Dinner/Fantasmic Package

[mickeyfan]

has anyone every done the Fantasmic/Dinner Show package and is it worth it. I understand that the setting are reserved for these packages is not the best. Also, do you know which restaurants participate? (I really like the 50's Primetime Cafe!) It would be nice to have a reserved seat so you don't waste so much time just sitting and waiting for the show to begin in order to get a descent spot and not have to stand.

 

[Disneynut]

I don't know where the seats are located, although I have heard that they are not the best. The only restaurants that I know have this package are Brown Derby and Mama Melrose. Also, you must book this package at the reservations kiosk at Hollywood and Vine on the day you want to eat/see the show. You cannot phone for a PS from your room.

 

[Smee]

Just did the package. Your seat will be about 4 sections right of center (looking at the stage). Pretty good seats but not the best in the theater. If you want the best seats get in line about 1.5 hours before the show and wait. With the package you have to be at the designated entrance (behind the stroller rental near the entrance) no later than 8:30 and you go straight to your seat.

The restaurants are Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, and Hollywood and Vine. We ate at BD, it was great. Had a table for 9 PSed for 6:30, had plenty of time.

You can only make reservations for the package after you check in your hotel at guest services.

Just beware, everyone must order an entree, I think the minimum was $20 per adult (kids can order off the kid menu). One in our party didn't want an entree but since we had 9 the waiter let it slide.

All things considered, I'd do it again. The seat was good enough.

 

[The Mom]

We did the Brown Derby dinner show; made reservations from our hotel the day before. the seats were OK, even a 1/2 hour wait in the hot sun can be too long. We got there about 45mins ahead and the seats in our section were pretty full. Then, later arrivals who hadn't done the dinner/show combo just kept slipping under the reserved ropes, so it became very crowded. I'm glad I got to see the show, but doubt I'll do it again.

 

[Seano846]

We also did the Brown Derby.I did not think it was worth it,the people who came in late just ignored the ropes and sat down. The CM's did not say a thing to these people which ed me off because we paid to have the "prefered" seating which obviously did not mean too much. If I were to do it again I would just stay in the stand up area in the back of the theater and not do the package(probably a better view also)

 

[Tapestry2000]

we ate at Hollywood and Vine when we did the Dinner/Fantasmic! package...unfortunately there was a bad thunderstorm that night so Fantasmic was cancelled

 

[DisneyPhD]

We went to Mama Melrose's for the Fantasmic Dinner special. We were annoyed by the "everyone must order an entree" technicallity. Most of the time my wife and I split dinners, partly cause I'm cheap, but mostly cause it's usually enough food for two. We grabbed the card that you need to get the special seating when we left so we were able to get away with it. As for the seating, the reserved section was all the way on the right side of the theater. The view was fine and wasn't too crowded. We didn't have to show up incredibly early although I don't think we'd go out of our way to do this again.

 

[The Mom]

I hate that the "everyone must order an entree" rule has to exist. It wasn't that way when they started, but I guess too many people abused the plan. You know, 6 people splitting 1 entree just to get reserved seating. I also have trouble eating everything (although last time at Brown Derby my portion was pretty small) and we usually split an appetizer and entree. However, we always order wine, and my husband orders dessert & coffee, so I think it should be case by case. I guess it's less hassle to just have a set rule.

 

[CatOne]

We did this in May and we thought being able to be seated right away and not stand in line was well worth it!! We did not like the Brown Derby and would choose a different restaurant next time but we thought the seats were fine. We were able to see everything the people in the middle were able to see and we were also able to get out of the stadium ahead of many of those people avoiding some huge crowds!! Whatever you decide...have fun!!

CatOne

 

[DanStat]

Bad Eating Places?

I've heard lots of complaints about the restaraunts you can choose from. Can someone please give me their input?

 

[dmermouse]

Hollywood and Vine in February 01

We ate at the Hollywood and Vine last February and got front row seats directly to the right of the stage. Pretty good show (it's great wherever you sit really), but we got so wet cause of the breeze. The previous posts are correct, we went to a staging area right next to the Garage and were let in. Moved us right down to the front row.

This October (68 days to go) we plan on trying the Brown Derby (try a Disney Steak).

Hope this helps
Denis

 

[CatOne]

I think that is the biggest drawback of doing the Fantasmic package, the restaurants. We chose the Brown Derby because we had heard such terrific things about them. We waited over 30 minutes with our ps, this was the norm that night. Our waiter was okay but VERY slow. Looking around the rstaurant you can tell that a restaurant that may have at one time been a relaxed dining area has now turned into just another stop off before a show but I don't think the staff is quite used to this yet. We pretty much just had to leave our desert and run by the time it got to the table or we would not have made the show! My fiancee did say his filet was one of best pieces of beef he had ever had but I had the tuna and was not at all impressed. Sorry to be so down. The show was great but we would definitely choose somewhere else to eat. We might try this restaurant again for lunch but no longer for dinner.

CatOne