Fantasmic dinner package show up time so long - why? - Talk Disney Vacation Planning Information

Sunray4life · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:52 PM

Hi!

As the times are out for october I am putting my ADRs together. I would love to see Fantasmic on the thursday we spend there, but the show up time for the show is 90 minutes prior. Now, thinking about that we would like to get some food in as well if we have the dinner package you got to eat at 4:30 or something? How shall that work? And what are you supposed to do so long at the place? Wait 90 Minutes till the show starts?

Can somebody help me who actually attended the Show before?

Thanks alot, Sonja

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cmcclain · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:13 PM

90 minutes is usually the suggest show up time for regular seating. I believe they recommend about 45 minutes for those with the Fantasmic package. You will get a ticket and instructions to go to an alternate entrance when you are done with your meal. Since they have reduced the # of shows per week the dining package seems a really good idea.

Sunray4life · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:23 PM

Yes, the good deal is what I thought as well, because for Saturday night I want to get Chef Mickey's as the "grande finale" for my holidays

. (on the other side Chef Mickey's is probably not so busy on Thursdays and Fantasmic should be cool on the Saturday as well...hmmmm.)

That is what I did not understand they had the 90-60 minute rule on the page where they advertised the dinner pack, and I would assume they have reserved seats for people who book the dinner so why would I have to sit there forever...Thx for answering, Sonja

Kylie'smom · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 04:50 PM

They recently took away the special entrance for people with the dinner package. I've also heard that they are letting people without the tickets sit in the reserved section, there was a person who posted on another page that said she had the dinner package and arrived 30 min early and was told sorry they were full. I would make sure that I got there at least 60 min early if I really wanted to see the show!

Winkster · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 10:12 PM

I personally don't think that Fantasmic is worth a 30 minute wait, let alone a 45 or 60 minute wait and definitely not a 90 minute wait!

I can't beleive they scrapped the Dining Package entrance and the reserved seating. If you book the dining package, you should be able to turn up 15 minutes (30 max) before and get a seat otherwise what's the point of booking the package?

I'd rather stroll around MK or Epcot and catch Wishes or IllumiNations from wherever I happen to be at the time.

Sunray4life · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 04:14 AM

I asked my Agent at Smallworld about the fact that they don't do reserved seating anymore, and we will see what she will respond. If that is true I will in no way book the dinner package - as being said what is the point of making a "dinner package" if there is no extra to it? And wasting 2 hours of the day for one show...naw. Then I rather do something else. I looked at the video and it looks like a fun show, but still too much is too much. I will keep you updated. Sonja

ferrazalves · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winkster

I personally don't think that Fantasmic is worth a 30 minute wait, let alone a 45 or 60 minute wait and definitely not a 90 minute wait!

I can't beleive they scrapped the Dining Package entrance and the reserved seating. If you book the dining package, you should be able to turn up 15 minutes (30 max) before and get a seat otherwise what's the point of booking the package?

I'd rather stroll around MK or Epcot and catch Wishes or IllumiNations from wherever I happen to be at the time.

I think that if they sell he dinner package they should keep the entrance free. If the comproise is the possibility of entry in a 15-min window, buying the package and need to be there one hour before is absurd!!!

me stitch · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 05:48 PM

the last trip we sat in the theatre for a long time but it filled up quickly and we got a good seat. eventually the whole crowd was doing the wave. maybe if disney had the cms doing to interaction with the audience that would make the time go by faster and good for young children waiting

Winkster · #9 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunray4life

And wasting 2 hours of the day for one show...naw. Then I rather do something else.

My thoughts exactly.

Fantasmic is ok but there's much more in WDW that I'd rather be doing than sitting around waiting for 1-2 hours just to see an ok show and some fireworks.

I think Disney should go back to daily Fantasmic shows to ease the demand.

Sunray4life · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 04:57 AM

We have now a ADR for the Fantasmic dinner package but my Vacation planer could not help me on the issue about the reserved seating. Apparently there has been no info going out of Disney regarding this to the travel agencies.

I most likely will cancel this ADR - first I am not used to have dinner at four in the afternoon, second it will be quite a hassle to be an hour before in the show. Don't think I want to do that.

I have read on other sites as well that the people with dinner package do not get special entry options no more and have to go in with all the others. Sonja