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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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