Who saw Fantasmic! with FastPass on Fri/Sat & wants to share their thoughts?

This sounds like a real mess. I think it should be all fixed by the time I come down with DH and Mom in March.

Does anyone know if anything has changed with the wheelchair viewing area?
 
I got a fastpass for the blue section for the 10:45 show tonight. I got my fastpass just after 12:20.
 
I did the Blue Bayou FP package last night and saw the second performance. We sat front and center (right on the center line of the viewing area - great view).

I agree with previous posters that the biggest problem of the night was the lack of organization: CMs not knowing anything beyond their one assignment and no roped-off areas or signage (of course, they are probably waiting to drill the hole for the posts until they've worked out how much space exactly each section needs).

As for the BB package itself, there are pros and cons. The seating area is the best, and we didn't feel over crowded, but the seat cushions are a bit thin and small and the food portions were also a bit small. Admittedly I've never had dinner at Blue Bayou, but the portion size of the dinner package meal was no where near as large as the Monte Cristo sandwich portion size served at lunch. I had the Filet Mignon (which was properly sized), but the vegetables on the side were sparse (1 tiny cherry tomato, 3 tiny pearl onions, 5 tiny shoestring green beans, and the tiniest sliver of zucchini I've ever seen - it could have won an award for smallest zucchini ever - the potato portion was also small and had too much cayenne pepper). The seat cushion was cute, and the handle popped out and could be used as a floating key ring, but the cushion was thin, and I can't imagine the thicker cushions, like the kind popular for stadium seating at sporting events, would cost more than this small, thin, foam cushion cost them. Kardasian-sized booties will need two of the cushions BB hands out. :rotfl2:

I have a picture of the seat cushions to share, but can't figure out how to insert it here. :)
 
I got a fastpass for the blue section for the 10:45 show tonight. I got my fastpass just after 12:20.

We will be in the gold section at 10:45 tonight. We got our pass at around 11, so those of you wanting the early show go early. No problem getting our FP- there was a CM at every machine helping. Looks like gold is the first color they give out, then blue- I will update later on the seating.
 

Wow, I wonder what time they ran out today. The rain yesterday really delayed demand, but the parks were still crowded. I'm guessing Sunday will be worse, as the so cal and select will not be blocked. I am interested to hear reports from night and tomorrow!
 
Crowds yesterday wee non existent until late afternoon. We rode most of the e ticket rides in both parks!
 
Apparently tickets for the first show were gone by 1045 this morning. I'm not sure what time they ran out for the second show but at 1220 they were giving out blue, which is the second section. This is far, far earlier than yesterday! I saw pictures on Twitter of the entry just before the opening time and it looked way more crowded and chaotic than yesterday. Can't wait for more reports!
 
So, we did go last night. Snagged a last minute 5:20 River Belle Terrace reservation. Appetizer chowder Dinner was good though simple. Dessert was awful and needs work. Even my kids did not eat their cupcakes. They were bad. Cast members told us where to line up. Only to find out that no one was there to escort those to the section from another cast member who was yelling at people.

Instead the que was a bit before the far tower. So we all wedged ourself over as nothing in the area was moving at all. They were funneling all fast passes through one entrance and then directing people one by one depending on what fast pass you had. In the hour leading up, I got 3 different answers from 3 different cast members. Queing areas are not marked and seem subject to change so stay alert. Ended up getting a decent seat about 5 rows back from water edge, but not without being assertive! Had I waited where instructed, I would have been shut out to the standing areas. You still sit if in the front sections along the waters edge - seems to be the dining plan peeps. Everyone was annoyed and talking about how horribly organized and informed it was. The two hours leading up to the show was horribly crowded as people had no where to go. Waits were an hour for anything in the area. At one point both pirates and Big Thunder were closed. Personally as trying to get to my seats, I said and heard more than once, that this was a mess, disaster, awful, unorganized. And to start such a major overhaul before their busiest weeks of the year...is truly idiotic!!! Not only are they trying to figure out a completely new system in a venue not designed for this type of set up, but are doing it on days that are the busiest of the year....simply stupid!!!

