Fantasmic!

[CapnBarbosa]

Which diner package is best for Fantasmic!, Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano or Hollywood & Vine?

[Amy]

I don't know but I am interested to see what other people have to say. We might have to try a package in order to see the show this December...

[Akyriel]

I kinda like the Brown Derby the best, but I like the food there more than Mama's or Hollywood & Vine...

[Amy]

I've narrowed it down to Brown Derby or Mama's. I don't care for buffets and that is all Hollywood and Vine offers as far as I can tell. Now I've just got to decide if we are doing a dining package at all, and if we are...which night!

[boilerbabe]

I've narrowed it down to Brown Derby or Mama's. I don't care for buffets and that is all Hollywood and Vine offers as far as I can tell. Now I've just got to decide if we are doing a dining package at all, and if we are...which night!

I have to say, DH and I were not all that thrilled with Brown Derby. Don't get me wrong, we liked it, but it's not at the top of our list. I can't speak about Mama's or Hollywood and Vine, we've never dine there. I thought you had the dining plan already Amy?

[Amy]

I've narrowed it down to Brown Derby or Mama's. I don't care for buffets and that is all Hollywood and Vine offers as far as I can tell. Now I've just got to decide if we are doing a dining package at all, and if we are...which night!

I have to say, DH and I were not all that thrilled with Brown Derby. Don't get me wrong, we liked it, but it's not at the top of our list. I can't speak about Mama's or Hollywood and Vine, we've never dine there. I thought you had the dining plan already Amy?

We've just got the quick service dining plan which we got for free with our package. I was thinking of getting the dining package for Fantasmic so we are guaranteed seats without having to wait for hours. My Mom won't be able to do a lot of standing, especially after having been in the parks all day. I'm thinking that we will probably end up winging it though. Non of the dining packages really look like they are worth the price. My Mom is more excited about seeing the Candlelight Processional again though so we might look into those packages. Plus that ampitheatre is a lot smaller than Fantasmic as I recall!

[ericpabear]

I've narrowed it down to Brown Derby or Mama's. I don't care for buffets and that is all Hollywood and Vine offers as far as I can tell. Now I've just got to decide if we are doing a dining package at all, and if we are...which night!

I have to say, DH and I were not all that thrilled with Brown Derby. Don't get me wrong, we liked it, but it's not at the top of our list. I can't speak about Mama's or Hollywood and Vine, we've never dine there. I thought you had the dining plan already Amy?

We've just got the quick service dining plan which we got for free with our package. I was thinking of getting the dining package for Fantasmic so we are guaranteed seats without having to wait for hours. My Mom won't be able to do a lot of standing, especially after having been in the parks all day. I'm thinking that we will probably end up winging it though. Non of the dining packages really look like they are worth the price. My Mom is more excited about seeing the Candlelight Processional again though so we might look into those packages. Plus that ampitheatre is a lot smaller than Fantasmic as I recall!

For both the Fantasmic, and the Candlelight Processional. you are NOT guaranteed seats. You have to arrive by the time stated to you. At a certain time they let the "stand by" line in. If you are late, you may not get a seat. Also it doesn't matter how much you pay for your food, all seats are the same. Hard bench seats. Some may have a little better viewing than others, but there are realy no bad seats. When choosing go for the food you like best. We have tried all three, Hollywood and Vine, Brown Derby and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano . We always end up at Mama Melrose's. Even when not doing the "pakage deal".

[Amy]

For both the Fantasmic, and the Candlelight Processional. you are NOT guaranteed seats. You have to arrive by the time stated to you. At a certain time they let the "stand by" line in. If you are late, you may not get a seat. Also it doesn't matter how much you pay for your food, all seats are the same. Hard bench seats. Some may have a little better viewing than others, but there are realy no bad seats. When choosing go for the food you like best. We have tried all three, Hollywood and Vine, Brown Derby and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano . We always end up at Mama Melrose's. Even when not doing the "package deal".

Thanks for the tips ericpabear. I didn't realize the seats weren't guaranteed I'm not particularly fussy about getting a "great seat" I don't handle being tucked into a crowd very well so I am usually the person that hangs out at the back row on the aisle if I can get it. I do want my Mom to be able to have a seat to enjoy the show though since she won't be able to stand the whole time, especially if we have to stand in a long line before even getting into the show.
Do you know how many seats are saved for the "stand-by dining package" people? Does it just depend on how many packages are sold?

[ericpabear]

There are hard bench seats that are roped off for "pakage deals". At Fantasmic, There is a section, in the center of the stage, from top to bottom of the areana held for a specified time. (We have walked in at the time they told us to arrive and were seated right away). After that time, the ropes are removed, and anyone can sit there.
At the Candlelight Processional, the rows that are saved, are closer to the stage. Again hard bench seating. Once you sellect where you want to sit and get confortable, they tell you to slide over to make room for more who are just arriving. Now, the place you picked as the best viewing spot is now someone else's. We had to wait in a line for the Candlelight Processional. If i remember correctly, it was only 15 minute wait. I have seen one person stand, and hold a spot for several others. So you may want to let your mom sit on the sideline, and get in line when they let you in.

Sorry I don't know if there is limited seating. All I know is they crowd as many people as they can in these things. Also look into taking in the second show at both the Candlelight Processional, and Fantasmic. (During peak season they have two shows). The second show is less crowded.

[Amy]

Thank you so much ~ those suggestions are very helpful