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What is your opinion of the Fantasmic show at the Disney Mgm
Studios? Do you have any strategies or suggestions for places to
sit to get the most out of the show? Have any of you purchased the
Fantasmic Dinner package, and if so would you recommend this package?
Answers posted to the list:
We loved Fantasmic! We were there in February of 2003 and had
a great time. We sat in the middle, up at the top since I didn't
know how my 4 year old would react. She loved it. We are going next
month(24 days!) and are going to try the Fantasmic Dinner Package
to see if we like it. One tip I would recommend is to bring ear
plugs for any little ones who may be scared of loud noises. I am
bringing the ear protection for my 3.5 yr. old son that he wears
when he rides the tractor with daddy. I did this at the 4th of July
fireworks this year and it worked great. He really loved the fireworks
display. He tried to take them off once and freaked out, but when
we put them back on he was fine.
Michelle
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Yes we have used the Fantasmic package and it was great. It was
an excellent dinner and then right to the Fantasmic show, in the
reserved seating area. So we got to relax before and during the
show, no problems and well worth it (we had to have dinner anyways
:). We do enjoy the show, it's a great way to end the evening, the
first time the crowd was terrible, but it was brand spanking new.
The past few times it's been not to bad getting out, we just sit
and wait a few for the crowds to thin out as we have a wheelchair
and other kids in tow, so waiting a few minutes is worth it and
it's pretty easy getting out.
Cheryl
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I like it :). But...I have to say the one at DL here in CA is
better except for the fact that we have no seating.
Kim
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Uh oh... I think I'm in the minority again... :-) Fantasmic at
the Studios is a nice show, but certainly not something anyone in
my family feels we need to repeat every time we're at WDW. In fact,
we've only seen it twice (out of about 15 visits since it opened).
It's not worth the lines or the wait to us. The first time we bought
the dinner package, and found the side "reserved" seating to be
less than optimal; in fact, it was even somewhat difficult to follow
the storyline since we could not see any of the action in the front
of the stage. (So if you've not seen it before, be sure you get
a seat in the middle.) The second time we were in the middle, and
were quite surprised by all the acting we had not seen. Still not
a repeater for us. Haven't seen Fantasmic at Disneyland.
Chris
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Fantasmic is a great show.Seating is pretty good in the whole
area. We have done the Dinner package twice now. Once at Mama Melrose
and once at Hollywood and Vine. Our family likes the food at Mama's
more then H&V.H& V is a buffet style place. You get tickets for
the right side of the show facing the stage.When some of the floats
come out the lights might not be on on them but the characters are
still dancing. One advantage is that on this side you are closer
to an exit and if you are leaving the park you you can get a good
jump on the crowd if you move quickly. I know you are told to enter
by Oscar's garage but the last time we went in the main entrance
and were alllowed to go to our seats. Just remember that after you
are seated and if you have to go to the rest rooms make sure you
know the pass word or they won't let you back to your seat if it
is roped off.
Russ
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DH and I really enjoy Fantasmic. We went in approx. 1 hour before
showtime the first few times we saw the show. It was a long time
to sit and wait for us, I can't imagine trying to entertain children.
A couple of years ago we decided to go in no earlier than 30 minutes
prior to the show, knowing it could be full. The theatre is huge
and I don't think there are any bad seats, so this has worked for
us. Of course, we don't usually go in summer or holidays when this
statagy might not work. The only negative with this is the farther
over you are the exit is a much longer process. I really think the
most unpleasant part is inching out in a sea of humanity.
Hope (Las Vegas)
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I've been to Fantasmic twice. The first time was just myself, back
in 2002. I believe I may have stood in line about 45 mins, was closer
to the top than the middle. The last time was this past Memorial
Weekend. It was with a group, and we had the special Dessert and
Show party. The Desserts were awesome, liked being able to go around
the backway, except for the long flight of steps up and back down,
which were actually steep. We were situated all the way at the top,
behind the main walkway. The area really needed to be up higher,
due to the fact if you sat, you had a wall of people walking constantly
in front of you. Don't know if that is how the do the dinners or
not. That was my only gripe. You pay that extra $$, and its not
really a GOOD seat. Why do people stand that long to go inside,
then, they all start leaving half way thru the show. Mel
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We like Fantasmic. We usually see it once per trip, so annually.
