Need advice - Fantasmic Dinner package or not

[sunlover13]

I've changed my plans a million times and my 180 day mark is Monday. I'm debating between doing the Fantasmic dinner package or not.

We will be going to DHS on our arrival day & want to see Fantasmic that evening at 8:00, Saturday, 9/20 during FREE DINING!

I'm thinking about doing the Fantasmic package b/c I don't want to get to the show an hour early when we could be seeing other attractions, etc...... With the preferred seating, I'm hoping we can show up 15 minutes beforehand and still get a seat for the show.

We did Mama Melrose back in May and were not overly impressed with the food or service. But, I'm thinking it was not that bad and may be worth it to get the seating for Fantasmic.

Here are my questions:

1.) Should I do the Fantasmic package for that day? Do you think it will be crowded since DHS has EMH (morning) that day & it is a Saturday?

2.) If answer to question 1 is yes, should we do Mama Melrose or Hollywood & Vine (never eaten here)?

3.) If answer to question 1 is no, where else should be eat? Sci-Fi, 50's Primetime?? Never eaten at either of these.

TIA!

 

[LMO429]

September is generally not that crowded. If I was going in Sept I would NOT do a Fantasmic Dinner Package. Personally I feel the best seats are the ones more towards the back of the theater, considering it will not be as crowded the weekend you are going I would just get to the theater a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before, get some popcorn and drinks and hang out.

The other thing about the package is dinner is usually around 4:30 or 5pm..for us that is way too early for dinner


I would go to the Sci Fi...such a great time, the atmosphere can not be beat..the food is just good too.

 

[joenan88]

I wanted to do the The Fantasmic dinner package for this August..so I called on my 180 mark for the Brown Derby and the latest dinner reservation I could get for a 9:00pm show was 4:15! They said the latest time they offered for the package was a 5:30 reservation and all the times between 4:15-5:30pm were already taken. I choose at that point to take a 6:30pm adr and then just take my chances getting into the show. I am going 8/15-20 so I am hoping the crowds will not be aweful...since you are going in September I wouldn't bother with the package..you shouldn't have a problem getting into the show.

 

[magicaldisney]

Another vote for NOT doing the package. I really don't think it will be necessary. You can get as good or even better seats without the package.

 

[sunlover13]

Thanks everyone! You just convinced me not to do the package.

Now, I have to figure out where to eat.

I'm thinking either Sci-Fi or 50's Prime Time.

I see one vote for Sci-Fi. Anyone else?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm not a big fan of any of the restaurants in DHS. I do like the breakfast they serve at the ABC Commissary. Don't like Sci Fi, don't like Prime Time, H&V is so so. Didn't care for Brown Derby when we ate there. I just don't think they have many good places to eat.

Pizza Planet is okay, but not the best.

 

[fakereadhed]

I agree with everyone- I have never done the dinner package and always had a decent seat. I think it's a toss up between 50's and Sci-Fi. They both have decent(but not fabulous)food with great entertainment. The servers at 50's definitely make or break your experience. We had a "cousin" from South America who just didn't get what she was supposed to do. She also spilled a milkshake on my daughter, but that wasn't really what bothered us. She just didn't deliver on the entertainment. The tables in the next room were having a blast. I only mention this because you just can't count on what type of experience you have- it's all up to the server. At Sci-Fi, it's kind of novel and I think the burgers are great. Kind of a toss up- I'd just pick either because it's always good to try something new for yourself.

 

[joenan88]

I ate at The Prime Time in November and I was not a huge fan..my kids are 10, 7 and 6 and they just didn't get the antics...nor did they think it was funny. The food took an hour and a half to come out only to be dry and overcooked. I think it sat under the heating lamp for at least 45 minutes..what I huge disappointment! I am returning in August and we have an ADR for the Sci-Fi..I do not have huge expectations but it can not be any worse then our experience at The Prime Time...at least I hope!

 

[sunlover13]

Thanks everyone! We are NOT going to do the Fantasmic package and just plan to arrive about 1/2 hour early. Since it is value season, we are hoping that will give us plenty of time to get a decent seat.

We are leaning towards trying Sci-Fi right now.

I'll be making my ADR's tomorrow!

Happy Easter!