This show in this venue is truly not set up for a system such as this. They need to have clear and marked queuing areas, which would be a first step in getting people in the right line. Personally, I think this is a disaster and they should just go back to the old way as it was never as crazy as what I had experienced last night.

My personal review is that if you want to sit rivers edge you have to have a dinner or Dessert reservation. Did not see or hear anything about the free fast pass areas. No one was happy. No magic. Lots of people not moving or moving at literally a snails pace. Everyone complaining at this horrible idea and even worse execution of idea. No clear que lines or anyone that seemed to know what was going on. I went back to complain to the restaurant for giving mis-information after the show and though offered, did not take anything for it, but I wanted to let them know this was not cool after spending that much money for "priority" seating.

As someone who loved having Fantasmic picnics with her two small boys at the end of a long day of park fun (and when my feet were exhausted!). I truly hated the whole experience. We used to buy a toy, pick up dinner, and hang out and play cards, games, iPads and my kids and I loved it. We were not one of those that marked our area with a blanket and left, which I understand is a problem. I will not be returning any time soon. I will be closely following the changes in the weeks to come, because it is going to have to change. Someone is going to get hurt or fights are going to break out as no one can move and people are very very frustrated.

I will be steering far away from that area tonight. I will also likely not be back for Fantasmic until February. I will continue to follow and see how this evolves in the coming weeks/months. Good luck to all of you coming soon. I look forward to reading the updates! But as a night 2 guest my review is TOTAL DISASTER.
 
I had a blue general fp for the 10:45pm show last night. I first watched the fireworks from the hub and then headed straight to the Frontierland area and waited where they had corralled everyone by the Mark Twain dock. At about 9:40is they started letting crowds through as that's when the first show had finished clearing out. I went to the first cast member I could find and they said that we needed to come back at 9:45 to be let in to the viewing area and that the entrance is near the petrified tree.

I waited in that general area and right at 9:45 went back to the cast member just as they were opening up and was in the first group of people that walked in to be seated/placed. Since I had a blue fp and was one of the first ones there I had the option of sitting down, which I took. The blue general fp seated section is just to the right of the Tom Sawyer's Island raft dock. I believe it is the last seated section. And it's small, it's only one of the traditional roped off squares, so there were maybe 7-10 rows of people about 8-10 people long. This seated section filled within a few minutes of entering the area.

Overall it was a little chaotic, but I was happy with the view of the show. I think as time goes on and the cast members know what they are doing and more signs are put in it will be an overall better experience.
 
I had a unique experience on Friday night.

After pulling fast passes we were told that blue would be queing up near the petrified tree. I went over there about 715 and was told no one could be in the area until 745. Multiple cast members tried to boot me out but I hung firm that I would wait there and be one of the first to line up at 745. There were about 5 of us total doing this.

745 came and it was a MADHOUSE. There was never a que instead just people pushing and storming the area. When myself and my family finally made it to the viewing area we found a spot and called firm that we were not moving. People were being "guided" by cast members saying, "blue to the left and gold to the right" and OTHER cast members saying "gold to the left and blue to the right". It was a huge mess!!!

Everyone except our group and an elderly couple (who I started to claim as part of our group) were forced to move as we were told we were in the "reserved dining" area. We were off center from the center stage by quite a bit. We went through numerous cast members and I held firm that because of the choas and the fact that ques were never formed my party would not be moving.

Finally they sent over a more fancy dressed cast member who told me not to get comfortable (although other previous cast members had said we could stay). This cast member, Jason, took some convincing but finally said we could stay and they drew the line to our immediate left as the "reserved seating" line. Gold was then filed in behind us. We were even told by several cast members we should move because our blue fast passes had better viewing. I was firm I wanted front so my kids could see. I was also told by other cast members it was standing only (my main reason for holding so firm to these seats) but then we were told that it was sitting in front and standing behind.

I've NEVER viewed the show before and it was our final night so that may have made me that much more difficult to these cast members. oops.

