Fantasmic Dinner Package

[sbkline]

Can someone explain to me what this is all about? I've seen many people here talk about getting this, but I'm not sure what the benefit is. :shrug: How is it different than simply eating at the restaraunt of your choice and then going to see the show?

 

[rimousefan84]

We went memorial day weekend last year when there was only one show that night. We used the dinner package and only had to arrive at the gate 30 mins before while there were people lining up at the main gate 2 hrs before showtime. So while they were waiting in line we were enjoying the park... sounds like a pretty good alternative to me.

 

[sbkline]

So, the benefit is that you get into the show through a back entrance without having to stake out your seat an hour or so ahead of time. So what about when the show is over? Can you go back out the way you came in, or are you stuck behind a big herd of people? That's always the downside to having a good, front row seat...it means that you have a whole stadium full of people who are closer to the exit than you. :hammer:

 

[Zummi Gummi]

No, you exit along with everyone else. Your seats are not front and center, either. They're in the front, but they're off to the extreme right side.

 

[sbkline]

No, you exit along with everyone else. Your seats are not front and center, either. They're in the front, but they're off to the extreme right side.

Either way, it sounds like we would be held up by all the people behind us as we try to exit. :brick:

Sorry, I tend to be impatient and don't like people being in my way. :lol: So I'll have to weigh the pros and cons of this over the next several months. LOL

 

[slappy magoo]

So, the benefit is that you get into the show through a back entrance without having to stake out your seat an hour or so ahead of time. So what about when the show is over? Can you go back out the way you came in, or are you stuck behind a big herd of people? That's always the downside to having a good, front row seat...it means that you have a whole stadium full of people who are closer to the exit than you. :hammer:

Someone else mentioned earlier that they had to exit via the main entrance, but I can attest that, the two times I've seen Fantasmic, after the show was over, we exited via the "secret" back entrance. It's still a bit of a hike, but when you get to the opening of the back entrance, you're just a few steps away from the main turnstiles at the park entrance. So I'm guessing it's a fast exit than going back to the main entrance, though people could also leave via that way, too.

I'm GUESSING, if there are two shows any given night, and you're seeing an early show, they won't re-open the secret entrance, because even if you're tired & ready to leave, WDW would luuuuv you to have to walk past all the shops and food vendors and potentially squeeze a few more ducats out of you. But if it's the only show or last show of any given evening, then when the show's over, the park's pretty much closed, and they'd like everyone to get out as quickly as possible, and they'll open up both entrances.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Someone else mentioned earlier that they had to exit via the main entrance, but I can attest that, the two times I've seen Fantasmic, after the show was over, we exited via the "secret" back entrance. It's still a bit of a hike, but when you get to the opening of the back entrance, you're just a few steps away from the main turnstiles at the park entrance. So I'm guessing it's a fast exit than going back to the main entrance, though people could also leave via that way, too.

I'm GUESSING, if there are two shows any given night, and you're seeing an early show, they won't re-open the secret entrance, because even if you're tired & ready to leave, WDW would luuuuv you to have to walk past all the shops and food vendors and potentially squeeze a few more ducats out of you. But if it's the only show or last show of any given evening, then when the show's over, the park's pretty much closed, and they'd like everyone to get out as quickly as possible, and they'll open up both entrances.

They often let you out the "secret" way. However, they herd all the guests in that general area out that way, not just the dinner package people. It is no less crowded than going out the main exit of the theater. I could see it being an advantage if they only let the dinner package people out that way, because then you avoid the stampede at the main exits. However, that's not the case.

 

[bayoutinkbelle]

No, you exit along with everyone else. Your seats are not front and center, either. They're in the front, but they're off to the extreme right side.

As to where you sit ...

Yes, the reserved seats are on the left of the amphitheater, which still has great seats IMHO. But if you get in early enough, you can sit anywhere you want. I've done this each time I've used the package and always had front/center seats.

As for exiting, we usually sit and wait a little while to let the crush move out a bit. I'm in no hurry. I've gone out both ways, too.

I've done the package at Mama Melrose's and H&V. I was very disappointed with the selection available at MM for the price (it's not just order off the menu; there's a specific menu for the package). I was much happier at H&V's buffet and we'll be doing that package again in July.

There's no way I'd go without the package during the peak summer months.

