Originally Posted By tinkerbell77 Ok I have read both topics about this and I'm still wondering what is going to happen to Fantasmic!? I know that they have the riverside seating, but no more balcony?? Please tell me it isnt true. I have done the balcony everytime that we have gone to DL. I have never done riverside seating. Can someone give me their opinon on it. Is it worth the money? Or should we just try and see it from the normal viewing area? Thanks in advance, Im trying to plan out our trip and I need to know how we are going to see Fantasmic! Thanks again!
Originally Posted By gardenrooms We did Riverside last time because I forgot to reserve 30 days out, and it was fun. The dessert box was no big deal and the coffee was not very good, the balcony buffet was definitely nicer, but you still get great (better in fact) viewing, uncrowded and with only a little more bother than the balcony - checking in to get your seat order before it is time to get seated - so it depends on what you're looking for. In fact, my son, who loved the balcony, now prefers Riverside. Our CM definitely didn't have the polish all the CMs we had met in the balcony had - heard a few complaints, something a CM should never do in front of a guest - but the CM who took my seat reservation - "Bora" (don't know how to spell her name) - was top notch pure Disney, so maybe our CM was an anomaly. All the young ladies in the balcony always made me feel like a very welcomed guest. If the money is not a major concern, I would suggest you try it once before you decide against it. I know we will be doing it again!
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Plus if you go to the early show (check showtimes) you have a nice view of the fireworks if you are willing not to see them in front of the castle.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I now prefer Riverside over balcony anyway. Lots more room and you actually get more desserts, because everyone gets 2 of each item in their box. There's no picked-over buffet that doesn't get replenished. The balcony is done. I'm sure GrumpiesWife will be here soon. She emailed me that their balcony reservations for 8/1 had been canceled and they were offered Riverside in it's place.
Originally Posted By jaycub That's a possibility SuzieQ, but they apparently are keeping the Gallery open until the 7th now. I told GrumpysWife to contact them and find out if she'll still get the balcony seating.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Yes, the balcony is done. I took jaycub's advice and called to check for sure, and the CM I spoke with said that while the gallery is going to remain open for an additional week, the priority balcony seating will not be available as of 8/1. We are trying the Riverside seating, I think it'll be fun to try out the other view/desserts. I'll come back here after and let you know how it was...
Originally Posted By SuzieQ You'd think I could spell "Grumpy" right, wouldn't you? Sheesh! BTW, after our correspondence, I pulled out the shirt I bought at WDW that says, "I'm Dopey Because You're Grumpy"
Originally Posted By TP2000 The CM"s down at the Riverside seating are definitely several notches below the Balcony CM's. The guys never wear their ties, they look sloppy and unkempt, and they just kind of loaf around the area. The hostesses checking you in are sloppy looking too, and don't have the polish or grace that they should have for the huge prices Disney charges. At least get those kids to put their ties on, button their shirts, hitch up their pants, and pretend they have just a couple of ounces of class as they serve customers for 60 bucks a pop. CM's really are going downhill, even when you are paying above and beyond the price of admission. It's very easy to see this at the Riverside Desert Buffet area.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Maybe they'll bring down the ones they had at the balcony now, since they balcony isn't happening... One can hope! >>I'm Dopey Because You're Grumpy<< Ooo - I need one of those
Originally Posted By jodiefra Question -- the first time we did riverside seating (2003) it was a dessert box and we loved it. The next time we did it (2005) it was a small dessert buffet and not nearly as good, although the experience was still worth it. Are they back to the dessert box? We're planning on riverside viewing in late September and will do it either way but I was just wondering....
Originally Posted By LVBelle We did Riverside seating on the 17th and I loved it! jodiefra, it is a dessert box again. There were more than enough treats in them for the show, in fact I had snacks for several days after! As for the hosts and hostess, I thought they were wonderful. One of the hostesses was particularly friendly, especially with our baby. He absolutely adored her and flirted with her every time she walked by! I enjoyed Riverside just as much as I enjoyed Balcony seating!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ All of our riverside CMs were wonderful in January, too. Very professional, very neat, very Disney.
Originally Posted By jaycub [grumble grumble] That's too bad that they won't do the dessert buffet up at the gallery, but at least I'll get to see the gallery one more time before they turn it into a hotel room.
Originally Posted By ABBY I was planning on trying balcony seating for our Nov/dec trip. I was very disappointed to learn that it was going to be discontinued (and the gallery too - loved the gallery!) Anyways, we are going to go with the riverside seating. Are reservations the same as dining - 1 month prior ?
Originally Posted By tinkerbell77 I emailed vacation planning, and they said that you can email them 60 days out and they would purchase tickets 30 days out. Kinda sad about the balcony, but happy they still have the riverside seating. We will try it, I will just love being there. Thanks for everyone who replied.
Originally Posted By wendebird >>BTW, after our correspondence, I pulled out the shirt I bought at WDW that says, "I'm Dopey Because You're Grumpy" << OMG, I love it!!!
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Whoo hoo! I just got off the phone with Brad, I gave him my credit card number to reserve for September 1. I too was disappointed there is no more balcony, but it's a surprise for my hubby who's never done either - we've always waited the 2 hours. Could someone refresh my memory. How early are we allowed to check in? Thanks!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I believe check in is 7:30 for the 9 pm show. They'll tell you when you pick up your tickets from Guest Services. Arrive a good 15-20 minutes before the time they tell you. Seats are assigned at check-in.
Originally Posted By LVBelle When we did it on the 17th, we checked in at 7:00. At that time we chose our seats on the seating chart so be sure you get there a little before 7:00. They ask you to come back at 8:25 when you'll be seated and served your treats and drinks! Have a fabulous time!