The entire process was less than magical. After Jason told us we could stay he then allowed me to ask questions. My main question was "Where is the que?? We were told we could que at 745 at the petrified tree and there was never a que formed." He told me that the entire show was supposed to be "organically filled" meaning "NO QUE would be established and that people were to just show up and be filed in as they arrive."

I informed him that disney makes money off queing people so to all the sudden say NO que was mind blowing.

Ultimately, we saw the show and it was great. I stopped by City Hall on the way out NOT to complain but instead to leave positive comment cards for a group of the cast members who told us to stay put. Including Jason who was as clueless as the rest of the bunch regardless of his fine cast member clothing.

I have zero plans to do Fantasmic again anytime soon. Even though I REALLY want to see the real version not the "rainy day" version. Until the kinks are truly worked out we won't be doing that again.
 
Eek! This sounds miserable! I am going to keep our dessert party reservations until I hear a few party reviews. I might actually be better to be on the area around the Tom Sawyer dock. I am afraid that the poor CMs might not have a firm hold on the party attendees and there would be a mad rush when the party ends and the march to the reserved area begins. I hate even the remote possibility of having to be assertive towards a CM or fellow guest.
 
You know, to me it would make more sense to try to listen to Cast Members' instructions, rather than to blatantly refuse to follow instructions. Many of the accounts I've been hearing sound unnecessarily exaggerated or exacerbated by ignoring directions.
 
You know, to me it would make more sense to try to listen to Cast Members' instructions, rather than to blatantly refuse to follow instructions. Many of the accounts I've been hearing sound unnecessarily exaggerated or exacerbated by ignoring directions.

I wanted to follow directions and line up in the que in the area I was told. The trampling by the crowd and the lack of cast members having a clear understanding of what needed to happen was mind blowing to me. I asked multiple questions at the fast pass booth and then more at 7ish when I was eager to line up. Not one of the cast members ever gave the same directions or had the same idea of what to do. I'm not one for being a rule breaker. I love order and rules but this was out of control.

I also experienced world of color for the first time this trip. When I asked questions to cast members for tips or ideas on what to do (I had not planned to see this so I did not research here on the DIS) they were all consistent in their answers and even showed me where to que up suggesting I arrive earlier for a better viewing spot. So I did and the process was painless and easy.

I guess I expected the "kinks" to be worked out since DCA has already mastered world of color and is bringing a similar circumstance across to DL. My expectations were too high in the cast or in the crowd... regardless I did not complain to them anymore than necessary. It was our first time in the parks in 5 years and we ended up purchasing annual passes as we left friday because our trip was the best ever. We plan to return once in summer and once next Christmas.... hopefully by then everything will be worked out and it will be a much smoother process.
 
What directions? It sounds like the directions all differ according to the CM giving them.

Until this gets ironed out, I would have done exactly like the OP.
 
Regardless of how chaotic you may perceive the system to be, informing multiple Cast Members that "your party will not be moving" because the lines were not clear enough for your taste seems a little silly to me!

The rollout has been an expectedly rocky start, but I don't think it was as miserable as a lot of the early reports we've been hearing have been making it out to be.
 
I saw the first showing of Fantasmic! on Friday evening. (12/12)

I had a 5:30 Blue Bayou reservation. I arrived early and was seated early which was nice. Enjoyed my dinner of Gumbo, Surf & Turf and the Creme Brulee.

My waiter didn't really tell me anything about the Fast Pass itself, just reminded me to not forget to take it (and the cushion)

The Fast Pass said to return to Frontierland any time between 8:15 and 8:45.

I overheard the couple next to me ask where to meet, and their waiter mentioned in front of Haunted Mansion.

I asked a CM directing people to keep moving where to meet, he wasn't exactly sure so we consulted his map and he said in Frontierland.

