PDA

View Full Version : Fantasmic Dinner Package Watchout



tiggerandpooh63
01-25-2009, 02:29 PM
We bought the Fantasmic Dinner package and had a wonderful time - great dinner at the Brown Derby then headed to the show about 6:10 - as mentioned on another board, the show this past Thursday was standing room only already at that time. We showed our seating pass and were directed to the right side of the stadium which is the reserved section and at that time was virtually empty - but people started to figure out ways to "sneak" into the seats - including those sitting next to us who said they snuck through and were calling their friends to join them. I mention simply to alert people to make sure you get there early, even with the pass to make sure you get a seat!

dmosher
01-25-2009, 03:47 PM
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!
:pipes:
D

sacandjac
01-25-2009, 05:38 PM
We also had the Fantasmic Dinner Package on Thursday and it was a zoo!!! We started to the theater at about 6:00, but because of the crowds did not make it to the reserved section until 6:20 and there were no seats. The lady at the beginning of the reserved seating entrance actually said, "good luck, I think they have taken all the seats by sneaking under the rope." They had no control whatsoever on the crowd. My brother was in a scooter and we found a spot for him and his wife and my mother. We moved down aways and found a few seats in the section saved for family of handicapped individuals. We were harrassed three times by Disney people saying we could not sit there and all three times we explained that we were with a handicapped individual, but there was no seating near him. I wanted to say instead of harrassing me why don't you ask all these people if they have a yellow ticket that allows them to sit in this section. Much better when there was a separate entrance. Several of my family members had never been Disney and I was severely disappointed at how this turned out and was handled. I was very embarrassed because I told them how great this event was and how easy it would be with the Fantasmic Dinner Package-not!!! We have done this every time we have gone and never encountered a problem like this. I will not be using package again and will definitely avoid DHS on Fantasmic night. The park was a zoo all day. We went back on Friday and it was great-we got most everything done by noon including Toy Story Mania. Other than this day, we did have a great week.

CaptSmee
01-26-2009, 10:09 PM
We also had the Fantasmic Dinner Package on Thursday and it was a zoo!!! We started to the theater at about 6:00, but because of the crowds did not make it to the reserved section until 6:20 and there were no seats. The lady at the beginning of the reserved seating entrance actually said, "good luck, I think they have taken all the seats by sneaking under the rope." They had no control whatsoever on the crowd. My brother was in a scooter and we found a spot for him and his wife and my mother. We moved down aways and found a few seats in the section saved for family of handicapped individuals. We were harrassed three times by Disney people saying we could not sit there and all three times we explained that we were with a handicapped individual, but there was no seating near him. I wanted to say instead of harrassing me why don't you ask all these people if they have a yellow ticket that allows them to sit in this section.

We were there from a little before 6 in the package area the same night and it was very crowded. We sat right near the rope about 1/3 of the way down and people were trying to sneak under the rope, but guests and cast members were able to chase them away until about 6:30 or so when it pretty much became a free for all and the entire theater was filled to capacity. The CM that told you that should not have said that to you because they were trying hard to keep people out and so were we along with other guests seated in the area.

hokies4life
01-27-2009, 08:36 AM
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!
:pipes:
D

I was under the impression that it doesnt cost anything extra for the Fantasmic Dining Package, you just have to ask for it when you make your ADR. At least thats how it was told to me because we are doing it in April and not paying anything extra.

MississippiDisneyFreak
01-27-2009, 08:50 AM
Wow, we did the package Dec 24th and the Cast Members were guarding the rope faithfully, many tried sneaking under and were made to move....is this a sign of cut backs even in the past month?

joelkfla
01-27-2009, 09:40 AM
Wow, we did the package Dec 24th and the Cast Members were guarding the rope faithfully, many tried sneaking under and were made to move....is this a sign of cut backs even in the past month?
Well - yes! The show schedule was cut back just in the past month!

But there are always more cm's at peak times to help with the crowds.

And since that was before the schedule cutback, some of the cm's may have been full-timers who have since been transferred to other areas. (Although I can't say that definitively, as I'm not familiar with that area first-hand.)

WDW_Obsessed
01-27-2009, 09:51 AM
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!
:pipes:
D
I don't think this is "silly school yard tattling" at all. You're completely right that you paid the price for the package and you deserve to receive the full value of that ticket, which includes not having to fight with those people cheating their way in to the same privelage you have paid for! :mad: DH and I always do the same thing...we are good consumers and intend to get the value of what we pay for. Besides, it really is the Disney's responsibility to enforce their own rules. And I've found that most CM's are thankful when you let them know (politely of course!) what is going on. :mickey:

KylesMom
01-27-2009, 10:08 AM
I was under the impression that it doesnt cost anything extra for the Fantasmic Dining Package, you just have to ask for it when you make your ADR. At least thats how it was told to me because we are doing it in April and not paying anything extra.


