Is Fantasmic Premium seating really worth it?

[stampinshauna]

For those of you who have been fortunate enough to do the Premium seating for Fantasmic, do you feel that it was really worth it? It would be a splurge for us, and it probably means that we'd have to spend less on souvineers.

Also what is the difference between balcony & riverside (besides the location)?

 

[Virii]

What is this/how much is it? This is the first I've heard of it.

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

$59 per person, regardless of whether you do balcony or "premium seating" from what I understand.

The balcony seating is on a small balcony off the Disney Gallery that is supposed to be centered directly at Fantasmic with nothing in the way. You are treated to a dessert buffet and there's only a small number of available seats. Very difficult to get these reserved! After trying many, many times in the past, I finally managed to get these for our upcoming trip.

The premium seats are rows of chairs set in a special section near Haunted Mansion and you get a little box of goodies to snack on. I'm not familiar with these seats and have seen a mix of positive and not so positive reviews for them.

Both seatings are something you generally need to call for at exactly 30 days out from you visit and you need to get on the phone at (well, maybe start dialing 2 minutes before) 8:00am.

 

[Leash]

I'd say it really depends on how much you want to splurge and how much you like Fantasmic. I have been lucky enough to do the balcony seating three times so far and have reservations to sit up there next month. The food is great and I think the view is fantastic but the key factor for me is not having to fight the crowds to get a good spot for the show. To me that part alone is worth the price.
I personally have not done riverside but my mom has and she said she much prefered the balcony for the view and she aid that once the show started people kept trying to sneak in to the reserved seating area.

Virii- This is reseved seating for the Fantasmic show. There is seating on the balcony of the Disney gallery (I believe it holds about 20) and a roped off area on the ground right against the railing of the Rivers of America (I think something like 40 people but I could be wrong about that). You get a dessert buffet on the balcony and I believe you get a pre-packed dessert selection but that may have changed. They are both $59 for adults and the riverside gives kids (ages 3-9) a discount so they are $49. The reservations can be made 30 days in advance by calling disney at 714-781-4400 but you have to start calling a few minutes before they open at 8 am PST to get seats on the balcony.
I know that was kind of long but hopefully it answered your question if you want to know anything else just ask.

 

[lucky1]

Riverside the dessert is more finger food desserts. Cookies, Brownies, Chocolate dipped strawberrys, bottled water and soda

Balcony the dessert is plate & fork style, cheese cakes, chocolate cakes, tortes, pastries, cheeses and fruits, lemonade, ice tea, mint julips, coffee.

Both are worth the fact that you don't have to fight a crowd and or hold your place hours before the show.

 

[hlbtimes2]

For us, no its not worth it. We usually wait and do the 2nd showing/ 10pm F!. You can get seats in a good location about 1/2 hour before the show starts. Yes, they are on the ground, but thats ok with us. I would rather have the money to spend on other things. For our family of 4 it would be almost $240. That is almost another day in the park for us!

 

[stampinshauna]

Thanks for the responses. DH and I have only fought the crowds once to see Fantasmic, and that was on our most recent trip. While it was a fun show to see, if the main benefit is just to get a good seat, I'll save the $59 per person. We are also going to WDW in February, and they have Fantasmic seats for everyone, so maybe we'll pass on the Premium seating. I was just wondering if there were any other special perks that a Disney addict like myself would like besides good seats and dessert. I could get a lot of Dole Whips for $59!!!

 

[got2travel]

Nope, no real perks. Just less agrevation in getting a spot to see the show and a few treats to tide you over. The best perk is seeing the envy on peoples faces when the cast members move the rope and let escort you to a seat.

 

[briar_rose_59]

Nope, no real perks. Just less agrevation in getting a spot to see the show and a few treats to tide you over. The best perk is seeing the envy on peoples faces when the cast members move the rope and let escort you to a seat.

Got to agree with the people's faces! I swear the first time I had balcony seats someone started taking pics of me (guess they thought I was a "real" VIP! lol!). The first time was by far the best for me though. It was my first time seeing the show (ever) and my aunt had payed for tickets for my mum, myself and a friend of the family she got to go with me. The second time was kind of... eh... It was my birthday (New years eve) and the weather had been horrible and I was just kind of tired and bleh... I was getting kind of excited because the show was about to start and then a family came up with a little girl (probably about two) so I'm thinking aww how cute... then the show started and boy did that little girl scream in my ear every time there was a noise or mickey disappeared, or reappeared. I understand that it's Disneyland and there are gonna be kids but come on, people are paying $60 a head to get up there and see the show, not have your little angel scream their head off. At least take them inside if they start melting down.

Disclaimer: None of that vent was directed towards anyone, I just needed to get that off my chest after about a year!