Unsure now about ADR....Please help...

[c3h3a3r]

Hi. We are family of 4 travelling from UK for 2 weeks. Staying off site so meals are OOP. I have only booked 2 ADRS, as trying to be as cost effective as possible. First one is for late lunch at beaches and cream, which I am happy with. Secondly I have booked Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood and vine. I wasn't going to do a character meal as we did 2 last time and now my boys are older, will probably not be too interested in meeting characters. But then I thought if we're not doing meet and greets, we won't get any character photos, so at least this way we won't have to queue. But some of the reviews/advice I've been given isn't that good. So my question is, is it worth the extra $ for F! Or shall I book the regular dinner and hope for a 4th fast pass for F! Any advice appreciated. TIA

 

[Nancyg56]

I always book a Fantasmic package, but I go to Mama Melrose. I have read that a 4th FP to Fantasmic is generally available so if the money is tight, I think I would just book the meal and not spend the additional amount towards a package in order to gain a seat.

I know that H&V always got terrible reviews, but lately I see more positive ones for ther dinner service. I know tha tI had added it to our list for our upcoming trip.

 

[mickeygirl78]

I personally would not go to H&V again, I thought the food was terrible. If you want to do a character meal for the autographs I would suggest a breakfast somewhere since the cost is less ('Ohana is very good and has Stitch, Lilo, Mickey and Pluto). We've always seen Fantasmic without a dining package or FP, we go to the second show. Yes we have to sit way in the back, but there really isn't a bad seat. If you are not all that interested in H&V I would save your money and try for a 4th FP. If you cna't get a FP, just line up early.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thank you both. Will probably cancel....still thinking. ...

 

[Lisa F]

the Holiday Dine gets some decent to good reviews and has things not typical to H&V but since it is seasonal I think it depends on time of year. The characters there do NOT sign though, you get a signed card at the beginning. I am planning to do this with my kiddo but he is 8, it is christmas time, the christmas seasonal menu gets generally good reviews (at least there is enough on it that I think I will enjoy it) and the character interaction is generally pretty good there. We are doing lots of character meals though so sigs are not as important.

 

[Hopefully]

I would definitely rebook for Mama Melrose.
I will never return to H & V. The worst meal ever at all of Disney. The hot food was not hot, the cold food was not cold, the buffet was dirty, the Ladies Room was Filthy.
Never Again

 

[crabbygal902]

You mentioned that you boys are older, and I assume that they are no longer pre-school age. They may not enjoy the Disney Jr characters at H & V as much as some of the classics like Mickey, Pluto, etc. I think a good choice in that area would be breakfast at Cape May. We have really enjoyed that character meal with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. Breakfast would be more cost effective and you would get your character pics too.

For what it is worth, we have done the F! package several times and have never really needed it. Once was during the busy Thanksgiving week. The 2nd show is often less crowded.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thank you all. Going at the end of July. My boys are 12 & 10. I thought the Disney jnr characters were only for breakfast? Anyway, with all the feedback I think I'm going to cancel the F! Package and think again for our second ADR.....

 

[Harambe]

Not that it is related to Fantasmic at all, but taking into consideration of the ages of your boys, I think they would get a big kick out of Sci Fi Diner. No characters, but the atmosphere is great, and the food is good and not as expensive as a buffet (remember that your boys are now considered "adults" as far as Disney buffet prices go!). Enjoy your trip!

 

[JeninTexas]

We did the F! package at Mama Melrose and the seats were incredible. Front row, center. The food was also good. I would definitely do this again.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

The last several times we have seen Fantasmic we did not have a dining package or a fastpass and we got great seats.

While I book the Fantasmic package when we have the dining package, I don't think it is worth it to pay OOP.

My nine year old daughter loved Sci-Fi Cafe, and it is quite reasonable for an OOP meal.

 

[c3h3a3r]

So....leaning toward Sci Fi. ....is it same menu and price all day? Also, by booking an adr, are we guaranteed a car?

 

[c3h3a3r]

Have cancelled F! Package and booked Sci Fi for dinner. Any must haves? How are the shakes?

 

[Harambe]

^^The Oreo shake is very good. We usually do burgers, and we always get a few orders of the spinach and artichoke dip. As far as seating goes, everyone gets a car unless you have a big party and want one of the few tables at the back. So fun to eat and "watch" the hokey movie clips!

 

[c3h3a3r]

Great. Thank you

 

[crabbygal902]

1. Sorry for the confusion about the Disney Jr characters in my last post. I had assumed you were having lunch at H&V, which also has the Disney Jr characters. I suppose the F! dinner package is just that...dinner! Just wasn't using my brain.

2. The burgers, shakes, and fries are good at Sci-Fi. We've tried other things on the menu but they haven't been as good as these standards.

 

[mommycrawford]

So....leaning toward Sci Fi. ....is it same menu and price all day? Also, by booking an adr, are we guaranteed a car?

You are never guaranteed anything at Disney, but I have always been a party of 3 and gotten a car with an adr.. I have only seen larger parties at non-car tables! That said, when you check in, you can tell them that you booked there to have the car experience, and understand that it may require you to wait a bit longer for one....Kindness & consideration has always helped things go favorably, in my experiences at Disney.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Burger fries and shakes I guess thank you all