I asked another CM where to meet since the FP was vague and they said by the Petrified Tree. I get to the tree and ask the CM there directing blue and yellow FP guests to make sure they had their FP ready, and she consulted with a more "official" looking CM (He has a sweater on vs. the yellow jackets of the other CMs) who said to wait near the entrance of Pirates. I waited around there...asked another CM who said this will be the area, just hold tight and as soon as they move the other groups, they will move the dining FP holders into the same line.

At 8:15 I heard a CM say to the group of us to have our FP ready. I was directed to the left of the entrance when I got to the head of the queue. There were already quite a few people sitting in this area...I'm not sure what FP they held. I wound up sitting on my cushion about five people back from the railing, but I was in the exact center of the stage (and was blinded when the lights came up.)

The show itself was good, I was a bit disappointed not to see Belle and the Beast during the part of the show where all the Princesses ride the barges, but I understand because of course it started to rain. Thankfully, I still had my poncho in my bag to cover up with.

I normally would have stayed to watch the fireworks, but truthfully, sitting on the ground...not fun. I am not old, but have had some recent health issues so this was very difficult for me. I was sore from walking and stiff from sitting, not a good combination. I can only imagine what it might of been for those worse off than me. (And one of the reasons I did not mind spending the money for the dessert package.)

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And I also think they need to rename the blue section to something else, I spoke to several people and a few were confused thinking Blue Bayou FP and blue section FP were the same.
 
I will say it again. They do not need Fastpass for Fantasmic.

They can easily have dining sections roped off near the water, similar to what they did for the Glow with Show sections earlier this year. Disney is happy because they get that extra money.

They can easily stop people from camping out and hold them near the Mark Twain dock 2 hours before the show. Then open up the viewing area an hour before showtime to let them into the seating viewing section first and then the standing areas. This will please Disney because it will stop the camping, It will please all guests (Passholders and Standard) because there will be no need to be there 3-4 hours before showtime to camp out and no need to be in the park early enough to get a Fastpass..
 
I just got back from DLR and had a good time and tried out the F! FP system. It was an interesting experience...some of it was good...some of it still needs work.

I asked several CMs at the F! FP distribution location and the information CMs standing by the signs announcing F! had FPs. I made sure to ask CMs wearing the F! jacket. I asked the same questions and got a range of answers. Some thigns were consistent, but other things were met with conflicting responses.

1) Locations: The CMs manning the F! FP machine location and signs are now carrying around map that roughly indicate where the different viewing locations are located. They will not let you photograph the map or copy it, but some will show it to you if you ask. I tried to jot down notes and this is my rough outline of where the different areas are located as of 12/14/14 (I tried to remember, but the exact locations are probably off, so don't take this as being the absolute truth...it's just to give you a rough idea of the locations). I think everything is subject to change, so it might not be accurate tonight!
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Each of the FP locations has a wheelchair area. The Blue on is located near where the Blue and Gold areas meet. The Gold area is on the side closer to Frontierland.

There is limited ground sitting area for both FP colors (mainly up against the river's edge), but most is standing. The Blue area is continuous, but the Gold area is split into three areas: to the right of RBT, on the Pirates Bridge, and around the Light Tower. The Blue and Gold section meet up at the stairs that are to the left of the Light Tower/Control area for F!.

The Blue Bayou dining package is front and center. The RBT is to the right of BB (when facing), closer to Frontierland. The Dessert Party is to the left of BB, closer to NOS.

2) Aladdin Dining Package: The Aladdin Dining package includes a FP for F!. There was a CM standing in front of Aladdin's Oasis with a menu and told us that guests that dine from noon-4:00 pm will get a FP for the first show and guests dining from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm will get a FP for the second show. You can either opt to take the food to go or you can dine at Aladdin's Oasis (they have tables and they'll bring the food to you). They are currently taking walk-ups or reservations. We forgot to ask the CM there about the type of FP you get, but I asked at the F! distribution location and got several different answers. For what it is worth, a lead said that guests with the Aladdin Dining Package get a Blue FP.

(Side Note: Aladdin, Jasmine, and/or Genie are now meeting on the Adventureland bridge, opposite of the Tiki Room entrance.)

