I'm glad we didn't do the Fantasmic package!

[OceanAnnie]

I mulled it over many times. Do we do the package or not? I was concerned that we wouldn't see the show, or have a long wait, or wouldn't get good seats.

We did fine. We had a short wait. We had plenty of seats to choose from. We ended up sitting right beside the roped off section for those that got the package. I could've shaken hands with someone over there. That close. There were lots of seats available too. (Our trip was a little less than 2 weeks ago)

Loved Fantasmic! It was our first time. Terrific!

 

[familyS]

That's great OceanAnnie! Glad to hear there were still decent seats

 

[KatMark]

The first several times we did the Fantasmic package. We decided this year to try without and we had no problem getting into the 10:00 show.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

I mulled it over many times. Do we do the package or not? I was concerned that we wouldn't see the show, or have a long wait, or wouldn't get good seats.

We did fine. We had a short wait. We had plenty of seats to choose from. We ended up sitting right beside the roped off section for those that got the package. I could've shaken hands with someone over there. That close. There were lots of seats available too. (Our trip was a little less than 2 weeks ago)

Loved Fantasmic! It was our first time. Terrific!

We have done it both ways, and we actually prefer the regular seating!! I didn't like the long winding hilly walk to the special seating.

 

[KitKate]

What would be a good time to have a Prime Time 50's ADR to leave enough time to go wait in line for Fantasmic? We don't want to do the package either.

 

[OceanAnnie]

KitKate, It depends on what time of year you are going. At the beginning of our stay the crowds were pretty light. There was some wait for Fantasmic. There was a line.

Funny thing I didn't mention earlier. I got up to get some drinks and popcorn. The concession was right at the gate to get in. As I was waiting, I watched people just walk in! No wait at all for them! The closer to time for the show to start the easier it was for people to get in!

I'd say even if the line looks long stick it out. It takes awhile to get people seated. There are a gazillion seats!! And being stadium seating they were all pretty good (to me anyway). I like the ones at the top, but that's just me.

 

[verticalchaos]

I've never done the package and I honestly think we had better seats not doing it. Unless they've changed the package seating place, the general seating was FAR more centered than the "special reserved" seating.

 

[Harambe]

Right before the entrance, sort of in front of ToT, there's an ice cream vendor. We grab a Mickey bar and head up to Fantasmic about a half hour before it starts. People are going in at this point so the line is usually moving. We always find seats, enjoy our Mickey bars then enjoy the show.

We try to do this on our first night, really gets us in the mood, and we are not burned out by long lines yet!!!!

 

[Disbound]

We are going in May '08. How are the lines then? Think we'll get right in without any problem?

 

[KitKate]

We are gloing in July. What time of an ADR gets us out of the non-package restaurant in time to be at the gate at an appropriate time?

 

[OceanAnnie]

I haven't been in May or July. It's a hard call. I think the crowds are heavier during those times. I'm sure someone on this board has, hopefully you guys will get an answer from a person with experience!

It's a great show! You'll really enjoy it!

 

[LadyZolt]

We've gone several times in late May and early June and it is crowded at Fantasmic. I always arrive about an hour early and have always gotten front row seats that way -- well worth it to me. Earlier in May when most schools are still in session, it's probably not quite as crowded. But, as with anything, if you're willing to arrive early and snag your seat, it's entirely do-able without the package. I've never gotten the dining package, either, but that is an option if you want to know you're going to be seated and you don't want to get there early.

We went in December, I think the Saturday before Christmas, and also had no problem getting a seat. We arrived about 40 minutes early becuase of other stuff were were doing, and still managed to sit pretty close to the front row and had a delightful time.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[TLSnell1981]

During busy times, I believe, the recommended arrival time is 1 1/2 hours prior to showtime.

I prefer to do the Fantasmic Package, so I won't have to worry if it's crowded or not. I love the Brown Derby! You are not required to sit in the designated area. If it isn't crowded, you can sit wherever you want.

 

[disndatworld]

We booked Fantasmic and I'm glad we did... I was far enough to the right of the stadium to start "the wave" once the stadium was full... It was good for my ego and the kids think I'm really cool now.

Seriously, the seats were very good and I'm glad we didn't have to wait. Glad to hear you didn't have to wait long either and got good seats.

 

[mommyaof2]

Thanks for the info! I will have to decide on this too on the next trip.