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Pally
09-10-2009, 01:06 PM
Just to let people know that we purchased the fantasmic package going to the Brown Derby. On the dining plan you usually don't get an appetizer but with the fantasmic package it is included. This is why we chose Brown Derby. We wanted to try it but did not want to use two dining credits and have to pay for an appetizer. Brown Derby was excellent the night we were there.

Following dinner we went to Toy Story Mania with our fast passes and then headed to Fantastmic. As we approached Fantasmic there were two CMs ushering people with the yellow fantasmic card towards a private entry. Yeh!!. For a long time all I heard was they no longer did this. Maybe they heard we were coming and made a special change. When you got to the top you gave them your card and they ripped a piece off so if you left your area you could get back in. Anyway, there were two whole sections blocked off for package people. Plenty of room. They were attending this area quite well. By the time the show started it was full house. We also left the same way. We were happy customers. Definitely recommend package. Had done it previously twice and always went through side entrance. So was happy to see its continuation this time. :mickey:

ransam
09-10-2009, 01:57 PM
the section blocked off, was it on the side? was your view limited at all?

KylesMom
09-10-2009, 02:26 PM
I'm curious - were you escorted to an actual "private entrance" (backstage), or did you have to follow the masses into the amphitheater and then they directed you to the right?

When we were there in June, we had an awful time trying to get into the amphitheater. If they are back to utilizing a backstage entrance for dining package folks, we'll go back to using the package.

tadshome
09-10-2009, 02:44 PM
I'm curious - were you escorted to an actual "private entrance" (backstage), or did you have to follow the masses into the amphitheater and then they directed you to the right?

When we were there in June, we had an awful time trying to get into the amphitheater. If they are back to utilizing a backstage entrance for dining package folks, we'll go back to using the package.

We used the fantasmic package last week and we were ushered to a private entrance by 2 cm's... so much better than trying to get into the ampitheatre without the yellow card.

KylesMom
09-10-2009, 02:51 PM
That's excellent news. I sure hope they continue this practice (and not just have it implemented for the Free Dining), because we truly did have an awful experience. After doing the dining package the past 8 years, we decided that if things didn't change in 2010 we'd skip it. :mickey:

Pally
09-10-2009, 02:57 PM
The CM's were on the road as you go toward the venue asking people if they had Fantasmic Package cards. You could not miss them. This was approximately 45 minutes prior to show. So I don't know how early they set up. We were directed up by Oscars where they had previously always had people enter. So, no we did not have to go through the masses. The first two sections on the right were blocked off. We sat in the second section over,three rows from the bottom. Perfect viewing. The wind was quiet so we did not get soaked on this particular night. It was perfect weather. On cold windy nights it can be uncomfortable sitting down lower without a poncho. Especailly, if it is cold outside.

civilmousefan
09-10-2009, 04:28 PM
Thanks for the information! I too have booked the Brown Derby Fantasmic package in November. To be honest, I was considering cancelling. However, now I will keep my ressie and look forward to our evening at Brown Derby and Fantasmic. Many thanks to you and all other interotees that have offerred their advice regarding my previous Fantasmic concerns.

DisneyPrincess21
09-10-2009, 04:32 PM
Is brown derby the only restaurant that offers this dining package with the special viewing area?

civilmousefan
09-10-2009, 04:36 PM
I just reread my post. Sorry for the obvious spelling error.

To the PP, The fantasmic package is available from Mama Melroses, Hollywood & Vine, and Brown Derby.

clausjo
09-10-2009, 09:20 PM
What is the cost of the package? Is it hard to get tickets to this? I've never really been too interested in the packages before, but we really loved Fantasmic last time and had kind of terrible seats. It might be worth spending the money to get good seats.

civilmousefan
09-11-2009, 10:24 AM
Beyond the cost of your dinner - there is no extra cost for the Fantasmic Dinner package.

mousetrapper
09-11-2009, 07:22 PM
I highly recommend the Fantasmic! dinner package. It's the only way we've ever done it.

I'm curious though - did the procedure change since 2007? We were always ushered into a side entrance and given seats on the right. Just wondering based on posts here from people who said they had to go through the crowds, which seems to defeat the purpose of getting the special package.

Sounds like it's back to the way I remember though. We're going in November too (also Brown Derby) so I hope it stays the same!

As for the seats, they're great. Nothing obstructs your view. There may be people who wish they could be front and center but because the show is so expansive, you really don't miss a thing by being off to the side. And it's so worth it to be able to skip the long wait in line! :thumbsup:

KylesMom
09-11-2009, 10:53 PM
did the procedure change since 2007? Unfortunately, yes. In the spring of this year, they had stopped the special entry into the amphitheater near Oscar's & had everyone entering the stadium through the main entrance. If you had a package ticket, you broke off at the top of the stadium and took your seats to the right. You were waiting in line with the masses - which negated a whole lot of the value of the package. It's a pleasure to hear that they are giving the package members back one of the main benefits!