Originally Posted By jodiefra We just returned last week from our WONDERFUL ten days at WDW. The only down side was what we are now calling the Fantasmic Fiasco, which I though warranted a heads-up. Here's my advice: either go to the late show or get the dinner package. We had been off site all day but had ADRs at the Brown Derby for 6 because my DH had always wanted to eat there. Even though we booked 90 days out, they were already sold out of the Fantasmic dinner package so we decided to eat there anyhow and line up early with the masses. Normally we avoid the masses when possible; with early arrivals and touring plans we really hadn't waited longer than 15 minutes for anything on any day. Anyhow, we lined up for the first show an hour ahead and by the time we got to the theater not only was it already standing room only, but it was virtually impossible to move. We had known it would be crowded because there were only a couple of shows a week, but we thought with an hour of lead time we could at least get a seat. We eventually gave up and squished our way back down Hollywood Boulevard in the heat. Even though we were pretty tired out, we really wanted to see the show so we decided to kill some time and go back at 9:30 for the 10:30 show. This time we were close to the front of the line, but it didn't move until 10:15!! We actually stood at the bottom of the walkway for 45 minutes sweating in wall-to-wall people while they "cleaned up the theater" (CM's words). I don't know if something went wrong or what happened, but it was the longest 45 minutes of our entire vacation. When it was show time, the theater was close to full but not SRO - we could have come at 10:20 and saved some sweat. Anyhow, we really wanted to see it so I suppose it was worth it, but if we would have had small children, tired children, or slightly less heat tolerance, things might have gotten ugly! If you don't want to end a great day on a low note, get the dinner package or just plan on the late show.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I have been in the insanity during the daytime hours. In the dark that would not be worth the risk! You offer Good advice. If you tried to make a reservation 90 days out and the package was sold out...how far in advance do you recommend calling?
Originally Posted By danyoung The Florida version of F! has never been one of my favorites - I much prefer the original at DL. I'll usually see it anyway, maybe once a year. But now I guess I have a good excuse to miss it. This is one of the worst decisions Florida Disney has ever made. Very uncool!
Originally Posted By jodiefra I agree about the DL version - there's something cool about watching it come around the water right there in the middle of the park. As far as ADR's, I don't know what happened there. I know that resort guests can make ADR's up to 90 days + 10, so that could be part of it. It could also be that they weren't offering many packages at the Brown Derby. In hindsight, if we really wanted to see Fantasmic, we should have gotten the dinner package at some other restaurant if it was available and eaten at the Brown Derby another day.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 When we saw Fantasmic last year we did the Fantasmic dinning. I didn't want to have to wait in a long line with a 4year old. The resturante we chose was Mama's. They were ok, but was well worth the setting area.
