Fantasmic package or not?

NewfieFan

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
I'm wondering if the Fantasmic package is necessary now that the number of shows per week has been reduced. I have two young kids and I prefer not to wait an hour or more for seats. I've done the F! package in the past and the only reason I'm even debating this is b/c I like to try new restaurants every trip. This was the restaurant we were willing to let go so we could try something new! But if it's necessary to get a decent seat without waiting an hour then I'll add it back to the list!

FYI, we're traveling the end of Aug. and we're taking a first timer with us so she really wants to see the show. And we're there for 8 nights!

Thanks for your help and advice!
 
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DisneyPrincess5

DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
:wave:
IMO, definitely do the package.
I know it kind of stinks that it's limited to a few restaurants, but I think it's worth it especially if you have small children who will not like waiting just to sit down and wait some more.
Definitely get the dining experience out of it and go for the package!
 
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M

Mickey-Mommy

New Member
I say you should defititely do the package.....eat dinner and no waiting in line. It was such a big help with our 1 year old. Didn't have to entertain him for that hour we would've been in line, etc. Plus since seating is reserved for you in a special section, no need to worry about not getting a seat.
 
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danpam1024

danpam1024

Well-Known Member
We didn't do the package last trip and were left in the FAR side of the stadium-standing room only. I couldn't see a thing, DH held DS so he could see. Totally disappointing, it's my favorite show:cry:
 
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star77kc

star77kc

Well-Known Member
What if your on a solo trip? Would it be hard for me to find a seat only for one? Im guessing I can squeeze in somewhere and get a good seat.
 
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lbrad

lbrad

Well-Known Member
I'd go with the package. We ate @ Hollywood & Vine for the first time. It was a nice buffet. Our "teens" enjoyed it too. They HATE to wait in line so its best to be certain you get a seat :)
 
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Nansafan

Nansafan

Active Member
Go for the package if you can get it. We will be in WDW for 10 days at the end of June. Fantasmic is showing 4 of those days. I was not able to get a reservation for any of those days for the Fantasmic dinner package. I was told it was "sold out" when I called for reservations. This has not happened before and IMHO it is because Fantasmic is not shown everyday.
 
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NewfieFan

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Nansafan said:
Go for the package if you can get it. We will be in WDW for 10 days at the end of June. Fantasmic is showing 4 of those days. I was not able to get a reservation for any of those days for the Fantasmic dinner package. I was told it was "sold out" when I called for reservations. This has not happened before and IMHO it is because Fantasmic is not shown everyday.
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Wow, when did you call - was it 90 days out or later than that?

Thanks for the advice everyone... I think the answer is clear - if I don't like waiting I'm going to have to get the package! I guess it's back to Mama Melrose for us!
 
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J

juscet

Member
We swear by the Fantasmic Package. The restaurant choices are limited, but have you seen the crowds that show up for Fantasmic? This way you are guaranteed a seat. Plus you get to go in and go out the back way, which is a little less crowded. Have a great time.:)
 
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Gucci65

Gucci65

Well-Known Member
I don't like the seats you get with the Fantasmic dining package - far right.

No thanks, I'll get there early.

BUT if I had little ones and didn't care where I sat, I would do the dining packag.e
 
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CleveRocks

CleveRocks

Active Member
My recent experience:

Monday, February 9, 2009. Still "Value" season, so not the most crowded of times at WDW.

We did the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Got to the theater around 6:15 for the 7 p.m. show. STANDING ROOM ONLY except for the FDP reserved seats. At precisely 6:30 p.m., 30 minutes before showtime, CMs took away the rope separating the FDP seats from general admission, and there was an immediate flood of people who'd been standing.

In other words, we got there 45 minutes in advance and would've had to stand were it not for the FDP reserved seats.
 
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GoCamels

GoCamels

Active Member
We had no luck in getting packages for our stay in early June. Anybody had experience with getting in with cancellations as you get closer to your stay? Im thinking that the 48-hour window will give us a chance. It does hurts us that we are a party of 5, but are willing to split.
 
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NewfieFan

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
GatorGambit said:
It's too bad you don't have the option "Don't - the seats are terrible if you are lucky to still get in anyhow."

Check out this WDWToday podcast (forward to about 23:00 in): http://www.wdwtoday.com/article.php?story=20090120205207580
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Interesting... thanks! I've done the package before and I thought the seats were alright - with that being said, it was my first time seeing the show and I guess I didn't know any better but we all enjoyed it!

I like Mama Melrose but we just wanted to try something different on this trip that's the only reason I was even debating about this one. We don't pick H&V b/c we're already eating there for the character meal and the Brown Derby is a sig. restaurant and we're not prepared to pay the money or give up two dining credits for it.

The other question then would be... do they list second showings of F! on the calendar. My kids can handle staying up late if they've been back to the resort for a rest/nap. I have no problem keeping them up late on vacation!:animwink: If I thought I could go to a second showing of F! I would give up the package.

And how early would one have to be in the queue (typically) to get a seat at the second showing?
 
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Nansafan

Nansafan

Active Member
NewfieFan said:
Wow, when did you call - was it 90 days out or later than that?

Thanks for the advice everyone... I think the answer is clear - if I don't like waiting I'm going to have to get the package! I guess it's back to Mama Melrose for us!
Click to expand...

It was at the 60 day mark. We hadn't finalized our vacation plans at 90 days yet. Talking with Pam at KK and she said that she has had trouble reserving the Fantasmic package for clients she was making ADR's for as well.
 
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foreverbelle

foreverbelle

Well-Known Member
My husband and I are going in August, and we are trying to figure out if this is a good choice or not..and trying to figure out where to eat. Even though we have been at least once since 06' we haven't eaten a sit down meal there. Anyone have any good suggestion...again trying to figure out if package and all is actually a good choice or to skip considering we have already saw it back in 07' if that makes any difference.
 
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Gucci65

Gucci65

Well-Known Member
foreverbelle said:
My husband and I are going in August, and we are trying to figure out if this is a good choice or not..and trying to figure out where to eat. Even though we have been at least once since 06' we haven't eaten a sit down meal there. Anyone have any good suggestion...again trying to figure out if package and all is actually a good choice or to skip considering we have already saw it back in 07' if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...

I think you can do everything in the studios and be in line an hour before Fantasmic starts (I know it's an hour, BUT you will be sitting - not standing for that hour). Try a late lunch at Mama Melrose (around 3pm) - this is what we did during Spring Break when it was mad busy and with no EMH.

50's Prime Time is fun as well, but Mama Melrose is the current favorite!
 
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