Fantasmic Seating [Merged Threads]

[Carol]

Hi Gang -

We have a trip planned this summer. Donna called yesterday about the Fantasmic! balcony seats and was told they no longer offer this option.

Apparently, now you can reserve seating on the ground on the River of America. They do not offer a dessert buffet - but instead each guest is given a dessert box that contains three desserts.

Anyone have experience with this area? You actually sit on the ground?

Thanks.

[Melanie]

Donna called yesterday about the Fantasmic! balcony seats and was told they no longer offer this option.

HUH? No way!

I know there were two options available before, one being the balcony and the other sounding like what you described (with boxed desserts), although not actually sitting on the ground, but in chairs. I think it was off to the side a bit, and I'd seen where some said the view wasn't that great.

If they've done away with the balcony seating, I'm sure glad I got to do it a couple of times. That's too bad.

[Mufasa]

Hi Gang -

We have a trip planned this summer. Donna called yesterday about the Fantasmic! balcony seats and was told they no longer offer this option.

Apparently, now you can reserve seating on the ground on the River of America. They do not offer a dessert buffet - but instead each guest is given a dessert box that contains three desserts.

Anyone have experience with this area? You actually sit on the ground?

Thanks.

They've been doing some construction in both the Disney Gallery and Club 33 which probably is why the Fantasmic balcony seats have been closed indefinitely.

The Premium Riverside seating is in an area over towards the Haunted Mansion side of the Riverfront (if you can picture where the dock for the rafts to the Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island depart from) on a somewhat elevated platform with chairs, oh about 20 feet I'd say from the riverside (If I remember correctly, I think it's right near the far left light tower that comes up for Fantasmic if that helps). They do the seating on a first come/first-serve basis before the show (not based on when you purchased your tickets) so you would still want to show up early to claim your spot.

You get a drink and also the dessert box which would contain things like an assortment of cookies, some chocolate covered strawberries and usually something like a Mickey-shaped Rice Krispy treat.

[Lucille]

I am so sorry to hear this!! I was hoping to have the balcony seating in September.

[Chescat]

I'm going on Friday with Varcity, so I'l try to get a picture of that area so people can see. (Ugh! Still haven't gotten my pirate lair pictures up yet).

When does Fantasmic start up again? The Mark Twain was in dry dock last week all covered up.

[Carol]

Thanks, Everyone. We're going to go ahead and book it. Anything is better than waiting forever.

[ChipnDaleGal]

Yes, thanks for the information. We were hoping our kids could have that balcony experience that we so enjoyed last November, but this sounds fun too. Thanks for all the details Mufasa!

[Carol]

When does Fantasmic start up again? The Mark Twain was in dry dock last week all covered up.

It's supposed to start again on the 15th of this month.

[NotaGeek]

UGH! What a disappointment! I am glad I got to do it the 1 time I did. I wasn't impressed with the ground seating because you don't get a view from the the front, it's WAY to the side.

[BklynChick]

AAARGH!!!

I was planning on booking the gallery seats for the October trip. Maybe the "indefinite" closure will be over by the time I have to call to reserve.

One question for those that have done the Premium Riverside seating: how early is "show up early to claim your spot"? An hour before?

[Mufasa]

Haven't had a lot of time lately but wanted to post a quick update- the Fantasmic Dessert balcony is available for bookings again. If you've already reserved a spot for the riverside seating and space is available in the balcony, you can call and they will transfer your reservation.

The first few days of performances of Fantasmic when it returns up until the 19th should be interesting for those familiar with the show as it will feature the alternate finale staged on Tom Sawyer Island (since the Mark Twain Riverboat will still be under refurbishment).

[Chescat]

I finally got my pictures done that showed the riverside viewing. Or at least that's what they told me. Mufasa can confirm (in case I was mistaken!).

Full Shot of Area

Close Up Shot of Area

[Tink&Goofy]

I'm so excited that this is available again! We are taking my Mom & stepdad to DL in August (my mom has NEVER been!). I really want to surprise them with the balcony/dessert buffet for Fantasmic! So how much does this cost - and how hard is it to get the reservations?

[Jacky B]

The last I heard the cost is $59 per person and you can call 30 days out from the date you want.

[Lacy]

I too am glad to see that the balcony seating is being offered again. I wanted to try it on my trip in December. The only problem is convincing DH that a dessert buffet is worth $59. So my question is for people that have done it, is it worth it? What kind of desserts do they have? Is it like the Riverside seating where you still have to get there early?

[Disneyluvr2]

I think everyone should try the balcony seating at least once, Lacy. It's a great experience! They serve an assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, fresh fruit and cheese and crackers. It's all quite good and the view is awesome! You'll feel like royalty waving to everyone down below!

[NotaGeek]

I think everyone should try the balcony seating at least once, Lacy. It's a great experience! They serve an assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, fresh fruit and cheese and crackers. It's all quite good and the view is awesome! You'll feel like royalty waving to everyone down below!

AMEN SISTER! It is the BEST cheese plate I have ever had!

[Carol]

Is it like the Riverside seating where you still have to get there early?

No. Your seating is assigned according to when you booked.

[Tink&Goofy]

I've heard that if you book for the first Fantasmic show, that you may be able to stick around on the balcony and watch the fireworks. Is this true? If so, that may help tip the scales toward forking out that much money!

[NotaGeek]

I've heard that if you book for the first Fantasmic show, that you may be able to stick around on the balcony and watch the fireworks. Is this true? If so, that may help tip the scales toward forking out that much money!

Although you are indeed allowed to watch the fireworks from the balcony after Fantasmic!, IMHO the balcony is not a good view of the fireworks. You really need to be able to see both the Castle and the Matterhorn from Main Street or the Hub to get the full effects of the fireworks. There is very little time to get to Main Street from the balcony Fantasmic!, but, if you walk out to the rivers of America (say in front of, or ON Big Thunder, the view is GREAT because the fireworks are right above you!

Just watching Fantasmic! and tasting all the yummy desserts is reason to splurge on the seating!