Ok what's the big deal about Fantasmic/Dessert seating?

[drag n' fly]

Can someone explain to me what the big deal is about Fantasmic balcony/dessert seating? Been to DL a few times and I still don't get it?: I thought 55 bucks(correct me if the price is wrong) is a little steep for some chocolate cake and an unobstructed view. We saw Fantasmic at WDW in February and yes it was really neat but 55 bucks...me thinks not lol! Can someone enlighten me as to what the thrill is to getting this seating? It kind of reminds me of all the hoopla about getting a seat at Cinderellas royal table buffet thingy at WDW ( which is overated IMO). I would really appreciate someone's opinion about this so I may too want to try to get the elusive chocolate cake chair someday before it shuts down!

 

[Diva of Dragons]

It doesn't matter since it ends this month anyway.

But, we took my Mom for her B'day last year, and it was really fun. Great view! A Variety of desserts, coffee, hot cocoa etc... and he joy of not being packed in like sardines with 100,000 people! LOL!

Oh, also, we have APs so it didn't feel like we were spending a fortune all in one day.

 

[grimgrinnin]

Go again in July, steak out a spot for Fantasmic! 2 hours early, and it will all become clear...



grim

 

[farmfresh]

Only balcony seating ends soon - riverside still goes on!

No big deal if you don't mind spending the time to stake out a good spot; if you do, then it's a great option.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

You mean you don't see the big deal in a box of cookies for $60? And the balcony gives you the bonus of a buffet of cookies. I'd be a fool not to.

 

[Robert and Kelley]

The view was good. The dessert was good. Not having to stake out a spot hours before..priceless. I am glad we did it and have no regrets.

 

[stagemomx3]

Riverside was not worth it for us, but to each his own.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

whats the diffrence..now that balconey isnt gona be open im so sad...i relly wanted to do it, i was so looking forward to it, im not sure if river side is worth it. im small what if some tall ppl stand in front of me will they block my view, or dose cms keep sertion areas cleared out so we can see?

 

[Albort]

whats the diffrence..now that balconey isnt gona be open im so sad...i relly wanted to do it, i was so looking forward to it, im not sure if river side is worth it. im small what if some tall ppl stand in front of me will they block my view, or dose cms keep sertion areas cleared out so we can see?

well, from what i been hearing, the place is booked down and held waaay before by a CM. But was told that the seats come at first come first serve so if the people in front of you.

I agree, the balcony and the riverside seating is pointless and way too expensive for me considered that i barely pass in life. BUT, just think of it as a personal space so you dont get mushed with the other guest. Its also a nice place to just relax and not having to go through crowd control to get some food.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

thanks

 

[minniecarousel]

I'm kinda bummed that we never got to do the balcony seating. We've done the Riverside seating and have it booked for a night in August. It's worth it because I simply won't/can't stand for several hours to wait for a great viewing spot for the show. Being able to sit is so worth the $$. I don't care what the dessert is like - that's just a bonus.

 

[Frances999]

I'm kinda bummed that we never got to do the balcony seating. We've done the Riverside seating and have it booked for a night in August. It's worth it because I simply won't/can't stand for several hours to wait for a great viewing spot for the show. Being able to sit is so worth the $$. I don't care what the dessert is like - that's just a bonus.

That's what I am figuring as well. I don't want to have to stake out a spot 2 hours before show and deal with three tired and bored kids until the show starts. That makes it all worth while.

Besides, if Fantasmic wasn't in Disneyland I would happily pay $60 a ticket to see it, it's such a great show.

 

[Junebuggy5]

I did it(riverside seating) once and enjoyed it but will probably never do it again. The op said they saw Fantasmic at WDW. Big difference from seeing it at DL. WDW has a large stadium seating section that doesn't require hours to stake out a good spot. DL has a much smaller area that does require advanced planning if you want a real good view. So you find a spot an hour or two before or you can pay and walk right up and get a seat in a reserved section.

