same for Aladin.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We did this a couple of weeks ago.

We got to the line one hour before reservation time (7:00). There was one couple in line ahead of us. The CMs kept telling us it was unnecessary to wait. I kept telling my dh that we needed to stand our ground, but he tempted me with a ride on HM, so we left. We returned 15-20 minutes later and the same two people were waiting. We got our same spot in line.

Around 7:30 more people arrived. There was quite a large line when the reservation window began.

We got first row and were told to return at 8:30. We hopped on HM again and then waited on a nearby bench.

At 8:30 we went back to the reservation line to be seated. We were very surprised to see most everyone had already been seated and had their dessert box. I asked the people next to us and they told me they seated immediately after their reservation and the servers started handing out at 8:15. Maybe this was because it was a very busy spring break night.

We were served promptly and still had a full half hour to enjoy our treats before the show.

There was a family with a 11-13 year old boy behind us who complained loudly that he couldn't see anything since we sat down. I turned around to offer my seat, but realized he was as tall as my dh and I. Had he been a little one I would have felt bad. I would get there early if I had young children like the OP. Luckily for us, the parents of the teenager told him to stop complaining and stand in the back.

I think it's important to have someone from your party there a hour before reservation time. Especially if you have a larger party or young kids.

 

[blackjackdelta]

A lot depends on time of year. Last year we went down to take a look at 1730 and there we already two people in line(August) so I stayed and everyone else went to play. We got front row which I was after. Only one person has to line up with the tickets. The seats in the back are just fine for most people, small kids may have some problems.
As it usually happens the line got very long with people from both showings and a lot of complaining which does no good.
Needless to say, we will probably do it again this year because it is a family favorite...we will wait and see.

Jack

 

[MommiePrincess]

Well update to my posting..... I called today, 30 days out, for the 9:00pm show. I called at 1:00pm PST. Sold out. I asked about the 9:00pm show the only other day it is showing while we are there. Sold out. I had no idea these shows were selling out in the first few hours of ticket availability!! SO now I have to decide whether to try again tomorrow for the 10:30pm show with a DD5 and DD2 and DS 4 months! They are night owls, but Disneyland can wear them out!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well update to my posting..... I called today, 30 days out, for the 9:00pm show. I called at 1:00pm PST. Sold out. I asked about the 9:00pm show the only other day it is showing while we are there. Sold out. I had no idea these shows were selling out in the first few hours of ticket availability!! SO now I have to decide whether to try again tomorrow for the 10:30pm show with a DD5 and DD2 and DS 4 months! They are night owls, but Disneyland can wear them out!!

Depending on the time of the year they will sell out in the first few minutes. Hope all goes well with the next shot at it.

Jack

 

[rbbs]

Last time we were at this it was 4th of July 2009 and we went about an hour early and got a great spot that got better when the lighting stand in front of us was elevated. I would imagine this would be one of the busier times of year? So about an hour I guess...