Changed Fantasmic Dinner Show Package - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

Gabe1 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 10:10 AM

Note the reported changes by a guest. Hope Disney is advising those with ressies of the new procedures if this a permanent change. We have done this before however I'd think again about spending this kind of money and have to line up with the masses.

This is from the All Ears Newsletter last evening.

... from (name deleted): We just got back from the World on October
18. Very crowded but fun. We had a party of 10 and I had made
reservations for the Fantasmic Dinner Show Package. It has
changed. They no longer let you in the back way. You have to
enter with the HERD of people. They only have a small roped off
place to sit, so in my opinion it is not worth booking the
package. No real advantage. The only reason I booked it was
because there were 10 of us and it would have been much easier
to go in the back instead of with the herd. Just some
information to anyone thinking about booking that. We ended up
not even sitting in the reserved section and had wonderful
seats!

BellTinkR · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 10:22 AM

Huh, I wonder why they did that? Maybe they are trying to cut back on staffing and no longer have a CM available to lead people through the back way?

**go2WDW** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 12:06 PM

I'm working on finding out if this is true or not...I saw the same entry and wondered about it.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Gabe1 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go2WDW

I'm working on finding out if this is true or not...I saw the same entry and wondered about it.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Thanks, that would be great. Wondered that too, hopefully the site followed through, as they normally do.

_Alicnwondrln · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 06:45 PM

I thought this was interesting so I called Disney Dining and asked about booking a Fantasmic Package and if this was the new way they were handling it and I was told no.
I called again later and asked a different CM and got the same answer. Maybe it was just something random that night. I would think that if Disney was changing the way people entered and where they sat they would need to let people know that.

If anyone hears different let us know, thanks!

Gabe1 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alicnwondrln

I thought this was interesting so I called Disney Dining and asked about booking a Fantasmic Package and if this was the new way they were handling it and I was told no.
I called again later and asked a different CM and got the same answer. Maybe it was just something random that night. I would think that if Disney was changing the way people entered and where they sat they would need to let people know that.

If anyone hears different let us know, thanks!

I don't think they are in the loop of good communication. They were down right awful with correct info for the opening of Yak & Yeti last year. Anyhow here is a comment from another site:

We just got back on Monday. We also had the Fantasmic Dining Experience package. Last year they took us in the back way, but this year we went in with all the other guests. We then went to our seating area where we handed in the voucher we were given at dinner. The rain waited until 7:30 to start (and rained hard) at which time the show was cancelled. I probably wouldn't pay for the package again since we usually don't go at the most crowded times of the year.

**go2WDW** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 04:21 PM

I just had a phone call from April in the Executive Offices at WDW. She verified that they have indeed changed the procedures. Fantasmic Dining Package guests are now being asked to check in at the top of the hill in the normal queue about 30-45 minutes before showtime. They will then be directed to the reserved section.

You'll still get your seat in the reserved section and be able to show up later than most people do for the standby line, but no more going backstage at Oscar's...sorry, folks!

**PolynesianMedic** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 11:38 PM

Interesting, I wonder what brought about the change.

**go2WDW** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolynesianMedic

Interesting, I wonder what brought about the change.

I'm willing to bet that as part of the reported budget tightening, they figured that this would cut out 1-2 CMs needed to staff the backstage entrance for Fantasmic. I could be wrong, but it kind of fits in with some of the other changes in entertainment, etc. that Iger discussed last week.

Gabe1 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go2WDW

I just had a phone call from April in the Executive Offices at WDW. She verified that they have indeed changed the procedures. Fantasmic Dining Package guests are now being asked to check in at the top of the hill in the normal queue about 30-45 minutes before showtime. They will then be directed to the reserved section.

You'll still get your seat in the reserved section and be able to show up later than most people do for the standby line, but no more going backstage at Oscar's...sorry, folks!

Well that just shows you that Disney Dining is on the bottom of the food chain when it comes to receiving information. It is one thing "don't ask, don't tell" but to tell a Guest it isn't true just demonstrates Disney needs to improve their internal communication with Disney Dining, especially since the change has already happened. I've done this package before but will not anymore. Pay to stand in line and arrive 30-45 minutes in advance? A bit pricey for pulling a fast pass kinda entry topped by a pretty long wait. Do wonder what they are thinking.

**go2WDW** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:42 AM

Remember, too, that in January Fantasmic will be cut back to two shows per week (Monday and Thursday). That will certainly tighten things up for booking the packages.

**Oh Pooh** · #12 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 12:33 PM

Thanks Tim,
For all the years we have been going never seen this nor do we. Just doesn't appeal to us.

Denise · #13 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh Pooh

Thanks Tim,
For all the years we have been going never seen this nor do we. Just doesn't appeal to us.

Ah...try to see it. You might like it. I always try everything at Disney once no matter who it may appeal too. I have gone on all the thrill rides even though I know as soon as I get off I will be a sick puppy! Crazy I know!

**hms1016** · #14 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh Pooh

Thanks Tim,
For all the years we have been going never seen this nor do we. Just doesn't appeal to us.

Barb, you don't know what you are missing.

mickeypal · #15 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 06:35 PM

Fantasmic is my favorite night time show. You should try it at least once.

**Oh Pooh** · #16 (**permalink**) 11-15-2008, 03:18 PM

I know but..two reasons if it means anything, one DH hates it two I can't stand staying up too late lol Us old people ( as my son calls us) can't deal with anything pass 9pm lol But DS is the one that tells me never call him after 9pm lol

mickeypal · #17 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh Pooh

I know but..two reasons if it means anything, one DH hates it two I can't stand staying up too late lol Us old people ( as my son calls us) can't deal with anything pass 9pm lol But DS is the one that tells me never call him after 9pm lol

Has your DH seen Fantasmic? If he has, you should still try it yourself. Catch the early showing. Sit near the back and leave if you really don't like it.

**Oh Pooh** · #18 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeypal

Has your DH seen Fantasmic? If he has, you should still try it yourself. Catch the early showing. Sit near the back and leave if you really don't like it.

LOL No he never seen it, maybe this next trip.

stanky284 · #19 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 03:15 PM

I did it twice once without a dinner package and one with. It is worth to have resevations or you will have to be there very early!

stanky284 · #20 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 03:52 PM

I am sixty it is something enjoying to see I seen both at disneyland and disneyworld try it