Is the Fantasmic package worth it for me?

[Manda]

We've never bothered to go to Fantasmic before, but my DS saw it on one of the in-room channels during our last trip and wants to see it now. We'd already planned going to the Brown Derby on our next trip any way, so I was considering the package. I have a huge aversion to lines and waiting and killing time and large crushes of people exiting one place at the same time, LOL - which is why we haven't gone before. The thing is that I have the DDE card, so I could potentially get 20% off my meal if I wasn't doing the package. So, if I do the package, I'll be paying a premium since I can't use my discont on the package. I'm okay with that if it will really help me spend less time in lines and in a seat keeping a little boy happy while we wait. We'll be there probably August 13th or 14th. Will this package make it that much better for me?

 

[ougrad86]

I think it made it better for us. The avoiding waiting in lines for up to an hour was what made us choose the package. We did Hollywood and Vine, and told to meet at a certain gate about a half hour before. They walk you up to the reserved seating area, and we choose a seat to the far left and had a good view. It wasn't straight on, but didn't miss anything.
Not sure what the crowds are like that time of year, but if it is the crowded time especially I think the package is the way to go. The other area filled up fast, and this was during the low crowd time in early March.

 

[eliza61]

In August we would do it. I just don't like waiting in large crowds especially since there is no real "line". I figure since I have to eat anyway, might as well get a perk from it. Usually in August there is a later showing (10:00) of fantasmic that is a litte less crowded.

 

[dvcdisney]

Since our first time going on the Fantasmic Package, we have never gone any other way. I do not like waiting so long in such long lines.

However, a few have said that they did not like it because the seats were in the far side. We're fine with that. We love the fact that it's a separate entrance. You don't have to wait in line, you can wait while seated on your seats.

 

[MAGGIED]

We also do the package each time.... we find the seats are fine... and not having to wait with all those people is great. We would rather be doing something else than waiting in line.... this is a must see for us each trip....

 

[stormer]

Absolutely worth it. We went the last week in August and waited an hour to get into the first showing of Fantasmic and still didn't make it in. It was mobbed. We made it in to the secong showing that night, but by then we were all exhausted. My three year old slept thru the whole show. If you are going in August I think it would help you a lot. If you don't do the package you will have to go wait in line at least 1 1/2 hours before the show time.

 

[Matt71]

I'm not 100% on this, but I'm pretty sure the Fantasmic package doesn't cost extra. Unless the DDE works differently somehow.

We are getting the package with our TS meal at Hollywood & Vine. We're on the DDP and were told it wasn't extra.

 

[marivaid]

I'm not 100% on this, but I'm pretty sure the Fantasmic package doesn't cost extra. Unless the DDE works differently somehow.

We are getting the package with our TS meal at Hollywood & Vine. We're on the DDP and were told it wasn't extra.

It does not cost extra whether you're on the DDP or not, but you can't use the DDE card for any package. So the OP would not be able to save 20% on her Brown Derby meal if she got the Fantasmic package.
Some people here have reported that they were able to use their discount, but I wouldn't count on it.

IMO it'd be worth it for your family in August since you'd rather avoid waiting for a long time.