I personally agree with someone else here who wrote that the crowds
and waiting can be a bit much, so we try to make sure we are really
rested and in the mood for it that evening. If so, we do enjoy it.
I'd say sit somewhere in the middle, don't sit up front unless you
don't mind getting wet. I actually like being close enough to feel
the heat from the fire segment when it's a cold night! My very favorite
part is the huge dragon withthe laser eyes, and then all the floats
that go by with all the characters. For the good seats you really
have to get in line early. Most of the seats provide a good view,
it seems. We never did the dinner package, and really don't feel
the need to. The same with Candlelight Processional, we just get
in line early for whichever show we want. While many people seem
to prefer Disneyland's Fantasmic, I really don't. The seating is
terrible; such a small area! We sat at an umbrella table outside
of a restaurant, and I do agree the theme of the show is great with
Peter Pan and the ship going by, but I still like the arrangement
of it all better in Florida.
Kathy
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We loved this show. We just saw it twice. First time with our
friends and a few nights later with our sons (they had not seen
it the firt time with us). I did comment after the show that sometimes
we (everyone) complains about park/food prices, etc. and when you
see a show like this, it is worth an entrance fee in itself. I don't
think we could rate Illuminations, Wishes or Fantasmic in any order.
They were all great. Because of our friends, we got seats at 7 PM.
Had we been by ourselves, we would never have waited 1 1/2 hours
for any show. Second time, we went at 7:30 PM. No problems getting
good seats, middle section first time (towards front) and a little
more to the left of that second time.
Anne
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I am in the minority with Chris. It is a nice show but we like
the other two kiss goodnights better. We have done it with the dinner
package and without. Dinner is nice (Brown Derby) but sitting through
dinner and then sitting through the show was a little too much for
our kids. We go off season so it works better to just walk in and
sit down right before show starts. Sitting in middle definately
helped us keep "in time" with the show better, but I don't think
there is a bad seat. We have seen it probably 8 or 10 times but
is not a must see as the other two nighttime shows are for us.
John
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My husband and I really enjoyed Fantasmic. We had front row seats
for it and it was spectacular. I really suggest people go see this
while visting MGM Studios.
Debbie
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Up until 2 years ago we didn't feel it necessary to go for the
dinner package, but then we found it quite difficult to find a seat.
All seats are good...it was just sooo crowded. We've tried Mama
Melrose and Hollywood and Vine, and H&V wins hands down! This is
a *mustsee* for us on every trip and we go at least 4 times per
year...it is absolutely....Fantasmic!!!
Maggie
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We've seen Fastasmic twice and really enjoy it. We've only gone
in the off season and were able to get great seats in the middle
- about half way down. I think we went about an hour before. I agree
with some others that the only bad thing is inching your way out
at the end.
Brenda
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My husband and I LOVE Fantasmic! It's my favorite "night" show.
The first time we attended, we didn't do the dinner package - UGH!
I had a hard time dealing with all of the waiting and the crowds
when the show was over. Since then, we've done the package every
time. We ate at Mama Melrosa's once, but since then, have stuck
to Hollywood and Vine. The food is decent, the desserts are heavenly
(Mini carrot cakes! Yum!!!!), and it's the least expensive restaurant
of the three. You still have to do some waiting, but not nearly
as much. Granted, you sit off to the side a bit, but it doesn't
ruin the show, and the exit is much less chaotic.
Karen/MI
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Myself and my family think that Fantasmic is one of the, if not
the most incredible show we have ever seen. We did the dinner package
and thought it worked out well. I would recommend this to anyone
especially if you have kids and dont want to have to wait in the
long line. We bought our girls new toys and let them play with them
in the seats while we waited. The show sent tingles down my spine.
I cant wait to go see it again.
Todd
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