Misc. info needed

[mmtwinmama]

Hi everyone - These forums have been so helpful. Thanks to all of you!

I've been to WDW many many times. This year (end of June) we are taking a CA trip and will be spending 6 nights at HOJO. We purchased the so cal city pass so we will have 3 days at DL. We have 8 year old twin boys. They have been to WDW five times. Our most recent trip was in October.

With that said, here are my questions:

Is Fantasmic worth doing? The boys have seen it 3 times and said they didnt care if they saw it or not in DL. I'd like to forego it unless I'm told it's a lot different/better than WDW.

They just informed me that they would rather not do a character meal. I was planning on Goofy's Kitchen, but I guess that is out. Are there any suggestions of a place for 8 year old boys, without characters? I was thinking of ESPN Zone in DTD, the Celebration BBQ, Blue Bayou, and Carnation Cafe', but wasnt sure if there was something else out there.

Lastly, have any specials come out for the end of June? I have $300 left to pay on the trip (booked through Disney), but was waiting to pay it off "just in case" a special was offered.

Thanks!

 

[basketballmom]

I have read that beginning march 16, you can book the summer deal "buy 3 get 2 free." It wouldn't hurt to check!

I have not seen fantasmic at WDW. I have heard it is the same show, but obviously different because it's on the river. However, I don't know how long ROA is closed for refurb.

ESPN zone is really cool, especially if your boys love sports.

Hope this helps!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney is a fun place.
ESPNZone is loud because the entire upstairs is games...so if they like doing those...this place will be a hit.
(Rainforest you can make a reservation.....ESPN you cannot)

 

[HydroGuy]

Is Fantasmic worth doing? The boys have seen it 3 times and said they didnt care if they saw it or not in DL. I'd like to forego it unless I'm told it's a lot different/better than WDW.

yes. The DL experience is different than the WDW experience and most folks who have seen both prefer the one at DL. The shows are not exactly the same but the music is the same. The DL show has a different feel because it is on the Rivers of America, it uses the ROA ships to great effect, and, well, they have "Murphy". Murphy is an animatronic dragon.

 

[oc_tony]

No question about it: DL's Fantasmic is much better. We've seen the one at WDW and were actually quite disappointed since we are so familiar with the DL version. Nearly everyone who has seen both versions agrees that DL's is superior.

The only thing that is better about WDW's is the seating. There is no seating for Fantasmic at DL as everything happens on the river and Tom Sawyer's Island, so it is necessary to arrive early (or view the later show) in order to get a decent view.

 

[mmtwinmama]

hmmmm, thanks. I will definitely fit F! in then. I just read your posts to the boys and now they want to see it. I'm glad, thanks!! Maybe we'll spring for the dessert package and see the first one then see the Fireworks if possible.

I think they boys will love the ESPN Zone, so that will be a must do for us. We have a Rainforest near home so we probably wouldnt do that.

Now if the summer deal "buy 3 get 2 free" happens to jive with my dates and I could change to DL Hotel for about the price I'm in for now I'll be happy! Or even better if I could keep HOJO's and it be cheaper... fingers crossed!

 

[mom2rtk]

So what times are typical for Fantasmic in the summer months????

I was going to pass to miss the crowds, but you guys are tempting me....

Any advice on getting a good seat? Are the reservations for the dessert viewing 60 days out? Are the seats any good?

 

[HydroGuy]

So what times are typical for Fantasmic in the summer months????

I was going to pass to miss the crowds, but you guys are tempting me....

Any advice on getting a good seat? Are the reservations for the dessert viewing 60 days out? Are the seats any good?

During high season and weekends F! will show twice nightly at 9PM and 10:30PM. If you can do the 10:30 it is far preferable if for no other reason that the first show ends at 9:20 and the maximum possible wait to the 10:30 show is 70 minutes. I would plan to get there 45-60 minutes early. If you need to do the 9PM show (small kids, etc.) you often need to get there at least 2 hours early.

Dinner reservations are 1 month. See Mary Jo's excellent post - http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland-california/disneyland-fantasmic.htm

 

[jimreuter]

Blue Bayou is "Fine Dining", so 8 year olds won't be excited about the food. But, if you make an 11:30 lunch reservation, and show up 10 minutes before to check in, you'll get a "waterside" table which is right next to where the boats go by - that they might like. Other times, the wait for a waterside table can be anything from "right now" to "45 minutes", even longer for a party bigger than 4.

If your kids want to just eat fast and go on more rides, then Redd Rockets Pizza Port in Tomorrowland is a good option. They will find a pizza or pasta dish they like, and they also offer some pasta and salad entrees that are more adult oriented.

 

[mmtwinmama]

Thanks JimReuter. Thanks so much for the Blue Bayou tip. I will do just that. This reservation is kind of a selfish one for DH and I, but if we could get a waterside table I'm sure the boys would love it.

 

[kwally]

We were just there last weekend and ate at the ESPN Zone around 1:30pm and only had a 5 minute wait. It was perfect for us, we are big time sports people and the kids thought it was great (7, 5, 2/12 year olds). We didn't even go upstairs to all the games, we just sat and watching basketball on the TV sets. The food was very good I thought. Took us about 10 minutes to walk from the gate at DL to ESPN. Good place to take a break and get a good meal.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney is a fun place.
ESPNZone is loud because the entire upstairs is games...so if they like doing those...this place will be a hit.
(Rainforest you can make a reservation.....ESPN you cannot)

We made reservations for ESPN Zone in September. Has this changed? Disney Dining handles reservations prior to 5 pm and evening reservations are handled online on ESPN Zone's website 3 days in advance if you are a "member" (which is free). Now we didn't NEED a reservation for a 5 pm dinner, but it'll depend on when you go and if any of the local teams are playing that night.

ETA: I would stay away from going there on a grad night day. ESPN Zone offers pre-grad night parties for schools.