 

[Pomlover2586]

My DF and I did the riverside seating at DLR for our anniversary/engagement celebration [although when I booked it I thought it was just for our anniversary!] Not only was the box of desserts delicious but having a seat reserved for us and being able to enjoy those extra 2 hrs of park time was well worth it! It was very romantic as they put us "in the corner" which translates to front row center without strangers sitting next to us! It was a perfect end to our trip and I will definetly do it again!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Can someone explain to me what the big deal is about Fantasmic balcony/dessert seating? Been to DL a few times and I still don't get it?: I thought 55 bucks(correct me if the price is wrong) is a little steep for some chocolate cake and an unobstructed view. We saw Fantasmic at WDW in February and yes it was really neat but 55 bucks...me thinks not lol! Can someone enlighten me as to what the thrill is to getting this seating? It kind of reminds me of all the hoopla about getting a seat at Cinderellas royal table buffet thingy at WDW ( which is overated IMO). I would really appreciate someone's opinion about this so I may too want to try to get the elusive chocolate cake chair someday before it shuts down!

Well, that huge amphitheater they have MGM Studios isn't there at DL. Same show, larger number of people in the park wanting to see it, but no 7000 seats to accomodate them to do so.

Many people pay thousands of dollars for a Disney trip and that attitude of "what's another x amount of money to spend" really kicks in sometimes. I think its like every other thing in life, we all have certain things we want to spend our hard earned money on, it just differs from person to person. For example most of my friends get manicures, I never do. Heck I can file my nails at home for free. But I understand that to them, its about being pampered, its an experience and their nails look a heck of alot better than mine do! Just like my view and the desserts were a heck of a lot better than the people crammed like sardines below me the two times I sat on the balcony. I felt pampered and it was actually more than chocolate cake (way more, maybe not $50 a person more, but it was a nice spread).

I wouldn't take anything for the two times I took my family to the balcony (including Grandpa). I am sorry its going away, it was a fun splurge. Crazy expensive but so is everything else at DL.

But I also loved being at CRT at WDW and thought that was worth it too! So I guess I am just a sucker for paying for that whole overall experience thing on my Disney vacations. Funny, in real life I am usually quite cheap and frugal!

 

[Amy&Dan]

My DF and I did the riverside seating at DLR for our anniversary/engagement celebration [although when I booked it I thought it was just for our anniversary!] Not only was the box of desserts delicious but having a seat reserved for us and being able to enjoy those extra 2 hrs of park time was well worth it! It was very romantic as they put us "in the corner" which translates to front row center without strangers sitting next to us! It was a perfect end to our trip and I will definetly do it again!

Oh my gosh Elaina, I remember you, you were the poor girl with the hotel mixup! Sounds like your trip turned out even better than expected. Congratulations on your engagement!

 

[drag n' fly]

All in ll it seems most people would happily pay the money just to get the "good seat". That I can completely understand especially if you are travelling during high season. We only travel during low season(not that there is one anymore lol) so I am not used to the crowds like others are. If I was in the same boat I could see paying the money also. I am glad we saw it at WDW due to the tight seating arrangements at DL as we walked right in sat down middle and centre and saw a great show. Well worth going to for sure!

 

[heather6699]

Hi,

Sorry...I am new to DL, and haven't been there since I was a kid (just booked our first family trip for this Dec.,). What exactly is Fantasmic? Is it the parade? And it sounds like there is Fantasmic and then fireworks? If you do this dessert thing, do you see everything including the castle? Where is this dessert thing located and how would I book it? OH and what time would I book it for?

Sorry again for all the silly questions, I was trying to piece all this together from the other threads and thought I would just ask.

Thanks!

 

[farmfresh]

Fantasmic is a show performed on the rivers of America. It is seasonal, and can run twice per night, around 9 and again at 10.30. You can see it from anywhere around the rivers area, but there are some spots you can book. One is the balcony which seems to be avaible only occassionally at present, or else, not far from the haunted mansion in an area they call riverside seating. Debates rage over which is better, and whether you need to book seating - that's up to you.

if you catch the early show, you can stay seated for the fireworks. The price of the seat includes a dessert box, which contains around a half a dozen bits and pieces, and a beverage of your choice, which they refill. You need to book by phone exactly thirty days out from the day you wish to attend, and i suggest you call right on opening. (the number is somewhere in this thread). You pick tickets up from guest services beforehand, and then drop past the seating area around 7.30 to book in an exact spot.

it s a great show and worthwhile doing, if a little expensive!

its great show with many different