Fantasmic Dinner Package Watchout

[Mrs Bus Driver]

Has anyone sent a complaint to Disney? If enough of you that have experienced this send in a complaint I would think they would look into it. At least it would let you vent to the right people.

[tiggerandpooh63]

We were told to enter the regular entrance not by the gas station. When we entered, they took the paperwork we had showing we paid for the package so it would have been impossible for cast members to know who had the package and who didn't. Hopefully they will figure things out - i'm guessing the reduced number of shows per week is causing demand that for some reason they are not ready to handle.

[CaptSmee]

aaaah!!! You guys are scaring me! We are doing the Fantasmic package in March for the first time. We wouldn't be eating at DHS otherwise. I am sad to hear this, I thought we could just get there right before showtime.

No way...we were told to get there 90-60 minutes early and it's a good thing that we did!

[CaptSmee]

This is my question too!!

No, you go through the regular entrance and there is a section where a CM'er takes your yellow ticket at the entrance to the section.

[Mom2princesses]

It's really a simple solution for Disney Call their Uniformed security and escort those people out of the section. I understand what you saying with the CMs trying but sometimes trying isn't enough. Disney created this new problem by cutting back performance of the show they need to be proactive in preventing problems like this from happening if it means strong arming some guests breaking the rules so be it.

The one thing Disney always did well was crowd control and slowly they are getting really bad at it. All in the name of profit.

I agree not only should they escort them out of the section they should be escorted out of the park!

[Crow]

I used it once when you went in by the gas station. and I was wondering if i should use it Easter wk due to the crowds.
but if they dont enforce it, maybe I shouldnt use the pkg

[EmmMOM2]

When we went and i got their the right (blocked off) section WAS empty and so my son and I took our pick of the seats.

We saw MANY people TRY to walk under or over the ropes to rope off the area and ALL times a CM had told them it was reserved and made them move.

I went in August.Sept so perhaps they had more staff during that time of the year, but we didn't have a problem.

[laward32]

That's what I was wondering too! That walk was kinda brutal but no matter which way you entered, the walk into the stadium is loooong!

I was wondering this too.

[Goes4FastPass]

I'm confused.

I thought poor old Disney can't get anyone to come their poor old resort so they have to cut back on those expensive Fantasmic peformances so guests end up fighting for seats and/or showing up 90 minutes early to watch a show that's a third that long.

I think the next time someone says, "Let's go to Disney World!" I'll say, "Let's go on vacation instead." There's something about having to get securty people involved in who's sitting where that sounds really UNmagical to me.

[JPL]

Since they cutback the shows more people are planning on being at DHS those days so it causes a large crowd at the show. I have heard several reports that are even starting to offer a 2nd show on some nights since the crowds are so bad. On a whole the new plan seems to be avoid DHS altogether on days Fantasmic is showing.

[stitch34]

How early do they "regularly" suggest getting there before the show if you are using the package? And how early does everyone suggest getting there now that the shows are overpacked and people are sneaking into the reserved area.

We're using the package for the first time this May because we knew the shows would be more crowded since the cut-backs and we didn't want to have to wait in line so long just to see the show. Hopefully, by May they will have this figured out.

[bxrluv]

We used the package before and it worked great but there's no way I would spend the $ to have that sit down meal if it would just yield this kind of trouble. I'm considering changing our park days just to avoid fantasmic altogether. I'd much rather be able to see it though. Is it that bad now that its only the two days? We were going to be there for EMH. Would that be even worse? The closer we get the more confused I get

[TheVBs]

Hi everyone! First post.

We're heading to WDW in May and until I called to try to get the dining package with Fantasmic tickets, I had no idea they'd reduced this show to a couple times a week. No packages are available while we're there. But, after reading some of the experiences here, I'm not feeling too upset about that anymore. The really disappointing thing though, is that we have never seen the show, and we've made a committment to try to see it this year. Any tips for making this a good experience?

[AXOAlum]

Hi everyone! First post.

We're heading to WDW in May and until I called to try to get the dining package with Fantasmic tickets, I had no idea they'd reduced this show to a couple times a week. No packages are available while we're there. But, after reading some of the experiences here, I'm not feeling too upset about that anymore. The really disappointing thing though, is that we have never seen the show, and we've made a committment to try to see it this year. Any tips for making this a good experience?

I think the best advice is to plan to be there 45 minutes early. That way you aren't trying to rush in last minute and find a seat. We found this out the hard way the last time we went to see the show! Also, people tend to sit on one end of the bleachers or another, so look in the middle for some empty seats. And finally, do NOT try to rush out after the finale. There are so many people and it can get crazy. I say sit back and relax - do a little people watching & process your day with the kids. Enjoy

[Imagineer1981]

See, that's not right at all. I mean, I know it is no pleasant waiting for a good viewing area of Fantasmic and maybe when it gets closer to start time CM;'s should open these seats up, but we pay extra for the privilege of NOT having to get there so early and scrape for a seat.
When will people stop being so selfish and realize that just because they CAN break a rule does not mean they HSOULD break a rule. When DW and I see people doing these sort of things, we actually go to CM's and complain. Yes it seems like silly school yard tattling, but it isn't. This is what we pay for and one of the reasons prices on events and special ticket things like the package you bought go up.
STOP CHEATING PEOPLE! BE HONEST AND RESPONSIBLE!

D

Its not tattleing, if no one says anything, nothing will ever change...you have to voice your opinions and write letters

[KylesMom]

Welcome to Intercot, VBs!

Based on our personal experience, I really think you need to get to the amphitheater more than 45 minutes in advance if they are still limiting the shows in May. Heck, we plan on having an ADR with the Fantasmic package in June (as we have since 2001), and we'll be there an hour before show time. With the statements that have been posted thus far regarding the amphitheater with the limited schedule, it will be SRO by the time you get into the theater.

Grab a few cold drinks and some snacks before you get into the amphitheater - the concession lines get LONG! May evenings can be hot in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, so I'd make sure to have a personal fan or mister to keep cool. Also, the benches are hard aluminum - we usually bring a beach towel to sit on so that we don't "stick" to the bench!

It really is a great show and a must-see for my family each year. Enjoy it!

[TheVBs]

Thanks for the welcome and the tips! Getting snacks is a great idea. Our littlest especially needs something to occupy her for that long. Does an hour ahead of the show sound reasonable? Someone recommended we sit at the back for easier exiting, and if the show gets too intense for the youngest. Is that good advice? With the limited schedule, do they usually do at least two shows on the night they're having it? Thanks!!

[KylesMom]

Someone recommended we sit at the back for easier exiting, and if the show gets too intense for the youngest. Is that good advice?

Somewhat good advice. Realize that the last several rows of each section are reserved for handicapped access. If you sit there, at some point you will be asked to move. Make certain it's not a handicapped zone before you set your base camp. We saw some very un-Disneylike behavior when folks who had been sitting in the back with young children were asked to move after the theater was filled to make room for wheelchair-bound guests and their families. DH and I actually warned them that they would need to move, but they didn't heed our advice until it was too late.

When DS was 2, he really got scared. DH ended up taking him up and out of the seating area altogether. However, by the time he was 3, he was in awe of Sorcerer Mickey and the magic he could do! Now at age 11, DH and DS still banter back and forth who will prevail in the battle of good against evil in Fantasmic.

[TheVBs]

Thanks KylesMom! Are the handicapped sections clearly marked? Sorry to hear about the people with the bad attitude. Isn't it a shame to see that in the parks?