Is it still a good value?

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I've been thinking of booking the fantasmic dining package, but then I noticed it no longer includes the appetizer. So for someone not on the dining plan, would I be better off without the FDP? I've never seen fantasmic, so I don't want to miss it this time! Thanks all
We were leaning toward the Brown Derby.

 

[Mukta]

What time of year and how many people in your party? When I go with 2 adults in Sept, the package isn't worth it because we can squeeze in to see the show.

 

[ImagineerDude]

When are you going? If you arrive early you should have no trouble getting a seat. We have gone on Christmas Eve and the middle of summer and we always get a seat without the dining package.

And you've NEVER seen it??? It's my favorite!! Don't pay attention to what some others say around here about it because it's awesome. So just get there 45-60 minutes early, eat some $8 popcorn, enjoy and act like a little kid at the pre-show, and don't listen to the tram driver that said arrive 20 minutes early to the show because it's usually plenty full by then.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

We're going the first week in May

 

[Marijil]

Don't think its worth it particularly when you can get FP+ for Fantasmic

 

[DanStat]

Don't think its worth it particularly when you can get FP+ for Fantasmic

Interesting point. I hadn't considered what FP+ would do to the Fantasmic Dining Package.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Don't think its worth it particularly when you can get FP+ for Fantasmic

When we were there in November, there was no special seating for FP+. The center sections were reserved for the dining package. We ate at Mama Melrose's with the dining plan, so we got an appetizer that we would not otherwise have gotten with the dining plan, so it was well worth it to us!

 

[PrincessMia]

We were just there in October and an appetizer was included with the Fantasmic package. Did this change for 2014? Good to know, if so.

 

[bigorangeandy]

We have not done the package, but I have thought about it from time to time. What has worked so far is we hit DHS on the nights they have two shows, the second show has been less crowed than the first and have always gotten a seat.

 

[luv]

I don't know what FDP is, but in early May, you should be able to get a seat without a package.

Don't you have to get there early, even with the package? Don't they start giving those seats away 30 minutes before the show starts?

Center is much better than sides, but it really doesn't matter too much how far back you are. Front rows are too close, IMO.

I don't know for certain, but I think you'd be okay without the package.

You could always order an appetizer and just pay for it, if you want to be on the safest side.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

When we were there in November, there was no special seating for FP+. The center sections were reserved for the dining package. We ate at Mama Melrose's with the dining plan, so we got an appetizer that we would not otherwise have gotten with the dining plan, so it was well worth it to us!

We were just there in October and an appetizer was included with the Fantasmic package. Did this change for 2014? Good to know, if so.

Idk, on the Disney website it no longer list an appetizer. I checked the Moms Panel and found 3 different answers.
One Mom said that the website is known to be incorrect and you do still get an app.
One Mom said the appetizer was no longer included.
And one mom said that she got one when her family booked it so it must be included or at the discretion of the restaurant.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Idk, on the Disney website it no longer list an appetizer. I checked the Moms Panel and found 3 different answers.
One Mom said that the website is known to be incorrect and you do still get an app.
One Mom said the appetizer was no longer included.
And one mom said that she got one when her family booked it so it must be included or at the discretion of the restaurant.

I don't think it was listed on the website when I scheduled ours for November, but then we got one. I can't promise it didn't change for 2014, but as of 3 months ago you got one (at least at Mama Melrose's)!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I don't know what FDP is, but in early May, you should be able to get a seat without a package.

Don't you have to get there early, even with the package? Don't they start giving those seats away 30 minutes before the show starts?

Center is much better than sides, but it really doesn't matter too much how far back you are. Front rows are too close, IMO.

I don't know for certain, but I think you'd be okay without the package.

You could always order an appetizer and just pay for it, if you want to be on the safest side.

I think that they used to open all the seats up close to show time, but they did not when we were there in November. There were actually empty seats in the dining package section, and they never dropped the rope that was blocking the area off. It was really nice having a little space to spread out and not be right on top of the group next to you!! It is really nice that they moved the dining sections to the middle instead of the side like they used to be.