Originally Posted By gardenrooms I forgot to call in time for Balcony seating, so I have Riverside, which I've never done. I have a post in DL General also but this might be the better spot. I was asking for recommendations for checking in for the last show. I know some people here have said they have gone well before the 1 hour ahead and gotten better seats (though this might just be for the earlier show). How early should I try? Also, how early do they give you your seats, meaning when do we have to be back to get out seats, and how does it work? Do they let you in by check-in number and you choose of the available seats? If so,where should we try to sit for Fantasmic!? We are(I am) hoping to see the fireworks from our seats, too. Where would it be best to sit for that? Also I am sure everyone will need to have their own ticket to get in, but can I be the one who goes early to pick out the seats and pick them out for all 4 of us, since I'm the one who forgot to call for the Balcony (though I AM paying for it - lol), or is that not allowed (can 2 of us get the seats for all 4 - I'll drag DH along?). Last, how wet might we wet? I'm thinking damp late at night in December might be uncomfortabe for the old fogies - should we bring ponchos? Any adivce would be welcome. You guys always have the best ideas and info! Thanks!
Originally Posted By Pixarpixie My family of three did riverside two years ago and loved it! We checked in about 15 minutes before show time and ended up in the second row. There were only two rows total and about seven or so chairs in each row. This year I'll show up an hour early to get the front row. If I remember correctly we didn't get wet at all..I guess it depends on which way the wind is blowing. This year when making my reservations with VP I inquired about balcony seating as well, the woman I spoke with said she liked riverside better because your closer to the action. Have fun!
Originally Posted By kennedyjane I've done both Riverside and Balcony. DH likes to arrive at least one hour ahead of time to scope things out. Balcony seating your seated by who purchased their tickets first on the phone like concert tickets. Riverside you have to show up 30 mins or so and give your name and then they arrange the seating by groups. There are pro's and con's to Balcony and Riverside. Balcony is nice because your above it all and have a good view, but not alot of room. Riverside your right there but I had a lightpole across from me. I noticed some people asked to be moved, but I was too tired to care. We've seen F! three times with ressies, twice in the balcony and once riverside. Both are nice so I hope you enjoy it.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Thanks Pixarpixie and kennedyjane. So I guess you don't check in and come back, you check in and stay?
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 We have done Riverside a few times now and it's always been the same procedure. You check in an hourish beforehand (or when they are set up) they will give you a time to come back. It's usually enough time to hit the bathroom and do a little shopping or people watching. At the appointed time your name will be called in order of when you checked in. Your party is called and then escorted to the available seats and you choose which ones you want. The CM has always pointed out obstacles and good seats. You are asked what you want to drink, then you get up and get your desserts. Only one of you needs to be there for the initial check in and I don't remember if you all have to be there when you are seated. Somehow we always end up in the first or second row. We have been misted on but have never got wet. Doesn't mean you can't though This time we have 2 seats for Riverside and 2 for Balcony. We are giving DD and her boyfriend the balcony because I like the Riverside better Feel free to ask any other questions
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I purchased tickets for Riverside on Monday. The proceedure, in print, says to check in one hour ahead of time, seating is 30 minutes prior to show-time. Seating is in order of checkin. At the balcony, seating is in order of purchase and takes place 30 minutes ahead of show-time.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 We went to the Fantasmic Riverside seating last week. We stopped by a couple of nights before and chatted with the CM and she told us that you can check in as soon as they start setting up. She said sometimes people start lining up at 6:30. She remembered my husband 2 nights later On the night of our reservations DH went over a little before 7pm (I'm pretty sure it says to check in one hour ahead so this was 1 1/2 hour ahead) and they now let you pick your seats at that time. You then come back at the assigned time (we had time to go on the Jungle Cruise, take a potty break and browse some shops) and are seated and served. We were given a box of desserts iinstead of getting up and getting them ourselves. We had a great time, the CM's were wonderful. For the 2nd time in a row for us the fireworks were cancelled so we didn't get to see them from our seats. They did have the "snow" The same night DD and her boyfriend had tix for the Balcony seating. When DH phoned and ordered the tix he was told that there were only 2 left for that seating. I told DD to arrive on time but they would for sure be in the back row and called last. To their surprise, they were called first and seated in the front. So who knows what was up with that Evidently last on the list and the reservations were made through the regular phone number. Odd.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Oh, and yes for the first time we did get a bit wet. It was just during the first part of the spray though. It didn't happen later. It must have been the wind. I did wear long johns under my jeans, a sweatshirt, windproof jacket, gloves, hat and scarf The peppermint mocha warmed me up We were there during the weekend that it rained and the weather was quite nippy.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ They gave boxed desserts!? NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! I definitely don't want that I was offered balcony and turned them down because I wanted the extra room of Riverside. I've never received boxed desserts at Riverside - it's always been a buffet. If we get boxed, you can bet I'll be complaining to City Hall. My tickets specifically say Buffet!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I'm on the phone with Disney right now. I'm livid! I can not believe that they have changed this so you get a tray or box with ONE each of the desserts - we're talking a couple of cookies, a rice krispy treat and a strawberry! I'm waiting to speak to a lead right now and you can bet the head of food services will be hearing from me!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 yes, they were boxed. They were the same desserts as always, 2 of each item. The first time we did Riverside (maybe 4 years ago?) we received neat boxes that were definately a keepsake, this time they were just little thin cardboard boxes with Fantasmic on them. We were surprised too. We ended up just taking the boxes with us and eating the desserts in our room later. The biscotti was nice with coffee the next morning Now that I think about it, rain was forcast for that weekend. Maybe they do the box up just incase. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you end up with a buffet
Originally Posted By SuzieQ No buffet. Lead Michael says they changed it two months ago! Why didn't they say anything when I specifically asked about this while purchasing my tickets? OMG - I spent $580 on tickets for this. It's a Christmas gift for my entire family. They offered me a refund. Gee thanks. It's Christmas Eve! What the heck am I supposed to replace it with!? My parents are gifting the family with the trip, and I'm surprising everyone with the Fantasmic tickets. Balcony is still a buffet. I can have tickets to the 10:30 show on the 3rd, but we've got kids and a pregnant woman in our group. That simply won't work. I'm so upset right now!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Okay - they did NOT want me to have the name of the head of Premium seating, but the lead gave it to me anyway. His name is Eric Juback, and he is in charge of all of the Premium Viewing. Send your letters, people!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I'm surprised they changed completely. I thought I had it nailed that it was a weather thing Now I'm annoyed that it wasn't a nicer box. I'm really sorry SuzieQ, you have a right to be angry especially when you turned down the balcony seating for something that was mis represented. ((warm hugs))
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Guest Communications is closed until Tuesday, at 8 am. You can bet I'll be on the phone! (714)781-4669
Originally Posted By juicer I am sooo sorry to hear about your situation - They should at least give you a discount in the form of a credit on your credit card - I love disney...but it seems I have been through things like this too - Like the Candelight dinner reservation messup -
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I'm feeling better about the whole thing today. My mom knows about the surprise, and as she said the huge treat is having reserved seats and not having to wait for hours to have a view that gets ruined at the last minute. She's right! No one else in my family has ever done Premium Seating before, so that will definitely be a treat. I will still be making phone calls and stopping by City Hall, though.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Thaks for all the info everyone. I too am disappointed to hear it is no longer a buffet, this was a Christmas gift for family as well. Doesn't seem right they should charge the same price for the buffet and for a cardboard box.
