Fantasmic priority seating strategy

pjlla · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 08:13 PM

Just wondered if anyone has any info regarding the PS/Fantasmic package. When we last went to WDW in 01/2002 we just walked into Fantasmic about 30-45 minutes before the show and got great seats. I realize this was during the post 9/11 travel slowdown and during low season for WDW. We are going again in 01/2004 and are considering booking the Hollywood&Vine/Fantasmic PS package. Is it really worth it? The guides I have read suggested that we make the dinner reservation for two hours before the show. WOW! That seems like a lot of time to kill in a restaurant (especially a buffet!) just to get seats for a show. Wouldn't we do just as well catching one last show or ride, grabbing a quick portable meal or snack and arriving 30-45 before the show and eating in our seats? Thanks for any input you all can provide.

minnie*mickey · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 08:48 PM

Well in my opinion it really isnt. Me and my family did the same thing, and at the fantasmic theatre for this package they set aside seats that are in front but are on the side of the stage and not the center of the stage where i feel is the best view, the side veiw isnt a horrible view but if u can plan ahead your day and get to the theatre early and get your own seats center stage, u are better off,

Disneyguy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 10:54 PM

well that is true, but if u dont want to get there up to 1 and 1/2 hours early definatly take the PS package. Mama Melrose's is a great restaurant! I believe it is also offered at the Brown Derby and Hollywood & Vine. Both also good restaurants. When after your dinner and your time window rolls around you head to the gate by the gas station where you rent strollers. You actually walk back stage through what is normally a cast member only area, a must for any disney enthusiast even though there isnt a whole lot to see. The seats are still pretty good. So if you want to make the most of your time at MGM, check out the Fantasmic! dining opportunities.

minnie*mickey · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 12:08 AM

yeah i got mine at the brown derby

JennD · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 12:24 AM

During our trip in April of '02, we did the Fantasmic PS and thought it was well worth it. We arrived at the theatre about 45 minutes prior to show time and we got great seats. After the dinner they give you a time to arrive and like Disneyguy said, you go through the back entrance which is pretty cool. We tried to do this again during our trip in July, but waited too long to get the PS!!!

minnie*mickey · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 12:36 AM

Quote:

JennD said:During our trip in April of '02, we did the Fantasmic PS and thought it was well worth it. We arrived at the theatre about 45 minutes prior to show time and we got great seats. After the dinner they give you a time to arrive and like Disneyguy said, you go through the back entrance which is pretty cool. We tried to do this again during our trip in July, but waited too long to get the PS!!!

just wondering where in the theatre were your seats?because ours were all the way to the side they werent horrible but too off center, did they move the PS over alittle, becuase i did mine in 00'

JennD · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 12:53 AM

Our seats weren't in the dead center, but I'm almost positive that they were just one section over. I hate sitting way on the side for the show - they're not terrible seats, but you just don't get the full effect.

minnie*mickey · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 01:55 AM

Quote:

JennD said:Our seats weren't in the dead center, but I'm almost positive that they were just one section over. I hate sitting way on the side for the show - they're not terrible seats, but you just don't get the full effect.

ook maybe its better then when i went, they had the last 2 sections blocked off for PS in 00'

pjlla · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 09:48 AM

Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. FYI, one of the reasons that we were choosing H & V restaurant over the others (in addition to price) is that my husband eats a low carb diet and the buffet seemed much more in keeping with his diet (although I would love to try one of the flatbreads at Mama's!). The 90 days is coming up this week, so I guess I have to make a decision soon. Thanks again for all the help.....pjlla

nightengale18 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 12:43 PM

I agree that if you don't want to wait the PS package is great but I always opt for going in early and sitting in the Mickey section since I think it is the best for viewing. We waited till 1 hour before the show this last time and ended up all the way over in Hades and we were not at all pleased with the show from this angle. It loses something. Good luck on your PS.

nightengale18

pjlla · #11 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 08:54 AM

Just an FYI for those who care... the price for the Hollywood and Vine PS/Fantasmic package has increased to $21.99 for adults and $10.99 for children. I made my reservation this morning and was informed of that. I'm sure that also means that the other restaurants have increased their prices also....