First time for Fantasmic

[horizons82]

I've been to DHS, but planning on seeing Fantasmic for the first time ever in early April.

I see seating starts 90 minutes in advance, but neither the wife nor I wanting to stand for too long of a time. Since the bench seats don't look like they have backs, we wouldn't want to sit for too long either.

The day we are going the show starts at 8:30. We want to have decent seats, but it doesn't have to be cream of the crop and don't want to stand nor sit too long. What would be the best time to arrive, just be able to walk in without standing too long and without having to wait too long for the show, but still having OK seats?

Yes, I do know about the dining package, but wanting to dine at 50's PTC, so that's not an option this time around.

Also, what is the VIP section I see with the folding chairs...is this for FP, the dining package or something different altogether? I've seen dinner package guests sitting on the bench-style seats, so wondering what the folding seats are for...

All advice, comments welcome!

 

[ThisIsSimba1]

I know you say you don't want to sit too long, but in my experience, the best way to get decent seats is to get there at least 45-50 minutes ahead of time. Otherwise, you get stuck sitting on either end of the amphitheater.
Don't know much at all regarding the VIP section; I don't remember seeing it when I was there in January, but I can't say I was really looking for it....

Overall, it really is good show. Hope you enjoy it when you go!

 

[horizons82]

I was pretty much afraid of this.

I'd FP this show but want the FP for TSMM. I'd do the dining package, but want want to eat at 50's PTC.

Anyone know if there is a difference in the FP seating vs. the Dining package seating for Fantasmic? And what kind of times do you have to arrive in advance for either of those?

 

[Nemo14]

I'm sorry, but if you don't want to do what everyone has to do to see it in decent seats, then perhaps you should not plan to see it at all.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I've seen Fantasmic probably 35-40 times and I can tell you that the new dining seating is nothing special. In fact, I find it worse than where we sit now. We figured out that going about 20 minutes early in the regular line (granted, not busy season) yields a better seat than the "VIP" area. I've never used FP for it, but I doubt it's worth it.

Sit on either far end toward the front and you can see everything perfectly. You can't be completely on the end, but there are always seats that people think are subpar open toward the front on the sides. The middle is extremely overrated because of the jumping kids, crowded feel, and general chaos.

Trust me, I've seen it both ways multiple times and no one can tell me the middle is any better. I've even been the first person in Fantasmic and sat on the front row, dead center. It's no different and the people are a lot more annoying.

 

[horizons82]

Nemo...not looking for a 'freebie'. Wife and I both have back trouble (but not handicapped), and standing or sitting for long lengths of time is an issue.

I wasn't looking for front row center seats, just a time at which we could show up and be sure to still get a seat without worrying the place will be totally full.

If that's not possible then that's fine...as I said, I've never been, so I wasn't sure of any of the wait times or how early things begin to fill.

 

[Nemo14]

I didn't say you were looking for a freebie, but it seems you don't want to have to do what everyone else has to do to see the show.The wait times are notoriously long, so if you want a seat you do what you have to do. Personally, we never go to it anymore because it's just not worth it to us.

 

[horizons82]

Thanks Chef Mickey. That was basically what I was figuring with the seating...it's an amphitheater I believe so most seats are 'decent' in that sense.

As I responded to Nemo above, the issue for us is not being able to stand nor sit too terribly long, but still want to be sure we're able to get a seat. The seats (with no backs) are a real pain for us (literally). So we may do the dinner package or FP the show to avoid any long waits standing to get in or too long seated.

Thanks for the info.

 

[DisneyJoe]

If you are visiting on a day when they have 2 showings, go to the 2nd showing; it is much less crowded as most people go to the first show.

 

[Mukta]

What time of year? When I go in Sept, I can usually snag a decent seat for 2 adults 30 minutes before the show.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

I wish they would just get rid of the stadium seating and turn it into another section of the park, have walkways and the same kind of viewing as Disneyland. That stadium must scare away crowds more then they fill up.

 

[horizons82]

What time of year? When I go in Sept, I can usually snag a decent seat for 2 adults 30 minutes before the show.

If you are visiting on a day when they have 2 showings, go to the 2nd showing; it is much less crowded as most people go to the first show.

-We will be going next month, so it will probably be a little busier than in September.

-Unfortunately there is also just the one show the day we are going.

I decided to just make a reservation for the dinner package. I didn't want to give up a FP for something else, so this just seemed the best way to ensure we have a seat without too much waiting. I rearranged the FP plans I had so it all works out now.

Thanks all for the input!

 

[horizons82]

BTW, earlier I had mentioned about seeing some photos of a VIP section with folding chairs...apparently those photos were from a Fantasmic dessert party which they have in Disneyland and not here at DHS.

 

[Cubfan300]

I was pretty much afraid of this.

I'd FP this show but want the FP for TSMM. I'd do the dining package, but want want to eat at 50's PTC.

Anyone know if there is a difference in the FP seating vs. the Dining package seating for Fantasmic? And what kind of times do you have to arrive in advance for either of those?

When we had a FP+ for this back in September, we were halfway down in the center seating section. They had the area roped off for FP guests and was using a handheld scanner to confirm.

 

[JohnD]

You have three options:
1. Get in line and wait.
2. Get a FP+
3. Do the Fantasmic Dining Package: Get an ADR specifically for the package at either lunch or dinner. Participating restaurants are Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose's, and Hollywood and Vine. Show up at Fantasmic with your VIP ticket. If there are two shows, the VIP ticket is only good for the first show.

 

[ToyStorygirl]

We go off season so don't take this as good advice if you go when it's manic but we rock up 20-30 mins before and grab wherever we can. We've sat in various places but to be honest I think you can get a good enough view from anywhere. Obviously if you get there mega early you can grab the "best" place but I'd much rather be having fun somewhere else than be sat there like a lemon for ages!