 

[ThinkTink721]

So, the benefit is that you get into the show through a back entrance without having to stake out your seat an hour or so ahead of time. So what about when the show is over? Can you go back out the way you came in, or are you stuck behind a big herd of people? That's always the downside to having a good, front row seat...it means that you have a whole stadium full of people who are closer to the exit than you. :hammer:

No priority for leaving when we were there - we had to "go w/ the herd.":brick:
I don't think you have to sit up front.
:wave:

 

[bayoutinkbelle]

Just keep in mind that if you want a seat on front row, you're likely to get wet.

 

[Disney MDACK]

As to where you sit ...

Yes, the reserved seats are on the left of the amphitheater, which still has great seats IMHO. But if you get in early enough, you can sit anywhere you want. I've done this each time I've used the package and always had front/center seats.

As for exiting, we usually sit and wait a little while to let the crush move out a bit. I'm in no hurry. I've gone out both ways, too.

I've done the package at Mama Melrose's and H&V. I was very disappointed with the selection available at MM for the price (it's not just order off the menu; there's a specific menu for the package). I was much happier at H&V's buffet and we'll be doing that package again in July.

There's no way I'd go without the package during the peak summer months.

We have our dinner package set for Mama Melrose. There is a special menu for the package? What does it entail and Why can't you order from the regular menu.

 

[ThinkTink721]

We have our dinner package set for Mama Melrose. There is a special menu for the package? What does it entail and Why can't you order from the regular menu.

I don't think there are special menus for the package.
I think the only difference is the priority seating for Fantasmic.
The restaurants that you can choose from are Mama Melrose, Hollywood & Vine & The Brown Derby.
We tried to get reservations for Mama Melrose this year, but they were booked.
So, we are eating at Hollywood & Vine again (same as last year).
:wave:

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

When we were there last November, there was indeed a special limited dinner menu @ MM for the Fantasmic package. The food was OK and there was a lot of it, but I would have liked a better selection to choose from. Would probably try one of the others for the next time. It was worth it to have the reserved seating - we exited with the crowd - jist waited a few minutes and slowly stolled along soaking up that special Disney nighttime atmosphere!!

 

[Goofycanuck]

When we were there last November, there was indeed a special limited dinner menu @ MM for the Fantasmic package. The food was OK and there was a lot of it, but I would have liked a better selection to choose from. Would probably try one of the others for the next time. It was worth it to have the reserved seating - we exited with the crowd - jist waited a few minutes and slowly stolled along soaking up that special Disney nighttime atmosphere!!

As of April 1/2007 you can now order off the regular menu at Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package.

http://allearsnet.com/din/fantdin1.htm

 

[spaceghost]

When we went last month, we ate at Mama Melrose's and did not have to go off of a special menu. I was actually expecting that and when they didn't give us a different menu I was a little confused. At the time I thought that it was maybe because we had told them we were on the dining plan, and I figured it didn't really matter if we had the package or not as a table service meal is a table service meal. But, as it turns out, they've apparently just changed the policy.

Just to add, in other posts MMs isn't getting much love, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Its kind of hidden at the back of the park and had a nice ambiance to it - it was more understated than many of the other restaurants we visited, which was a nice change of pace. I had the Spicy Italian Sausage and it was quite good. The rest of our party all enjoyed their meals as well. Was it the best food we had on the trip? No...but it was still definitely good and I would definitely go back again.

 

[bayoutinkbelle]

As of April 1/2007 you can now order off the regular menu at Mama Melrose for the Fantasmic package.

http://allearsnet.com/din/fantdin1.htm

That's great to know. It was hard to look at my menu selection and then look at other people's tables and know I couldn't eat what they were having. :lol: I booked at MM for this upcoming trip (just not for the package), so I'll get to try it again.

I did enjoy the food I got, especially the gelato. :slurp: I just wasn't happy at all with the small selection for the price I paid (around $75 for two people with tip factored in, if I remember right).

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

You're right - I did enjoy the atmosphere of MM - was just a little bummed at the special menu. Dessert was excellent, though. Since that's been changed, I would go back - some of the other dinners I saw going past me looked pretty good!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I am really hopeing MM has improved since our last visit. But there are so few dinning places of worth at MGM you are sort of forced into it if you want the dinning plan or dinner package.

A