If you could do one dinner/dessert package....

[mmbrad02]

I'm considering splurging on one of the dinner/dessert packages for one of the nightly shows. Which ranks best in your view? I'm debating between World of Color, Fantasmic, or the parade - but if there is something else I am missing, feel free to add it.

For reference this is our first DL trip and most likely a one time event for us, as we are on the other side of the country.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I prefer the World of Color dessert because it's the only one that gives you a chair to watch the show and it's a nice way to end the day after standing/walking around all day.

Fantasmic has you sit on the dirty concrete that everyone has been walking on and spilling things on all day. There is a small chance that you can get a reservation for table seating at the River Belle Terrace, but that's not a very good view.

The parades make you stand in a certain area unless you happen to be first in line and you might be allowed to sit on the curb in front of everyone else.

Summertime might have a parade dessert party in DCA in the afternoon. We've done it the past 2 years and it's a significant enough of food for it to be a dinner. The parade is very short, but you check in quite a bit before the parade and you get to sit for a while.

 

[Tinkaboo]

I would do a Fantasmic package because the on the water seating puts you up close to really see the show. RDZ (the Mexican restaurant) is the cheapest. If you really want to splurge, do the WOC Dessert Party...great treats but I am not a fan of the current show.

While you do sit on the ground for Fantasmic, if sanitation is a concern, you can bring a cushion or small blanket to sit upon.

 

[Eeyore daily]

World of Color hands down.

 

[VicgirlBC]

The dessert party for WoC is great because you get a table and chairs to sit at, which is an incredible feeling at the end of a long day. The dessert includes so many items including fruit and cheese, and it can easily be considered a meal. This would be my choice. I would then plan to watch the second Fantasmic, when a spot to view is easier to access. Same goes for the parade.

Alternatively you could book a meal package for the first showing of Fantasmic and stay in the same spot to watch the fireworks, which is awesome (two shows for the prices of one!). Then you can easily find a spot for the second parade.

The virtual queue spots are easy to get for WoC and we had no trouble getting a splash zone spot for the second show when we visited. It did kind of suck to have to stand though. Our feet were killing us!

 

[StarlitNight05]

If you can swing it, I'd do WoC dessert party and RDZ Fantasmic. While WoC dessert party is expensive, you get seats and it feels more like a premium experience. RDZ for Fantasmic is pretty affordable when you factor in the price of the meal, and it makes for an easier experience. I tried doing standby for Fantasmic recently and it was a bit chaotic (although it was for the first showing, I think the second showing is usually easier/better).

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

The parade package wouldn’t even be on my list. You don’t get much for why you pay. The chance to crowd into an area and stand to watch the parade.

I’ve done both World of Color Dessert Party (once) and Fantasmic dining package (many times). It really depends on which show you prefer. The dessert party is nice because you get to sit in a chair at a table and relax. The desserts are OK—too sweet and too many treats but they are fine and you can take the plate with you after if you don’t finish. The value doesn’t feel great to me but if you love World of Color it’s a nice experience. I recommend the first show as you get more time to relax at your table before hand. The second show is more rushed as they have to clear out the fest party before seating the second party.



I find the Rancho del Zocalo Fantasmic dining package to be an excellent value. You get a large, tasty meal earlier in the day, then access to the viewing area for the show. I usually bring a blanket to spread out and sit on. You can enter the area well before the show, and you can leave and come back to get snacks, use the restroom, etc. Sitting on the ground is not as relaxing as sitting in a chair, but it beats standing! Fantasmic is also my favorite Disney show, which is why I’ve done this package many times. It’s the only way I watch Fantasmic.

 

[mich311e]

I haven't really enjoyed World of Color, I've seen it a few times, but I've never bought the package. I also don't need that many desserts, let alone for two of us.

I do enjoy Fantasmic and have done the dining package twice. Once at Blue Bayou (11 years ago) and more recently at Rancho. We really enjoyed our meals at Rancho. We were able to sit in the very front both times, and I find it to be very much worth it. Fantasmic is a really good show, I love the seeing the Columbia and Mark Twain in the show. The last scene makes me tear up.

 

[Peachy0118]

I think Fantasmic. I love World of Colour so much, but it is never a problem to get a good spot to stand. And you can sit on the ground while you wait, which isn't the same as sitting the whole time, but does help.
Plus I am just not enough of a sweets person to justify it. Maybe if it was for like a girls' trip or special occasion? We live out of the country and just have never been able to justify it on any of our trips, but since you said your trip is likely a one-and-done, maybe that is worth it?
Otherwise, Fantasmic is absolutely the way to go, and I agree that Rancho is solid value - that's good food, and a decent amount, and a good view for the show. Plus, as others have said, stay there and watch the fireworks! What an awesome evening!
You DO have to sit on the ground... I'm not overly precious or concerned about that, but of course, it isn't as nice as sitting in a chair, so that just comes down to personal preference. I have no desire to fight the chaos of Fantasmic open seating after walking all day, and with our heights (I'm very short, DH is very tall), jostling through all that is always kind of awkward. Much rather just grab some beignets and a julep and sit on the ground and watch the show.
We've done Blue Bayou as well, which was great but obviously much more of a splurge. And way back when, Hungry Bear had a package too that was worth it. But nowadays, I'll do Rancho every trip if I was so inclined.

You just have to prioritize which show you want to watch, and how much sitting in a chair vs sitting on the ground matters to you personally.

Either way is a win!