HS Fantasmic Packages...which restaurant?

[storybookmum]

The scenario: Party of 5 - my FIL, DH, 10 y/o and 7 y/o and I.

I just heard about the Fantasmic dining packages.

Mama Melrose
Hollywood & Vine
Brown Derby.


Which one would you pick? I'm leaning toward Brown Derby. We've never eaten at any of them. We already have a Spoodles ADR the next day, so I think not Italian, but if Mama Melrose is just not to be missed, I could consider it - we all love Italian anyway. Both menus sound wonderful.

I don't really have any interest in Hollywood & Vine - the menu just doesn't grab me.

Votes?

 

[TDC Nala]

Are you on the dining plan? Brown Derby is 2 credits.

Also, from reports it seems you get an appetizer with the package even on the basic dining plan.

 

[Tricia1972]

Mama Melrose - Skip the Italian and have the Steak Gorgonzola, it's wonderful!

 

[luv2plan]

I actually would not worry about the package & go to 50's Prime Time or Sci-Fi Dine In. You are going in Janury, right? It will not be crowded unless it is MLK weekend. You could get to Fantasmic 30 mins early and be fine.

Happy planning!

 

[storybookmum]

Urk! I am on the Dining Plan. That's a factor, thank you!

Still do-able, because we might have one TS meal scrapped because of Superbowl Sunday (our group will be splitting up male/female, lol, and we might just do counterservice all day/evening).

Keep the opinions coming, please! I'm really uncertain about 50s Prime Time or Sci-Fi - the reviews are so wildly erratic!

 

[sharadoc]

The scenario: Party of 5 - my FIL, DH, 10 y/o and 7 y/o and I.

I just heard about the Fantasmic dining packages.

Mama Melrose
Hollywood & Vine
Brown Derby.


Which one would you pick? I'm leaning toward Brown Derby. We've never eaten at any of them. We already have a Spoodles ADR the next day, so I think not Italian, but if Mama Melrose is just not to be missed, I could consider it - we all love Italian anyway. Both menus sound wonderful.

I don't really have any interest in Hollywood & Vine - the menu just doesn't grab me.

Votes?

Hi. The schedule for Fantasmic has been cut back considerably, so it will most likely be crowded, even in January. Of course, that doesn't mean you won't be able to see it, but I think most people who want to be sure of seeing it WILL be getting the dining package. Otherwise, I'm guessing you may have to line up for more than 30 minutes.

Have you checked the Disney website for the Fantasmic schedule? That will give you an idea of how many opportunities you'll have to see it.

If you're looking for info, come on over to the Snowbirds thread on the Countdowns and Reports thread. All of us are going in January and we're sharing lots of info. Here's a link to Part IV http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2013200 Yes, we talk a LOT

 

[storybookmum]

Yes! We only have ONE opportunity to see it while we're there, on Monday, Feb 2nd. And we really don't feel like waiting in line. So I believe we'll go with the package.

I'm already with you Snowbirds, but it's recent, so you haven't got to know me yet!

 

[sharadoc]

Yes! We only have ONE opportunity to see it while we're there, on Monday, Feb 2nd. And we really don't feel like waiting in line. So I believe we'll go with the package.

I'm already with you Snowbirds, but it's recent, so you haven't got to know me yet!

Oops - I didn't recognize your signature! That's usually how I identify all of us - I can't remember all the names. Well then, welcome aboard!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

The meal we had at Hollywood Brown Derby last month was possibly the best meal we've ever had at WDW. Everyone agreed it was their best meal of the trip. We don't use DDP, but we thought the meal was more than worth the money. We're going again over Thanksgiving weekend. FWIW, we ate at HBD years ago & didn't like it. They're obviously doing something different, & they're doing it right.

 

[catne]

don't think the Brown Derby is worth 2 TS credits at all.

We really enjoyed Mama Melrose...if you're a fan of Olive Garden (and similar Italian places) you'll like Mama Melrose.

We also did Hollywood & Vine back in May for a Fantasmic package, and we liked that too. But it is busier & more crowded. If you have picky eaters (or those who don't like Italian) I'd say go to Hollywood & Vine. Lots of good choices on the buffet there.

 

[Lynn5700]

We liked Brown Derby a lot! I voted for there!

 

[thepwa]

I actually would not worry about the package & go to 50's Prime Time or Sci-Fi Dine In. You are going in Janury, right? It will not be crowded unless it is MLK weekend. You could get to Fantasmic 30 mins early and be fine.

Happy planning!

Agreed. I have done the Fantasmic dining package and really don't think it is worth it..especially if the night you have planned has bad weather!

I have found more flexibility to just go have dinner and get to Fantasmic! early.

Plus, quite frankly, I don't like the section that is set aside for the package.

 

[Lynn5700]

Yeah you really don't need to do the package in Jan...and I do have to say that I don't think BD id worth 2 TS...it is good just does not need to be two.

 

[KatMark]

We always do Mama Melrose--good food and good service every time we've been there; H&V we will never step foot into again after two horrible experiences and we weren't overly impressed with Brown Derby and do not think it is worth two credits.

 

[World Bouncer]

Of the choices you have in the Poll, I would pick Brown Derby.

I would however pay out of pocket, as I agree with most others that it is not worth 2 credits.

We ate at Brown Derby in September and enjoyed it. We also ate at sci-fi and 50's Prime Time... if you are interested in our experience at all these places you can check out our dining review by clicking below in the signature line.

 

[alldiz]

I voted Mama Melrose....but I haven't eaten there...Not crazy about H&V...and Brown Derby is good....but not great...IMO.

Just so you know....I wouldn't characterize Spoodles as Italian....more Mediterean.....although they have a rigatoni dish that is very good.
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[disneyfav4ever]

If you have an extra credit, I'd go to Brown Derby, otherwise Mama Melrose's is fine.

And I would def. do the package, even if your trip is in Jan, since Fantasmic is down to two or so nights a week at the begining of the year. so I'd assume that the shows are going to be even more crowded then usual.

 

[John's Mom]

I voted for the Brown Derby--great food and nice atmosphere.

 

[storybookmum]

Hmm. The point is moot. All three are sold out for the Fantasmic Package.

Back to the original plan, I guess. TS for lunch and CS carry-in to Fantasmic.

I'm not that surprised, since it's only showing once that week that we're there.

 

[storybookmum]

For the record, I'd been persuaded to try Mama Melrose! Ah well.