Fantasmic - Wait in line or dinner package?

[Betsyboo]

So this will be our 4th trip to WDW in recent years and we've never seen Fantasmic. For some reason I feel compelled to see the show during our upcoming February trip. There are two shows the night in question, 7 and 8:30. Should I do some ADR rearranging and try the dinner package (H&V is my only option for timing purposes) to secure VIP seating for the 7 show or throw caution to the wind and wait for 8:30 and stand in line? I'm concerned with crowds for the 8:30 show because of the EMH that night with the park open until 10. H&V also seems to get bad reviews. What to do? Are the lines for the show completely out of the question?

 

[seafoodbuffet]

We weren't thrilled about the dining experience at H&V, it seemed like a typical buffet without any real highlights. We skipped Fantasmic during our trip in Dec but even during peak crowds, if you lined up 45-60mins early, you'd have no problem getting a seat. Closer to 15-30 minutes before the show, it went to standing room only.

If you HAVE to see the show and don't want H&V, you could always spend an FP+ slot to get seats for the show.

 

[Lisalyn]

We had originally booked the Fantasmic dinner package and I cancelled it. I just couldn't justify the money. We went Thanksgiving week, ate where we wanted and got in line about an hour before the show and got seated with no problems or issues whatsoever

 

[MissingDisney]

Skip it. Just our opinion. We were actually inconvenienced by the reservation, paid more for a meal than what was necessary and people were walking in and getting 'good' seats well after we got it...and the did not have the package (we chatted).

 

[Cesar R M]

Skip it. Just our opinion. We were actually inconvenienced by the reservation, paid more for a meal than what was necessary and people were walking in and getting 'good' seats well after we got it...and the did not have the package (we chatted).

The sad thing is, almost 70% of the theater capacity is now for the dinner package.

 

[MissingDisney]

So if those 70% don't fall into the micro-planning trap that is the FDP, no harm, no foul. All is equal.

 

[ABQ]

Even with EMH, you'll probably have little trouble entering the 8:30 show with ease. If you are set on the 7 PM though, have you looked into booking the dining package with a lunch at Mama Melrose rather than dinner @ H&V? Melrose is the only restaurant I'm aware of that offers a lunch dining package option.

 

[LucyK]

We went with the diner package and couldn't been happier. We elected to eat at Mama Melroses for lunch. Food was great, price was decent and we didn't have to stand in that terrible line. I always recommend Mama to those who ask about the Fantasmic Dining Package.

 

[Marijil]

Neither, use a FP+

 

[JohnD]

Neither, use a FP+

If FP+ is available, then that is a definite option. When I went no FP+ yet so I went with Dining package. To OP, remember, you can do the dining package with lunch too. So see if that helps with your dining options.

 

[Betsyboo]

If FP+ is available, then that is a definite option. When I went no FP+ yet so I went with Dining package. To OP, remember, you can do the dining package with lunch too. So see if that helps with your dining options.

We can't do the lunch option that day. We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour in the a.m. and it includes lunch. I may just try the FP+ or I may just bag this idea and save it for another trip.

Thanks to all for the responses.

 

[armyfamilyof5]

We can't do the lunch option that day. We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour in the a.m. and it includes lunch. I may just try the FP+ or I may just bag this idea and save it for another trip.

Thanks to all for the responses.

Our family thinks it is a not to be missed show. I would just FP+ it or get in line early, wouldn't eat at H&V but you can always grab something else after the show if you do the early one, ride the friendship boat and eat dinner at Epcot!

 

[JohnD]

We can't do the lunch option that day. We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour in the a.m. and it includes lunch. I may just try the FP+ or I may just bag this idea and save it for another trip.

Thanks to all for the responses.

Cool. Would like to do KTTK one day. Perhaps a report?

 

[LucyK]

Isn't DHS offering the special quick service package for Fantasmic or was that only for the Holidays? You get the same seats as the table service package but it's a smaller quantity of food and the food options are quite interesting. You could take them with you to the Fantasmic theater.

IMHO, using a FP+ for fantasmic is a waste, you don't get special seating, just the promise of a seat.

 

[Betsyboo]

Cool. Would like to do KTTK one day. Perhaps a report?

I'll hopefully be doing my first trip report when I get back. We are also doing Wild Africa Trek. Should be fun.

Isn't DHS offering the special quick service package for Fantasmic or was that only for the Holidays? You get the same seats as the table service package but it's a smaller quantity of food and the food options are quite interesting. You could take them with you to the Fantasmic theater.

IMHO, using a FP+ for fantasmic is a waste, you don't get special seating, just the promise of a seat.

I'm not sure about the QS for Fantasmic but I've also heard the FP+ isn't worth using. Not sure yet what I'll do.

 

[scoobygirl39541]

We love the fantasmic dining package! We get the meal plan so its just all on one credit, so you can't beat it. We always enjoy Mama Melroses and the seat convenience is amazing. We walk in 15 minutes before show time, sit right in the middle, and the priority section is never full so there's plenty of room surrounding you. Love it!

 

[Betsyboo]

I was able to book the Fantasmic Package for lunch at Mama Melrose's on a day that there is only one show. I snagged an ADR at BOG earlier in the week so I was able to move that and book this. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Betsyboo]

If FP+ is available, then that is a definite option. When I went no FP+ yet so I went with Dining package. To OP, remember, you can do the dining package with lunch too. So see if that helps with your dining options.

Thanks for the advice. I went with lunch.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

i would do the fp plus or do a dining ressie