3) Blue Bayou and RBT Dining Package: I asked about which show time do you get and the information CMs at the F! FP distribution locations generally said that you request the show time when you check-in to your meal. That also seems odd, but it's first-come-first-serve in terms of show time tickets. (My guess is that they're actually using something closer to the WoC system where the reservation time dictates which show time you get, but you can request a different time if there is availability.)

4) Standby Viewing: There are two "Standby" viewing areas (denoted as Red). Everyone lines up along Big Thunder Trail, roughly opposite of where the attraction exit is located. The CMs then "walk/escort" the standbys to the two standby locations. One CM said they hand out standby tickets (which is weird sounding to me). I asked if the standbys get to pick which area they watch from (over by NOS or Frontierland), but the CMs did not know and most said it's first come first serve and the CMs will "fill in" the areas.

5) Viewing Area Entrance: There is currently only one entrance to the F! viewing areas and it's located by the petrified rock in Frontierland. Guest are then directed to their various viewing locations. Folks with FPs are told to look for the gold or blue lights which indicate where the viewing area is located. I found it a little chaotic because there weren't many CMs with colored lights and most just said keep moving. I was in the Gold area and ended up behind the light tower. I have to admit that I couldn't figure out at first where we were supposed to go.

Personally, I think they need to do a better job of marking where the different sections are located and have the entrance to each section be unique (like they do for WoC). Everyone enters in Frontierland, walks through the dining package viewing areas and then branch into the Blue or Gold areas. The CMs want you to keep moving and fill in all available area in front of you, but folks tend to want to stop where ever gives them the best view. At least with WoC, once you get into the section (from the back), you can go where ever you want within that section. They don't try to fill-in the area from the front to the back. Hopefully they'll do a better job of marking the different sections.

I did ask about leaving the area and returning; basically you have to find a CM in your area and ask for a FP so you can exit the area and then get back in.

6) FP Distribution: They start with the Gold section for the first show, then the Blue section for the first show, then the Gold section for the second show, and finally the Blue section for the second show. You cannot pick your show/section (just like WoC). On Saturday, the Second Show FPs became available at 10:45 am. On Friday, the FPs lasted well into the day (I don't know if they even ran out because of the weather). They did run out of FPs on Saturday. (The actual FP has a barcode and a long string of numbers on the bottom; I erased those just in case it was tied to my ticket account.)
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7) Information Flyers: Finally, both Times Guide has a section announcing the F! options at the top. There is also a glossy insert that is added to the Times Guide that has information about the dining packages, viewing options, etc.
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I'm happy to report that my experience on Friday evening was much more positive than previous posters!

The rain on Friday morning delayed the Fastpass distribution until around noon. I was one of the first to receive a GOLD fastpass for the 8:45 show. The return time clearly stated 7:45 (with early and late arrivals not accommodated) and to enter via Frontierland.

Around 8:10 we headed over to Frontierland and encountered many CMs who were answering questions and directing traffic (one way traffic going toward Main Street weaved behind the French Market through Adventureland - yes you could actually walk freely in Adventureland). Each CM I talked to gave consistent, knowledgeable, friendly answers. Maybe I just lucked out. We entered the viewing area around 8:20 and was directed to a front row location in front of the rail directly opposite the entrance to the River Belle Terrace. It was standing in this area, due to the rail, but great because we were front row and my kids could see! The area toward the center was sitting and was filled in first. Other than a few rude, pushy guests, our experience was WONDERFUL! It sure beats hours of waiting for a decent view. I thought the CMs were doing a great job...and the biggest problems I saw involved rude, pushy guests with unrealistic expectations. That seemed to be a trend during our trip, but I digress.

The show was great! And when it was done, we headed toward Main Street via Frontierland and made it there in time to see the fireworks. I thought they did a great job of crowd control. One caveat, the crowds weren't huge on Friday...so not sure what it would be like with a capacity Saturday night crowd.

All in all, a positive experience. I'm sorry the rest of you didn't fare so well.
 

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