Is this true?

[TinkOhio]

I just read on the All Ears newsletter a report that the Fantasmic Dinner Package has changed. A recent park visitor reported that you don't walk up the back way before the show now; that you enter like everyone else. Does anyone have any current experience in this matter? The whole reason why we book this package is to avoid the awful waiting area...too much pushing, shoving and cutting in line!

Anyone know?

 

[World Bouncer]

When we used this package in late September the back entrance was still in use.

 

[ToddyLu]

We are using 2 TS points for Brown Derby so we can see Fantasmic!! Gee I would like to know so I can change our plans if true!! I always read Allears, too!

 

[Clotho]

You can see Fantasmic without using up your 2TS credits! I would only keep that reservation if you really want to eat at Brown Derby! Don't do it just to get into Fantasmic, which is free!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I dunno - that was one person's experience (interpretation?) on one night. The "herd" and "one small section" comments make me think maybe that person was expecting something more elite? I mean, I thought one entire section of of the theater is reserved for Fantasmic! Dining Plan Guests, not one small section?

 

[Clotho]

I am sure it depends on how many people have reservations on a given day!

 

[ophkw]

We just did Fantasmic on Saturday. I noticed the sign for dinner packages and it was to the right as you entered in the main area. So you do have to enter with the herd. I'm not sure where the roped off area is though.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We are using 2 TS points for Brown Derby so we can see Fantasmic!! Gee I would like to know so I can change our plans if true!! I always read Allears, too!

We ate at HBD less than 2 weeks ago, & it was fabulous! We ate at Flying Fish the next night, which was a big disappointment after having just eaten at HBD. We had eaten at both of them in the past & felt it was the other way around. Whatever they're doing at HBD is working. All 4 of us thought it was our best meal. We're returning over Thanksgiving weekend.

Disclaimer: We don't use the dining plan, so I don't base my opinion on perceived value. Based solely on the food quality (not price), I would say our meal at HBD was worth more than FF or any other place we ate that trip.

ETA: Forgot to add that we didn't book the F! package, because we wanted to eat later. We didn't have a hard time getting a seat. As a matter of fact, we had our choice of sections.

 

[The Sweetness]

IMO it doesnt make sense to make a dinner res at a restaurant *just* to have the Fantasmic seating. The seating area is huge, and Ive sat in the middle (maybe 2/3 back ) before, and seen fine. With the bench seating, you're probably going to be crowded no matter what. If you want to see the show, just show up (early if you want to be by the front of the line) but IMO, you're not getting more space that way, MAYBE you'll get to choose where you'll be squished in at if you still get to choose your spot upon entering (I havent seen Fantasmic in a LOOOOONG time )

 

[Pumbaa_]

It depends on the time of year and they have reduced Fantasmic to just twice a week. Be interesting to see how this plays out over time

 

[chocolateMinnie]

I'll definitely be watching these boards for more information, we have booked the package as we will be going President's Weekend and it seems to make sense to have a guaranteed seat rather than queuing for a couple of hours before as the show is only running three times that week. When I phoned to make my ADR the CM was still giving out the info that the separate seating was available but no refund in case of bad weather etc.

 

[MermaidsMom]

Isn't the reason for reserving the Fantasmic package to avoid the lines? My understanding was a reservation was made for a pre-fixe dinner and for this price you were given tickets that gave you the luxury of walking up to the back entrance at the last minute and have reserved seating. This offered more time in the parks rather then in the line. Some folks want this extra time in the park and still want to have a good seat. Is this now wrong?

 

[unique_name]

When we have gone in the past using the FDP, you still had to arrive about 1/2 hr before the show. They do close the back entrance as showtime gets closer and you have to go through the main entrance.

They will also open the reserved seating to the public - maybe 15 minutes before showtime (not sure on the time).

I didn't read the newsletter so I'm not sure if they have changed their policy, or if the person sharing their experience got there after the back entrance was closed.

 

[TinkOhio]

We book the dinner package not to sit in a special section, but to avoid the long waiting line. Both times that we saw Fantasmic without the package, we waited shoulder to shoulder with tons of other people. Once they opened the entrence up, it was a mad dash! People were pushing and shoving. It wasn't pretty! Our DS has Asperger's, and this would not be good for him. Luckily, he is very mild--enough so that we wouldn't think of doing something about it at guest services.

I hope the back entrance is open during the holidays!

 

[buffalogirl]

It depends on the time of year and they have reduced Fantasmic to just twice a week. Be interesting to see how this plays out over time

Is there a new schedule posted somewhere ? We're going Dec 13-19 and I thought it was a nightly event. May have to change my ADR's, again .

 

[DisDreaminMom]

Ditto previous poster. We are going the same week and I have a H&V Fantasmic package. The CM who made the ADR said the show was at 7:00pm. Our ADR is at 3:55. I am guessing that there is just one show that week or day?

 

[buffalogirl]

Bumping

It looks like Fantasmic is every night (sometimes twice a night) through December. Can anyone confirm this ?

 

[Brave teacher]

The reduced Fantasmic schedule goes into effect in January. Supposedly it will coincide with the opening of the American Idol attraction. It has no effect on the shows for the remainder of 2008.

 

[buffalogirl]

The reduced Fantasmic schedule goes into effect in January. Supposedly it will coincide with the opening of the American Idol attraction. It has no effect on the shows for the remainder of 2008.

Thank you, Brave teacher .