Now possible to pre-book Fantasmic package

[kazzie]

At the moment it is possible to pre-book by 'phone the Fantasmic package at MGM.For dinners/shows from September 16th to December 16th.It requires guests to pre pay for their meal.Full refunds are given for cancellations at least 48 in advance

 

[drennan]

Hi Karen

How much does this cost ? where do you eat ? etc etc, and who do you phone to book ?

Any info would be appreciated

ttfn

 

[SpottyDog]

Sharon, look here....



Fantasmic Dinner Package

Menu Database

 

[WDWfan uk]

You can call using the 00 1 407-WDW-DINE( 939-3463) number or CRO - 00 1 407 934 7639 - to book.
This introduces a set price for the packages where before it depended on what you had for your meal at Mama Melrose and the Hollywood Brown Derby - Hollywod & Vine was already a set price buffet.

 

[drennan]

Thanks Dave and Shirley, much appreciated

ttfn

 

[bengunn]

I can thoroughly recommend Hollywood and Vine for their dinner buffet. A great choice of excellent food and the best value meal we had in a theme park.

The choice included turkey, roast rib of beef, salmon, potatoes, rice, salad and much more. The deserts include many cakes and ice cream wiht lots of toppings. It is all you can eat.

We booked for 18:00, were seated at about 18:10 and finished by 19:00 when H and V closed. Fantasmic was at 20:30 and you must be there at least 30 minutes before it starts to get the guaranteed seating. This seating is to the right of the stadium but the view is fine - I don't think that there are any bad seats (although you can get wet right at the front).

Warning - apply mosquito repellant before going to Fantasmic as it was one of the few times that I got bitten (on my foot).

 

[Penny12]

Well, I like being able to pre-book it on the phone and in advance, but the pre-packaged prices just stink I've heard they debit your card the full amount when you make the booking (or soon after like with the CP package)

H&V $22.99 includes tip but NOT tax instead of the old $17.99 (plus tax and tip) - so this works out pretty much the same, but Simon & I ate at MM this past trip and including taxes and tips it was $50 for the two of us, it is now $32.99 per person plus tax, you have to select from a special menu and doesn't even include a drink! Same with the BD, $39.99 plus tax, no drinks and you can only select items from the special menu.

No. For what was a 'free' service, I don't like the new FDP and hope the trial flops!

 

[bengunn]

I agree Penny, the H&V prices have gone up from $17.99 to $22.99 that seems a bit steep - that is a $5 tip or almost 28%!

The old $17.99 price also included unlimited soft drinks whereas the new price does not appear to - seems like a ripoff to me.

 

[Jennie4647]

Hi,

I have booked Fantasmic using the new pre-bookable trial and I am very happy with it. I have been told that $72.04 will be taken from my card if there is a no show and I don't cancel within 48 hours of the date - they will only take that amount 'less than 48 before we go' I had this confirmed by the telephone operator.

We missed Fantasmic on our last visit and I would not want to miss it this time. The price that I was quoted includes gratuities and tax and works out at $24.37 for adults and $11.65 per child.

I would not want the trial to flop because I did not agree with pricing policy.

Granted, it may be slightly steep, but I like the peace of mind (weather permiting!) that bookng a FDP gives - each to their own.


Jennie

 

[Hilary]

One of the other changes which seems to detract from this package is the fact that you now have to take your seat 45 minutes before the show starts to be guaranteed a place, against the 30 minutes under the previous scheme. 15 minutes difference may not seem such a big deal, but it's whittling away the difference between the time you can probably just turn up and be seated and the time for the Dinner package seating 'guarantee'.

I was a great fan of the old deal, but I've yet to be convinced about this new arrangement. I'm still trying to decide whether to go for it or not this October.

 

[Penny12]

Yup! Each to their own

However, given the choice, I prefer not to have to pay a premium for something which previously I had before for 'free'.

 

[Jennie4647]

Penny,

Totally agree - given the choice who would want to pay a premium? But there is no choice - if I want to pre-book a FDP the price I have to pay is the quoted price.

Jennie

 

[bengunn]

Jennie,

I agree with you that it is worth booking the package to ensure that you get to see Fantasmic - it is a marvellous show. It is also worth pointing out that we arrived in the 'dinner package' seating about 35 minutes before the show and at that time, on a fairly quiet day for MGM, the main seating area was pretty much full. I understand that the doors open 2 HOURS before the performance and it can get full an hour before.

I would certainly pay the new prices to avoid having to get there 1-2 hours before the show. However, it is very annoying that under the guise of 'improvement', by allowing you to book in advance by phone, Disney have actually started charging a significant amount for something that was previously free.

I am glad that we got in under the old scheme.

 

[Elaine Guidi]

If you can pre-book until mid Dec, does anyone know what the position is after that date. Does it revert back to the 7-day before routine?

 

[Penny12]

In which case, I stand by my original statement. I hope it flops and reverts back to the old package.

I know you could only book 7 days out which can be frustrating for people who like to forward plan, but it was a pretty simple package to get. I booked a table for no less than 11 people at Mama Melrose less than 24 hours beforehand without any trouble in peak time August. I'm glad too that I got to use the old FDP a couple of times before it changed.

 

[Wellard Stallard]

I agree with Penny - after checking out the details - to me its just another expense - we can still see the show with our park tickets but I'm sure we can all eat cheaper than that. When I first heard about it I thought it was the kind of show that you eat & watch the show at the same time (not knowing any different as I have never been) but to me the only perk out of it is meant to be the PS - a friend of mine says it doesn't matter where you sit you will still have a good view. So I think we will give the meal a miss.

ttfn

 

[Jennie4647]

Penny,

Lucky You I tried to book 3 times when we went - no joy. We were off site in a villa - you are obviously more in tune as to how the system works - some of us are new to this and are learning as we go - give the new system a chance before you condemn it.

Lets agree to disagree and review at the end of December

Jennie

 

[Jennie4647]

Paula,

I suggest that you look back at some of the old posts on Fantasmic - it is not that easy to get in and get good seats - which you will want, especially if you have young children. No one seems to mind using a PS to get a seat at the show - what they are objecting to is the hike in price. I would say lets see what the standard of food is - what the menu in MM and BD consists of - in reality - not assumptions, and then pass judgement. I will give an honest and unbiased view when we return.

Jennie

 

[kazzie]

I have booked my FDP for October at H&V

I can see why people disagree with the price hike if they've booked successfully in the 'old ' way before. But I also stay offsite and as we don't do as much Disney as some,I found it more difficult to book the dinner package even with a week to do it.

I tried to book and it was full in October.So we planned to go in to the show an hour before to get a seat.As we walked past two hours before people were already streaming in,I didn't want to miss it so we went in then too.If paying a few more $$ means I don't have to wait somewhere up to two hours,it's worth it to me

I think it's a great idea and helps with the planning

 

[KayleeUK]

I have just booked the Fantasmic Dinner package twice during our stay in October with dinner at H & V. I am happy with it and can't wait

Kaylee