Which Fantasmic Seating is REALLY better?

[two-foxes]

I did the balcony seating for Fantasmic two years ago, and although I loved the experience, I was not overly thrilled with my seat (I shared it with the plant next to me and I had a speaker in the middle of my view.) We are planning on booking the reserved seating again, although I am considering the reserved seating in front of the HM instead of the seating on the balcony....anyone done both of the reserved seating areas and preferred the view over the other?

 

[Pixie]

Check this thread out, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=792537&page=1&pp=15 it has some other info on Fantasmic. I'm watching all Fantasmic threads while I wait until the 5th of June when I can book my seats.

 

[two-foxes]

Thanks, Pixie...I have read that thread and tried to make a judgement by the pics, but since it will be DH's first time, I want to make sure we get the best view! I did a search earlier and some one asked the same question, but didn't really get an answer...so I am giving it a shot!

 

[Califgirl]

It's so hard to try to give opinions on the 'best view', as it is all relative. In my mind I would rather make sure my DH has the best experience (whatever that means for you). In my case I have splurged to get balcony seating on several occasions because we were guaranteed good seats, a nice treat or two (actually everyone I've taken to the balcony seating has really liked the food) and MOST IMPORTANTLY for us, no waiting, no saving seats on hard ground, and it's not crowded! (Easy, easy, to get in and out.)

So if the $ is not an issue for your husband, it might be nice to have fantasmic balcony seating just for the convenience. If the fun is in getting a good viewing place and playing the waiting game (I know some people who really enjoy this) then go for it. Make it the most enjoyable experience you can for those that are with you. You should have a decent view from just about everywhere, and you know the best of the best places, since you've read all the threads!

 

[MamaKate]

It's so hard to try to give opinions on the 'best view', as it is all relative. In my mind I would rather make sure my DH has the best experience (whatever that means for you). In my case I have splurged to get balcony seating on several occasions because we were guaranteed good seats, a nice treat or two (actually everyone I've taken to the balcony seating has really liked the food) and MOST IMPORTANTLY for us, no waiting, no saving seats on hard ground, and it's not crowded! (Easy, easy, to get in and out.)

So if the $ is not an issue for your husband, it might be nice to have fantasmic balcony seating just for the convenience. If the fun is in getting a good viewing place and playing the waiting game (I know some people who really enjoy this) then go for it. Make it the most enjoyable experience you can for those that are with you. You should have a decent view from just about everywhere, and you know the best of the best places, since you've read all the threads!

Actually, I don't think she is talking about staking out a spot or Balcony viewing. There are 2 premium viewing areas, 1 on the balcony & 1 to the right of Haunted Mansion. I believe she is trying to decide between the 2.

Personally, I never done the one near HM, only the balcony 3 times. But I have read that the one near HM you have people walking in front of you during the show, since the walkway is still open. Also, another review I read said that depending on your seat, there may be a light poll in front of you. But you still get the buffet and if you have children, they do offer a childs price unlike the balcony.

Everytime I've done the balcony, I've always been in the front row center, so I've never had any visual problems. But it all depends when you call. If your in the second row, they allow you to stand if you have trouble seeing.

We may do the HM seating this July, since I have 3 kids and it will be cheaper, but I'm fighting with myself if I'd rather do the balcony again.

Good luck with your decision and hopefully someone who has done both can help you out more.

,
Katie

 

[two-foxes]

MamaKate-

Thank you! I actually edited my question because I didn't really clarify that I was only asking about reserved/premium seating, but you hit the nail on the head! That is exactly what I need to know

Your info helps greatly, as does the others info....thanks to all.

 

[Dobie]

I would love to do balcony seating. How hard is it to get?

 

[got2travel]

I've done the balcony once and the riverside 4 times. Each has its own advantages, but my preference is for the riverside. On the balcony I felt like I was watching a very good show. At the riverside, I am experiencing an amazing show. You feel the water spray, the heat from the fire, the beat of the music.

Someone mentioned people walking in front of you. Yes this can happen, but you are looking over their heads. The path that they walk on is about 4 feet below your seating area.

 

[tweetybird0306]

Sorry newbie here. Where is the riverside seating. Is that a PS and you have to make reservations or is that just get seats soon as possible and wait? I have never seen this show and would love to see it. Is it something that I should for sure get PS for so that not to miss?

 

[tweetybird0306]

I thought of one other question... I heard that if you make reservations for PS on the balcony you can stay there and watch the fireworks. Is that true and how good is the view from there. Can you see tink?? Thanks for the help

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

ºoº

Fantasmic Show & Seating Information

tweetybird306 -- Click on the link to read more info on Fantasmic.

Yes, you can normally stay for the fireworks show. If you are also going to watch the show from Main Street, then it would be fine to watch it from the balcony, however, the best view of the fireworks show and seeing Tinkerbell fly is from Main Street.

Dobie -- You have to call right at 8am, and still may not get the balcony on a popular night - just keep trying. Info is in the link I've attached.

Some great news is that if you are staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel you can ask Disney Vacation Planning to reserve this view for you.

 

[tweetybird0306]

Thank you Mary Jo for the information...

 

[tweetybird0306]

Sorry I just thought of another question. I am going in Oct so I am assuming that they will not have any of the shows on weeknights I will only be there Friday night. Can you do all 3 Fantasmic, Fireworks, and DCA Electical parade. Or are some of these at the same time??

 

[Dobie]

Thanks Mary Jo.

 

[Califgirl]

Hi,
Sorry, I partly misinterpreted your question. I still stand by my answer, though. Do what will be the best experience for your family.

For me, I would not be happy paying the same price as balcony seating ($53 ) in order to come an hour early to check in, and still fight the crowds all around me coming and going to the show. Maybe others have had different experiences (that's why you asked, right?) but, everytime I've seen Fantasmic from the balcony, I look down and am glad that I am not having to deal with the crowds before and especially after the show.

 

[two-foxes]

Balcony it is! I just hope I don't share my seat with that darn plant again! I didn't even think of still having to show an hour early for the riverside, as it is first come, first serve, not first call, first serve...That is a big selling point, especially for DH who is already nervous about the summer crowds.

 

[Bill Lumbergh]

I sat right in front of the main stage for the second show. I found an area that I wanted to occupy during Fantasmic and I waited around that area near the end of the first show. After other guests vacated the area, I headed right in and claimed my space. I waited about 45 minutes until the second show. The wait for the next show wasn't boring. A jazz band floats in a Tom Sawyer Island boat and plays neat music.

 

[Laurabearz]

Will CM tell you what caller you are for the balcony seating? If we couldnt be in the front row, I woould like to opt for Riverside...

Thanks

 

[got2travel]

I know when I booked balcony, they told me I was number 5 and 6 or 6 and 7 something like that. I didn't think to ask until after I went ahead and reserved but I'm sure they'd be able to tell you so you could make the decsion.