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Fantasmic Dinner Package
- Thread starter sbkline
- Start date
spaceghost
Well-Known Member
Basically, by getting the dinner package, at dinner your server will give you a special pass that lets you access the show via a "secret" back entrance near the park entrance. This will cut down on the time you have to wait at the show to get a decent seat. The dinner package participants have a special designated area on the right of the stadium (if you're facing the "stage" area). During busier seasons, its not uncommon to have to get to the show an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time to get a decent seat. Using the dinner package cuts that down to 30-45 minutes. We did the dinner package last trip as we had a 4 y/o with us and we didn't really feel that we could get her to sit and wait for an hour and a half. The view is not front and center, but its still decent and I would definitely use the package again. Also, just as a note, if you are on the Dining Plan, you can use it for the package, but the package is a hard reservation ahead of time - if you don't show or give appropriate notice, they will charge the credit card you gave at the time of booking.
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goofy0101
New Member
You've already been given a great explanation but I would just add that when we got the dinner package, we felt like we got a great deal on the meal itself. We made our reservation at the Brown Derby and the price included appetizer, entree, and dessert. (I think that's right; someone correct me if I'm wrong) When we did some quick math on the bill we figured we came out ahead with the fixed price. This factor alone would cause us to do the dinner package again.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, though, but you only get a good deal on the meal if you are not on the dining plan, right? I mean, if you're on the dining plan, you've already prepaid all your food anyway, so there's no way of getting a better deal on the meal by doing the Fantasmic Dinner package. Well, I guess they could only charge you one table service credit instead of two for the Brown Derby, but I highly doubt they do that.
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fizzle75
New Member
We did the Fantasmic Dinner package back in April at Mama Melrose. We actually finished our meal loooong before we were supposed to be at the Dinner Package entrance. We were given a card that we were supposed to show to the attendant at the gateway to the side entrance of the theater. After our meal we went back to the front of MGM and just walked around the shops for about an hour and a half and then headed over to the dinner package entrance. We walked right in to the theater and got amazing seats. We loved the Dinner Package experience and highly recommend it, although I was not very impressed with Mama Melrose. If you are gonna do it, and don't mind using two dining points, I definitely suggest you do The Brown Derby Fantasmic Dinner Package. We just booked our ADR's for our September trip and we had to book our Dinner Package at Hollywood and Vine since the other two were booked solid. I'm not very excited about Hollywood and Vine but at least we were able to book the Dinner Package. Can anyone tell me what they think of Hollywood and Vine? Sorry sbkline, I'm not trying to hijack your thread.:wave:
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That's okay, we're looking at that restaraunt to eat at next year, ourselves. Not that anyone's opinion will change my mind, seeing as how one person can say it sucks and another will say it's great. Best to try it out for one's self and see how it is.
Besides, this is the type of thread that requires a simple answer, and then there isn't much left to discuss. My question has been answerd (except for the part about getting a better deal on the meal), so the thread is now obsolete, so hijack away. :lol: :wave:
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Zummi Gummi
Pioneering the Universe Within!
I guess I will have to be the dissenter here...
I don't think it's a good deal at all. The seats you get are on the extreme right side of the stage, which creates two problems. You can see backstage, and the music doesn't match up with the floats you're seeing.
The times they give you for the dinner are usually ridiculously early (like 4:30) and you always have to go to the first showing of Fantasmic when there are two showings. The first showing is always packed, and it is always advisable to attend the later showing, where you don't have to wait nearly as long.
I don't think it's a good deal at all. The seats you get are on the extreme right side of the stage, which creates two problems. You can see backstage, and the music doesn't match up with the floats you're seeing.
The times they give you for the dinner are usually ridiculously early (like 4:30) and you always have to go to the first showing of Fantasmic when there are two showings. The first showing is always packed, and it is always advisable to attend the later showing, where you don't have to wait nearly as long.
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WildcatDen
Well-Known Member
Just booked a 4:30 Fantasmic Dinner Plan ADR for November 19. Yep, November 19. As you may have read on another thread I posted, the 180 window was kind in some regards and downright :fork: in others.
We are on the Dining Plan and are using two credits for the Brown Derby. So to help make it cost effective, I figure each adult meal purchased will have to tally about $50 to $60. That should not be a problem with an appetizer, big steak, dessert and tip. Mmmmmm Beef, it's what's for Dinner. . . .
After reading Mad's link to Allears, I have a new question on exiting the theater if you purchased the package. One review says you exit with the masses and another says you go out the same way you came in. One of my biggest complaints from my trip in 2004 and our Fantasmic experience was the process of exiting the theater. TERRIBLE!!
We are on the Dining Plan and are using two credits for the Brown Derby. So to help make it cost effective, I figure each adult meal purchased will have to tally about $50 to $60. That should not be a problem with an appetizer, big steak, dessert and tip. Mmmmmm Beef, it's what's for Dinner. . . .
After reading Mad's link to Allears, I have a new question on exiting the theater if you purchased the package. One review says you exit with the masses and another says you go out the same way you came in. One of my biggest complaints from my trip in 2004 and our Fantasmic experience was the process of exiting the theater. TERRIBLE!!
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slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
You could opt to pay for this meal OOP, & use those two credits elsewhere. Bear in mind, the Dining Your Way package is based on each night you stay at a WDW resort. If your vacation involves a very early arrival in WDW AND a late departure, you could find those TS credits handy. Or you could use those extra credits to eat at two other signature dining restaurants. Slightly off-topic, but I have ADRs for Cali Grill, Brown Derby & Artist Point our next trip. If we opt for the Dining Plan, it may involve some juggling. One option is I may swap out the Brown Derby ADR for one with a Fantasmic dinnr package (if they're still avalable), pay for it out of pocket, then use that credit @ one of the other two.
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tigsmom
Well-Known Member
We've always had to exit thru the normal way, package or not.
That was a big concern the first time we saw Fantasmic when Princess #2 was about 2 or so...she was almost trampled by people who needed to get out first.
Now we know enough to wait out the crowds even though they kids are both teens now.
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ThinkTink721
Well-Known Member
We took advantage of this last year.
I really helps when you are trying to get into the show.
:wave:
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