This is a "yes and no" question. While there is no money actually exchanged for the the Fantasmic voucher itself, you could save some serious cash (roughly $180+ or 6 dining credits for three adults at Brown Derby in Peak & Holiday Season - and $135+ or 3 dining credits for Mama Melrose) and skip the meal. I use the 3 adults as an example because it is DH and I and our 10-year old son - but he is considered an adult as well. Even with our Dining Experience 20% discount, in value season, with cocktails and extra tip for exemplary service I think we laid out $145 each time at Mama Melrose for the package. The only place we spent more at during our 15-day stay was LeCellier.

So in a way it is free, but you are paying a premium in a roundabout way for the pass you receive. Also, Fantasmic Dining packages are limited - you must ensure that your ADR is specifically made for the package.

We've been participating in the Fantasmic Dining program for many years, and have always thought it to be well worth the $$$ we are paying for the dinner and the pass, especially since we love Mama Melrose anyway.

I will mention that in July of last year, by 8:30 it was an open free-for-all to get seating on both occasions we did the Fantasmic Dinner Package. We had people pushing and shoving to try and fit more than was allowable on the benches since general guests began swarming the Fantasmic area. We used to be able to get there by 8:30 for a 9 pm show - good thing we left a bit of extra time this time around, or we would have been standing!

chrisie703
01-27-2009, 10:38 AM
This is nothing new. We had the package in Sept of 2007 and there were plenty of people sneaking in under the ropes, and no CM's were stopping them. And that is supposed to be low season!
If they didn't have the fantasmic dinner package would not be eating a table service meal at DS, as they are not any of my favorites.
There are plenty of places I would rather eat.

Ian
01-27-2009, 02:02 PM
Another example of Disney refusing to enforce their own rules to the detriment of the guests that actually follow the rules. :mad:

Pirate Granny
01-27-2009, 07:52 PM
OH NO...we always get the Fantasmic Package as we love to come right on time and be able to get a seat...hummmm...I agree with the previous poster...we only eat at HS when we want the Fantasmic Package...it's my least favorite park and restaurants. I guess we'll have to reconsider for our May trip.
:pirate:

CaptSmee
01-27-2009, 07:57 PM
Another example of Disney refusing to enforce their own rules to the detriment of the guests that actually follow the rules. :mad:

I guess everyone chose to ignore my on hand account of what was happening that night having sat there for over an hour prior to the show start. I felt bad for the 2 CM's trying to "guard" the rope. They were trying...and like I said, us guests were attempting to do our part as well. Everyone seating in the section at one point even shifted all the way over to where the rope was to make it more difficult for "rope crossers" to get across the line! Signs or placards hanging from the rope would make sense because noone understood why it was there.

mouseketeer mom
01-27-2009, 09:05 PM
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.

JPL
01-27-2009, 09:08 PM
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.

DreamFinder2
01-27-2009, 10:21 PM
I wanted to say instead of harrassing me why don't you ask all these people if they have a yellow ticket that allows them to sit in this section. Much better when there was a separate entrance. Several of my family members had never been Disney and I was severely disappointed at how this turned out and was handled.

So, you don't enter through the gas station anymore??? That was half the fun!!!

AXOAlum
01-27-2009, 10:48 PM
So, you don't enter through the gas station anymore??? That was half the fun!!!

This is my question too!!

kakn7294
01-27-2009, 11:06 PM
So, you don't enter through the gas station anymore??? That was half the fun!!!

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!

PrettyMinnie
01-28-2009, 01:23 PM
Thanks for the tip! We are planning on buying the Fantasmic Package at Hollywood & Vine over our May trip. We will definitely keep that in mind.

Altair
01-28-2009, 07:38 PM
Another example of Disney refusing to enforce their own rules to the detriment of the guests that actually follow the rules. :mad:

They wouldn't to "insult" anyone now would they?:( If they are not going to enforce the rules, why have them. I'm with you, tired of following rules just to watch others get ahead for cheating.

All they have to do is enter violations on your tickets. More than one violation per day and out you go.:thumbsup:
I bet things would change for the better quick.

Mrs Bus Driver
01-28-2009, 08:07 PM
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
01-28-2009, 08:37 PM
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
01-29-2009, 12:20 AM
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
01-29-2009, 12:22 AM
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
01-29-2009, 09:04 PM
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
01-29-2009, 09:41 PM
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
01-30-2009, 01:10 PM
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
01-31-2009, 08:29 PM
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
02-04-2009, 03:10 PM
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
02-04-2009, 06:14 PM
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
02-05-2009, 11:18 AM
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
02-05-2009, 01:18 PM
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:drama:

TheVBs
02-05-2009, 04:06 PM
Hi everyone! First post. :mickey:

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
02-05-2009, 05:03 PM
Hi everyone! First post. :mickey:

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?

:welcome: 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 :crowd: and it can get crazy. I say sit back and relax - do a little people watching & process your day with the kids. Enjoy :mickey:

Imagineer1981
02-05-2009, 05:37 PM
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!
:pipes:
D

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

KylesMom
02-05-2009, 06:52 PM
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
02-05-2009, 07:06 PM
Thanks for the welcome and the tips! :D 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
02-06-2009, 04:29 PM
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! :mickey: Now at age 11, DH and DS still banter back and forth who will prevail in the battle of good against evil in Fantasmic. :cool:

TheVBs
02-07-2009, 11:07 AM
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? :(