Please tell me about Fantasmic without the Dinner Package

[tkmmc]

Hi. Please tell me if you tried "Fantasmic" without the dinner package. Specifically, was it difficult to get in? How long did you stand in line and was anyone turned away? I booked the dinner package because the Disney Reservations Agent explained that the dinner package is best because you get a ticket to get in a separate line for Fantasmic. Soooo, we'll only have to get in line about 30 minutes early. The agent said other folks line up about 2 hours early for Fantasmic. Well I don't want to stand in line that long BUT I also don't want to eat dinner at 5:20 pm. We will have had a character breakfast and won't be hungry then (nor do we want to lose the park time). The rep. said the latest dinner reservation (at any of the 3 choices for Fantasmic) is 5:20. Ideally, we would like a counter service at about 6:45 before the show. If Fantasmic, without the dinner package, is a logistical hassle, we'll just keep the dinner package and roll with it! Thanks...

 

[mom2aredhead]

I'm switched my ADR 3 times while trying to decide the same thing.

Initially I thought do the package, because we've never seen fantasmic and this would be a way to kind of commit us to going and we could skip the wait, BUT, the latest dinner time they had was 4:20 pm and there are shows at 9:00 and 10:30 that night.

So I decided we'll just take our chances that we can get in one of them.

I hope.

 

[tkmmc]

Mom2aredhead: If it eases your worry any, the res. agent did explain one thing to me (you may or may not know - hope I'm interpreting her words correctly as I haven't seen the show): Due to the nature of the show (visuals in the air), and with the type of seating involved, she said EVERYONE sees the same thing regardless of where you sit. So don't worry if you are in the front of the line or the back. The person who walks in last, will see the same show as the person who stood in line 1st (and longest). Maybe that will help you enjoy your time before the show. Folks who have been, please elaborate...

 

[kldmom2000]

Up until last year, we always did the Meal Pkg. for Fantasmic. Last year we were going in August and I really did not care to eat at any of the designated restaurants so we figured we'd try our luck. We went on a clear night and it was a non-EMH night if that makes any difference? Fantasmic was only showing once that evening. My DH took our younger DD back to the hotel while I stayed with my 7 yr old DD who wanted to see it. We got into the ampitheater about an hour before showtime. We grabbed Mickey bars and had our choice of seats.... she wanted to sit up close, so we compromised and sat about 20 rows up in the dead center of the theater. 30 min. before showtime there was still plenty of seating. About 15 min. before though, it was quite packed.

I think it really has more to do with what time of year you're going (peak season vs. Value season) and if you go on an EMH night which would probably attract more guests to Fantasmic.

I do remember years ago going the first week of December (and that was considered a slow time back then) and people would be lining up 2 hours before which is why we always did the meal pkg. then.... Now I won't waste my money (or my TS credits! )